Is it safe to take pills that were left in a pocket and went through the washing machine?

Question

The only reason I bother to ask this question and not go get a refill is because my insurance doesn't cover the medication and it is nearly $400/month. The pills are intact and don't look damaged.

Answer 1

Gotcha about the finances.  Lovely living in the ONLY industrialized nation on the earth that doesn't have national healthcare, isn't it?  Regarding your question:  I'm assuming either the pills were wrapped in plastic or otherwise in some type of waterproof container?  If so, then my only concern would be that the medication had been damaged or altered in some way by either the heat of the washer water, or the heat of the dryer.  Could you clarify as to whether they were well-wrapped or not, as to whether they went through the dryer or not, and as to whether they were touched by the washer water containing detergent or not?  If all answers to these queries are no, I think you're probably fine.  You might want run this question by your MD or his/her nurse however, as heat can profoundly alter chemical composition and workings.  I'm willing to bet they'll tell you to throw them out, however, as they all tend to be a pretty conservative lot.

Answer 2

Just call your pharmacist. They get calls like this all the time and they should be able to tell you.

Answer 3

Call your pharmacist and tell him, or better yet, take the intact package to him to view.