Using medicine after expiration date??

WithCheesePlease

Can anyone tell me if it's ok to use a medicine after its expiration date? I'm at home sick today with a bad chest and cough and have a bottle of exputex which expired Feb 2011 - 2 years ago. Could I still chance it? I really don't want to have to get dressed and go out to buy more when I could (maybe?) use this???

What happens to the ingredients of medicine after it passes its expiration date?

WithCheesePlease

As found on the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide

Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide wrote:

This is the date at which the manufacturer can still guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug.
<snip>
So the expiration date doesn't really indicate a point at which the medication is no longer effective or has become unsafe to use.

That's good enough for me! I'll use it once now until I head out in a bit and buy more then. Thank you internets!