Expired Medicine

[doctor33]

Is it illegal for a doctor to sell expired medicine within two to three months after the expiration date because I know one that did? (Allergy medicine like claritin)

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[ranmyaku]

I've never heard of a physician selling medicine. Usually they give samples if it is appropriate.

I was under the impression the pharmacy is where medicines are purchased.

 

[Gimlet]

I don't think it's illegal, although it's probably not looked upon favorably. A free clinic I've worked at often dispensed expired medications because that was the only thing they could get their hands on. I think most of them were okay to dispense up to 6 months after their expiration, per the clinic's policy.

Most expiration dates for drugs are set relatively randomly anyway, because the drug company doesn't want to pay to do the testing on it to determine the viabilitiy of the drug after about a year. That's why so many medications expire 1 year after being dispensed. Think about it...if you were the drug company wouldn't you rather have the patient buy new drugs if they haven't used all their pills anyway? Shoot, I have a bottle of Tavist (allergy med) at home that expired in 2004 that I take once in a while if I know I'm going to be around a cat. It still works fine, and I haven't dropped dead yet. Most pill-based medications will still be safe after the expiration date...they may just lose some efficacy. (SDN is not for medical advice, though, so take that for what it's worth - nothing.)

In any case, I don't think you need to blow the whistle on this doctor.

 

[Law2Doc]

Is it illegal for a doctor to sell expired medicine within two to three months after the expiration date because I know one that did? (Allergy medicine like claritin)

There are pretty significant liability issues to selling expired products. Even if it's not illegal, it carries consequences.

 

[Law2Doc]

Most expiration dates for drugs are set relatively randomly anyway, because the drug company doesn't want to pay to do the testing on it to determine the viabilitiy of the drug after about a year. That's why so many medications expire 1 year after being dispensed. Think about it...if you were the drug company wouldn't you rather have the patient buy new drugs if they haven't used all their pills anyway? Shoot, I have a bottle of Tavist (allergy med) at home that expired in 2004 that I take once in a while if I know I'm going to be around a cat. It still works fine, and I haven't dropped dead yet. Most pill-based medications will still be safe after the expiration date...they may just lose some efficacy. (SDN is not for medical advice, though, so take that for what it's worth - nothing.)

In any case, I don't think you need to blow the whistle on this doctor.

Two points: (1) drug companies aren't seeking to avoid testing, they are seeking to avoid lawsuits, and to sell more product. If a drug is realistically viable for three years, they pick a date short of the three years, just in case. If someone is injured by a drugs effect or lack of effect based on an optimistic date, it would be a big suit, so drug companies hedge their bets and shorten the product life. Also drug companies have an interest in people replacing old drugs with new purchases, so that may also drive shorter windows. (2) saying your Tavist "still works fine" isn't exactly scientific. It may not work as well as before, and you may be subjecting yourself to new side effects you luckily haven't experienced yet. Some drugs do "turn" over time -- aspirin is the classic example.

 

[anon-y-mouse]

Some drugs do "turn" over time -- aspirin is the classic example.

Can you elaborate more, especially about aspirin? I'm really curious to know what influences the 'expiration' of medicine... because I have a ton of very expensive medication and the old stuff still 'works' for me, I'm curious to know how long I can expect to stockpile it for, since my prescription coverage under my parents ends soon.

 

[Law2Doc]

Can you elaborate more, especially about aspirin?

Aspirin over time will degrade to acetic acid (vinegar). Especially so if the bottle has ever been opened and if you live in a humid climate.
While FDA and military studies suggest that if never opened and WHEN KEPT IN IDEAL STORAGE CONDITIONS drugs frequently are fine well beyond the expiration date, few people have comparably adequate storage facilities. It's best not to gamble with meds.

 

[AZhopeful]

My Dad, an optometrist, does not give out expired medications to patients as a rule. He will, however, use them for family members since he can make sure how long any of it stays around. He gave me a similar number as to drugs being 'good' for another 6mo-1year after their expiration date.

 

[bgreet]

My Dad, an optometrist, does not give out expired medications to patients as a rule. He will, however, use them for family members since he can make sure how long any of it stays around. He gave me a similar number as to drugs being 'good' for another 6mo-1year after their expiration date.

Optometrists give out medication?

 

[logos]

Aspirin over time will degrade to acetic acid (vinegar). Especially so if the bottle has ever been opened and if you live in a humid climate.
While FDA and military studies suggest that if never opened and WHEN KEPT IN IDEAL STORAGE CONDITIONS drugs frequently are fine well beyond the expiration date, few people have comparably adequate storage facilities. It's best not to gamble with meds.

Yeah, but by hydrolyzing that ester, you should get salicylic acid, which is also active, although it might give you some GI side effects and wouldnt provide the anti-platelet benefits of asprin.


Another good example:
Tetracyclines degrade into toxic (nephrotoxic?...dont remember) compounds over time. They should not be used after the expiration.

 

[Orthonut]

Is it illegal for a doctor to sell expired medicine within two to three months after the expiration date because I know one that did? (Allergy medicine like claritin)

Yes. (I can't believe that (A) you actually had to ask and (b) so many of the rest of y'all that responded said "it's not illegal but you might get sued") Not only is it illegal, it's a violation of the practice act (I'd be willing to bet in every state) and it'd run you the risk of losing your license to practice whatever it is you practice.

Expired drugs are considered adulterated (or however you spell that)

Ah yes, here it is. From the FDA's website.

We regard expired drug products to be adulterated …. Additionally, openly disclosing that the drugs are expired is not any basis for an exemption from the Act. From a public health standpoint, there is no assurance that drug products held past their expiration dates are safe and effective, even if they are OTC drugs (emphasis added by O'nut)

 

[Law2Doc]

I can't believe that ... (b) so many of the rest of y'all that responded said "it's not illegal but you might get sued"

Actually nobody said this. I came closest, saying "even if it's not illegal..." Which is not the same thing as you are suggesting at all.

 

[deleted109597]

Still, which docs are selling medicine?

And for most drugs, expiration means lack of efficacy. This is because the compounds are broken down by water, oxygen, and light energy. There are very few that become toxic.