Hydrogels

[lweinshe]

Does anyone know if there is any harm in using hydrogels that are past their expiration date?

Lisa

[admin]

lweinshe:

I would be cautious about this. Some hydrogels can promote bacterial growth, and may overtime and after expiration, loose their sterility and start to grow bugs.

I'd be a little cautious.

Tom Hale PhD.

[msthomas]

If a drug is already expired, would it be better to not just use it?

[admin]

msthomas:

Depends on the drug or the product as above. If it is a liquid penicillin, yes, they degrade quickly. If its a dry product, tablet, or cream, then it is probably good for some time after the expiration date. Remember, the expiration date is the date that the pharmaceutical guarantees a stated potency, it does not necessarily mean the drug is bad after that date.

The one major exception to this is the liquid penicillins/cephalosporins, which are very unstable after a few weeks.

I'd ask your pharmacist for advice about the specific product.



Tom Hale Ph.D.