Does Diazepam (Valium) expire?

Question

Hey I have a bottle of Diazepam (Valium) from either '03 or '04 (i cant remember)

Does the stuff expire? If it does, does it become harmful, or just less effective?

Would it be safe to take now?

Answer 1

All medicines expire.  Do not take old medications over time they can become contaminated. It is not worth it...

You are talking about something that is over 4 years old...I would trash it...

Answer 2

just ask your dentist to give you something else...

Answer 3

A lot will depend on how fresh it was initially and under what conditions it was kept, but it is a medication that breaks down over time and it's a safe bet that it's over its expiry date (which will be printed on the original packaging, or may be on your prescription vial).  When in doubt, throw it out. It definitely becomes less effective, but not necessarily harmful.

Answer 4

I would not say that Expired Diazepan would be "Harmful" but it would be most likely "less potent" or "useless". Now, they could be harmful if stored in unsafe conditions. Some US Army studies on Valium, for example, show that the drug is very stable and completely safe and effective for up to 8 years after manufacture.

The Medical Letter consultants believe that most drugs stored under reasonable conditions retain at least 70% to 80% of their potency for at least 1 to 2 years after the expiration date, even after the container has been opened (nb: current US Pharmacopoeia [USP] standard is generally 90% potency). With new individual pill packaging techniques, it is highly likely that USP acceptable potency would be the norm over that same time period.

I hear your pain about the dental surgery. I'd be flipping too. !!! I hope this info has helped.

Greetings,

Kian

Answer 5

All meds expire.  LOL.  Surely you know that.  If it's past the date on the label throw it out.  I wouldn't touch anything 4-5 years old.

Answer 6

Just trash it. it definately is unsafe to use.

Answer 7

All drugs expire.  I'd consider getting a new prescription.  Or, it's possible, depending on  the surgery, that you'll be getting something just as effective beforehand anyway.