What happens if you take an expired Advil?

Question

I found some old Advil in a bag I forgot about and am not sure if I should throw them out or if it is still safe to take them...not sure if they've expired yet

Answer 1

If you are not sure how old they are, its best to throw them out.

Typically expired medications are just less effective... but not knowing how old they are could make you sick.

Answer 2

Better safe than sorry! I would toss it.

***Cindi is soooo wrong!

Answer 3

How old- 2 years old, 3 years old? As long as the expiration is within a year-2 there should be no ill-effects from taking it. With meds, the expiration can clearly be seen when aspirin gets old--it starts to smell like vinegar.

Just because the manufacturer places an expiration code and it says "Use by" this is required. My doc says to put all my medications (including the over the counter ones) in the fridge. This way they last much longer and you can take them safely beyond the expired date.