[HardDriveUSA]

I got a full box of copax from a friend of parents, but the exp date is this month. Will the med still be good or not?

the friend switched to avonex I belive, had the meds stored properly and all.

[slskckjebw]

I would certainly call the company and ask.

Better safe than sorry with something you are putting into your body!

Originally Posted by HardDriveUSA

I got a full box of copax from a friend of parents, but the exp date is this month. Will the med still be good or not?

the friend switched to avonex I belive, had the meds stored properly and all.

[Erin524]

Originally Posted by slskckjebw

I would certainly call the company and ask.

Better safe than sorry with something you are putting into your body!

especially with a medication like Copaxone...doesnt it cross the Blood Brain Barrier???

[slskckjebw]

I don't know, but it seems like it would have to in order to prevent demyelenation in the brain.

Originally Posted by Erin524

especially with a medication like Copaxone...doesnt it cross the Blood Brain Barrier???

[Jules A]

I've always thought that expiration dates have time padded in but of course I can't advise you on whether or not to use them. Best of luck.

[FinLady]

Called Shared Solutions and find out what to do. I'd definitely would find out if it's still ok to take. Let us know what you find out. I'm curious to hear what they advise.

[Risby]

It should be OK to use BUT I would check with Shared Solutions and possibly the pharmacy....JUST to be sure.
Let us know the answer OK?

[the Bird]

I have to agree with everyone else here....call SS and or the pharmacy...and let us know!

[Jules A]

But remember, we know EXACTLY what Shared Solutions is going to say:

Oh nooooo its expired you better throw it away and purchase some more from us immediately.


Edited to add: I know this sounds cynical and really I do understand SS's liability in today's society where everyone wants to sue everyone else. It just frustrates me that if something is unopened, kept under optimal conditions and might still be effective but we will never know for sure.

[lady_express_44]

Originally Posted by Jules A

I've always thought that expiration dates have time padded in but of course I can't advise you on whether or not to use them. Best of luck.

Originally Posted by Jules A

But remember, we know EXACTLY what Shared Solutions is going to say:

Oh nooooo its expired you better throw it away and purchase some more from us immediately.

I agree, Jules.

From the Copaxone Consumer information:

"Do not use it after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
If you use it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
Do not use it if the packaging is damaged or shows signs of tampering."

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcmed.nsf/pages/swccopax/$File/swccopax.pdf

It doesn't say it's dangerous to use it, just that it MAY not work as well. I agree that there is likely a buffer for at least a few - 6 months past expiry.

A lot of times they just put an expiry date (shelf life) on products so that pharmacies (merchandisers, or retailers of products) know when to turn it over or sell it off. How many times have you seen Tylenol on sale, at reputable pharmacies, because there are only a few months left on the expiry?

I bet if you called a pharmacy and said "I just picked this med up from your store, and it expires this month ..." you'd get a different answer then if you said you got it for free from a friend for free.

Cherie