Vet gave me expired meds!

[Taylandra]

For the majority who haven't read the ringworm thread, my one year old dachshund has a small case of it. The initial place has healed, but he just got a new spot of ringworm that started, but I caught it right away. However, I noticed this morning that the topical cream my vet gave me expired in April of this year (per the crimping on the tube)! What's even stranger is that the label the vet's office put on the tube says that it expires a year from the day they gave it to us (we got it 7-8-06, the expiration is 7-8-07).

Now, I know that some meds stay good for a bit after their expiration date, but this is worrisome to me... I definitely would not use it a year past it's expiration date, but perhaps they know something I don't...

Should I complain or do vets know what they're doing so far as "extending" expiration dates?

TIA!

[ejs]

Why don't you call them and ask them? If I noticed that my vet gave me meds that were expired, I'd give them a call or go to their office and ask about it. I wouldn't complain because I'd assume it was a mistake. I also would NOT assume that they must know something I don't.

[lbs27]

I would call them too. I would guess that the expiration of a year after you got it is actually for the "prescription" but not for the cream, if that makes sense.

[Taylandra]

I will call on Monday-I guess I felt silly since I didn't notice it for almost three weeks...That and I hate complaining about anything.

Thanks-I just wanted some strength from others that I shouldn't feel silly about calling!

;-)

[Sabrina]

I would guess that the expiration of a year after you got it is actually for the "prescription" but not for the cream, if that makes sense.

I believe this is true. I know a human Rx is only valid for one year.

I would also call the vet to get the meds replaced. I don't think they are allowed to sell expired medication.

[jesvet]

Most computerized labels have a default expiration of one year past the date of prescription. But you paid for it, I would expect unexpired meds- definitely call.

[melmo]

When I worked at a people pharmacy, we could dispense meds that had the expiration of the same month. (ie They would still be dispensing creams that said expired July 31 06. But they wouldn't dispense that cream on Aug 1 06). I was told that the date is the last date it can be dispensed, but the meds are good for at least a year after that. We would get shipments in that had the expiration date of the next month or so.

I am not claiming to be an expert. I don't know if that is 100 percent correct, but we never got in any trouble.

[Taylandra]

Well, I called the vet and got to speak with a tech. When I mentioned that he had developed two more spots of ringworm, she immediately said she understood why I would want a different tube of cream/medication. She didn't have any in the office, but said that it would arrive tomorrow afternoon and I could pick it up, free of charge.

So glad that I didn't feel belittled or brushed off!!!

;-)

[ejs]

That's too bad that your dog had to get more ringworm spots. Next time, please call the vet as soon as you notice an error. You might be able to save your pet some more discomfort.

[Taylandra]

Well, the new spot is what made me look at the directions on the tube again to make sure I hadn't done something wrong...I just didn't update here right away to say that I had called and gotten the new medication. I guess I just don't expect vets/doctors/pharmacies to hand out expired meds when they are expensive to begin with-this experience has changed my mind.

At any rate, with the new cream and the constant washing/vaccuming that I've been doing this whole time, the new spots have already disappeared-he didn't even lose any fur since I caught it right away. Hopefully this will all be over soon now!

;-)

[jesvet]

I guess I just don't expect vets/doctors/pharmacies to hand out expired meds when they are expensive to begin with-this experience has changed my mind.

;-)

You're right, they shouldn't. Though all things considered, the med was in all likelihood still efficaceous; ringworm often worsens before improving. Doesn't excuse what they did, but I don't think the kitty is any the worse for it. :)