We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

When do prescriptions expire?

I get a regular prescription for something from my doc and I lost one of the prescriptions a few months ago. It didn't matter at the time as I had enough of the item to see me to the next one...but I've just found it under my fridge.

It's dated the start of May 2007. Is it too late to use?

Comments

  • Most prescriptions are valid for 6 months - so it depends on the exact date printed on yours whether it is still Ok. Some prescriptions are only valid for 28 days - so it also depends on what drug is on yours. HTH Digger
  • Terrylw1
    Terrylw1 Posts: 7,038 Forumite
    Does it not have an expiry date on it as well?

    Does depend on the medication e.g. asthma inhalers last longer than the expiry date. My local pharmacist said a month is no problem on those.

    If no date, ask your pharmist...they will know.
    :rotfl: It's better to live 1 year as a tiger than a lifetime as a worm...but then, whoever heard of a wormskin rug!!!:rotfl:
  • Most prescriptions last for 6 months unless it is a controlled drug then it's 28 days.
    --><-- Sugar Coated Owl --><--

    If you believe, you will survive - Katie Piper

    Woohoo! I'm normal! Gotta go tell the cat.
  • Terrylw1
    Terrylw1 Posts: 7,038 Forumite
    Depends what they are and how they are stored I guess. Asthma inhalers can be anywhere from 2-4 years from the manufactered date to the expiry, but then they are stored in a canister which probably helps prolong life.

    Some substances have a long life anyway.
    :rotfl: It's better to live 1 year as a tiger than a lifetime as a worm...but then, whoever heard of a wormskin rug!!!:rotfl:
  • I think the OP meant how long does the green prescription form last for not the medication itself.
    --><-- Sugar Coated Owl --><--

    If you believe, you will survive - Katie Piper

    Woohoo! I'm normal! Gotta go tell the cat.
  • LondonDiva
    LondonDiva Posts: 3,011 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    Nothing more to add to the useful info above :) If in doubt, have a chat with your chemist.

    You should also talk to your GP about reducing the quantities of the prescription before the next medication review. If it was issued in May and you've only just needed to get it filled, it sounds as though you are being given too much and the quantity will need to be reduced.
    "This is a forum - not a support group. We do not "owe" anyone unconditional acceptance of their opinions."
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.7K Life & Family
  • 262.3K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.