Tylenol expired May 2008. What would happen if I take them?

Question

I need a pain killer really bad. I don't have the energy to walk to the pharmacy tonight and I'm not moving my car because I have a good parking space. Is it really a bad idea to take some pills that expired 3 months ago?

Answer 1

They probably have lost their potency.  It won't harm you to take them, but you might not get any pain relief.  Hope you feel better!! :o)

Answer 2

Nothing,i do it all the time. Not a big deal,take them they and you will be fine.

Answer 3

I took Expired Tylenol and it really upset my stomach! Maybe it would be different for you but I wouldn't take it

Answer 4

You'll be fine.Drug companies like food manufacturers build huge margins for error [for lack of a better word] into their expiration dates.

It may lose a bit of it's efficacy after that  date But it should still  be an effective drug,

If you are still concerned about using them I suggest that you call a 24 hr pharmacy and ask the pharmacist

Good luck

Answer 5

The expiration date on the medication simply means that: the manufacturer cannot guarantee the efficacy of the active ingredient beyond the date stamped on the package.

I may work but not to its fullest and intended potential.  You should get some fresh when you get the chance.  But, you know what they say, any port in a storm!

Hope you feel better.

Answer 6

Didn't know Tylenol could expire :\

Answer 7

ditto

Answer 8

Probably wont have the strength it originally had..It shouldnt hurt you though..no big deal..i have taken expired pills before..

Answer 9

Not a doctor or in the medical field.   So you should contact your physician for advice.

But, usually, things are stated to have expired earlier than they actually do for the protection of the company.  Or.. if it expired 3 months ago... means that the potency is still mostly there if not all there but sometimes medicine loses some of its potency.  there are companies out there that collect expired medication for the poor, the elderly, etc..  so, they do it because medicine is still effective.  

Again, not a doctor or someone from the medical field but it is done and the general rule is make things expire prior to expiring to play it safe.

And can totally understand the good parking space thing.

Answer 10

They may not be as strong. It's only been 3mos.....take a couple tonight just to help with the pain until you feel well enough to go to the store or ask someone go for you.

If want peace of mind, call the 800 number listed on the bottle.