My Tretinoin Cream 0.025% has an expiration date of January 2017. Can it be used, or what is the situation?

Question

I still have half a tube left. Can it be used, or what is the situation?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Expiration dates on medications are pretty much an arbitrary date stamped on the medication by its manufacturer, likely to create planned obsolescence and spur the need for repeat purchases of its product.  Frankly, it has been known for many years by them and this applies to most topical medications (including eye drops) and oral medications (including antibiotics), that most medications are still effective many years past their expiration dates, so long as they have been properly stored. The U.S. government conducted a study once that strongly supported this, having found that well more than a decade following their expiration date, even oral antibiotics retained about 80% of their original efficacy--enough to do the job. Properly stored ironically means not in the bathroom medicine cabinet that is exposed to constant year-round heat and humidity. And medications should not be exposed to light. Of course, if for any reason, any medication, topical or oral, is discolored or the tablets somewhat disintegrated, it should be discarded. One notable exception to the above is sunscreens. If never opened the product may still be good years later. However, once opened, they are good for that sun season only and should be tossed at the end of the season. So, the short answer to your question is that, so long as you have stored your tretinoin cream in accordance with the above, you can still use it way past the January expiration date. Good luck to you..

David P. Melamed, MD · Answer

Normally medications are safe to use for 6-12 months after their expiration date.  However this time can vary based on the type of medicine and how it is stored. Anything that is hormonal or a cream may not last as long, while pills can last longer. Store medications in a cool and dry place in order to extend their life.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, if stored in room temperature, no problem. The expiration date is just a legal guide as to things. The retinoid is still active many months to even years after the expiration date. As for sunlight exposure, majority in packaging that protects against UV exposure, so all good. Dr Davin Lim, Brisbane. Australia.

My Tretinoin Cream 0.025% has an expiration date of January 2017. Can it be used, or what is the situation?

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