Seano
Journeyman
Reged: 11/11/03
Posts: 84
Loc: Shelbyville
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I just remembered reading some post, I'm pretty sure it was on DB, about many people getting sick in another country when a shipment of valium that was around ten years old arrived. It got me to thinking...how long are these medications good or safe for past the due date stamped on the blister pack ? Do they age faster outside of the little packs ?
Many years ago, before OPs and IOPs, I knew a fellow who insisted that they would stay potent and safe for YEARS if kept dry and room temperature. He really stockpiled the things, using little leftover moisture absorbing packets from various meds, and grains of dry white rice in the container. I haven't seen him in a while, but I heard he is still alive, so...
Does anyone have any links or thoughts pertaining to this subject ? It begs the obvious questions...
Edited by Seano (02/19/04 06:02 PM)
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Trampy
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/02/02
Posts: 1230
Loc: Southwest U.S.
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If they're stored properly they can retain potency for up to 10 years, especially if you have name brand from Roche. Deterioration from high temps and humidity is usually apparent from the tablet getting soft and crumbly. If the pill looks and feels like new, it's probably good.
Trampy
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Your mileage may vary ...
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Sabine
Newbie
Reged: 02/08/04
Posts: 35
Loc: U.S.
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"What happens when benzodiazepines go bad?" They start running around with strange pills, hang out in seedy medicine cabinets until the wee hours, and they can give you bad heartburn just for spite  (Sorry).
Seriously, a pharmacist friend of mine (it's great having a pharmacist friend ) says storing pills in a cool, dark, arid place can extend their shelf life a couple of years--at least--past their exp. dates. With regard to benzos in particular, I don't know. I would think that different meds vary.
Sabine
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formerly "NewSimian" Registered 11/03
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Seano
Journeyman
Reged: 11/11/03
Posts: 84
Loc: Shelbyville
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Quote:
"What happens when benzodiazepines go bad?" They start running around with strange pills, hang out in seedy medicine cabinets until the wee hours, and they can give you bad heartburn just for spite (Sorry).
Well, that made me chuckle...
So, it appears that my old pal was correct with the idea that these meds can be safely kept for years on end in a very dry, controlled environment. OK, good.
My next thought is...it appears that these compounds are soluble in ethanol, too...
Would suspension in ethanol halt the decay in potency that many people talk about ? Again, begging the obvious questions...
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