What is the real expiration date for prescription Vicodin?

Question

My daughter is having her wisdom teeth out today and I already have some Vicodin here. I'd rather not buy more, but I am not sure if what I have is too old to use or not. I've heard that the medication is actually good for several years. Does anyone know? Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You have no way of knowing what the date was on the original bottle in the pharmacy. TYPICALLY - drugs are manufactured with a 3 year expiration date. Vicodin is a high sales item, so the pharmacy would probably have a pretty fresh stock, but this is all just a guess.

Vicodin in generic form is cheaper than dirt, though... Just buy it if you have any doubts.

Answer 2

The 'real' expiration date is on the bottle and that IS the real expiration date. If you've had it around past that date it will have lost most of it's potency and won't help her at all. Splurge for your daughter and buy her a new prescription. Good luck!

Answer 3

I knew a fellow who kept percodan pills in an attack tightly stoppered for thirty years and they still worked just fine. If the Vicodin is not discolored I'm sure it will work.

Answer 4

No idea, but unless Vicodin is extremely expensive, I suggest you buy some new Vicodin for her, to be on the safe side.

Answer 5

Ask the pharmacy that prescribed the one that you currently have. If it isn't too old, they will still have the record in their computer. They will be able to tell you how long it's shelf life is and if it is still good to give to your daughter. If is not, you can always ask to get 1/2 of the prescription at a time so as not to have to bear the full cost at one time.

Answer 6

After the expiration date it will slowly lose it's effectiveness.. If it's only a year past the expiration date you probably won't notice any difference at all.