Community Chat

[San Antonio Gal]

Around 3 years ago, my doggie had small scab-like sore on her outer ear that would not go away.  Her vet prescribed an ointment that cleared it up right away.

The scab came back recently, but the ointment I had expired 2 years ago.  It smelled fine and looked fine.  I used it and again, it cleared up right away.

I would never use expired medicine that has to be taken orally.

What are your thoughts on using an expired ointment or cream type medicine - whether on a person or pet ?

[LindaSal]

My physician had told me once that many oinments keep their effectiveness well beyond the expiration date.  That being said I think after a couple of years I would toss it.  Nothing lasts forever as eventually the chemical compound will most likely break down.

You are smart not to take oral meds that have expired.  Some antibiotics can become toxic after expiration.

Happy your dog healed up!

[Citrine1]

We keep neosporin (and probably a few other ointments) in the house at all times.  I'll look at the dates once in a while.  For the most part, most of them expire before we get to use the product up.  We continue to use them until they are gone.  It's never been an issue. 

And, to be honest, I've probably used expired oral medication as well.  Not necessarily prescription meds, but aspirin and the like.  

[beckyb1012]

I had myself a tube of neosporin and living alone it is barely used.  I tossed it about 5 years after the expiration date and used most of the tube during that time on small cuts and burns.  Did not kill me but still healed me. 

[SilleeMee]

Depends on what the active ingredient list contains. Some lose efficacy sooner than others. I think it's fine to use expired ointment, however, you may want to apply it more often since it's old and possibly not as potent as it was intended to be.

[We rescue cats]

I have a couple of ointments for the cats that I keep on hand, much like I keep Neosporin on hand for us. I seldom check expiration dates.

[Laura14]

Expiration dates are a legal guarantee required by law that the product has the effectiveness as labeled on the packaging when you use it as directed.

After the expiration date, it's not a guarantee and most medications do lose effectiveness after that date and may or may not have the strength to combat whatever you are trying to treat.

This is from a former Pharmacy tech and the advice to be careful with certain products like antibiotics is excellent advice. Not all medications remain in stable form after their use date. 

[Estellee]

I've been told many OTC meds can be used after the expiration date.  Same with a prescription that has expired. Some pharmacists say not after 1 year. Each situation is different I think @San Antonio Gal 

[Teddixat]

@San Antonio Gal    This issue came up in my household recently and I googled the issue.  In most cases meds are good beyond their expiration date.   The only exception is if they have been exposed to hot temps avd sunlight.  If they are kept in a cool dry place they are usually fine.   There is a lot of information on the internet about expiration dates from reliable sources

[JeanLouiseFinch]

If it was all I had available, I'd use it.  But then I'd make sure to replace it on my next shopping trip.