Can you use expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650? 

Can you use expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650? 

No, it is not recommended to use expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650. There is no easy way to tell whether or not your medication is still safe and effective to take. This analgesic is usually filled in a prescription bottle, which may expose it to the environment before its use. 

This practice is common because of the habit-forming nature of Propoxyphene napsylate. This is why you should not take this medication past the expiry date mentioned on your pill bottle. 

What are the dangers associated with the use of expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650?

The use of expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650 will most likely result in therapeutic failure, especially if the drug expired more than a year ago.

It’s best to discard the unused medication and talk to your healthcare provider if you feel the need to take this medication. Your doctor will determine if you’ll benefit from it and will write you a new prescription. 

Expired meds have no guarantee regarding their safety and efficacy, which is why it is recommended by the Food and drug Administration (FDA) to not take expired meds (1).

What to do if you have taken expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650?

If you have taken a dose or two of expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650, you don’t have anything to worry about. The drug will not harm you in any way. It will just not cause any pain relief. 

If you are in pain, you should not rely on expired Propo-N/Apap 100-650 and should talk to your healthcare provider for a new prescription.

Tips for storing medications to prolong their shelf life

Some important tips for storing medications properly are

  • Make sure you properly read the storage directions on your medication. Different meds may come with different ideal temperatures.
  • Medications are often packaged in specific containers that are designed to protect them from light, moisture, and air. Keep medications in their original containers to ensure that they are properly protected.
  • Store your meds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas with high humidity should be avoided.
  • Avoid storing different medications together unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
  • When medications are no longer needed or have expired, they should be properly disposed of to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. 

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References

1.-

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Don’t Be Tempted to Use Expired Medicines [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2021 [cited 2022 Oct 19]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines.