chocccie Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 I got some last week from a pharacist and she said to throw it away after it's been open a month (by which time I will have used about 1:20 of it!).It doesn't say anything on the carton or patient information about throwing it away - is there anybody out there who knows why it needs to be chucked? I'm more than tempted to keep it in the fridge. It's not free after all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 A quick Google suggests a 6 month shelf life (unless I've read this incorrectly.) Judge for yourself, SEE HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 I've been using hydrocortisone 1% ointment on and off for the last 20 years, and it's the first I've heard of a 1 month bin by date. A small tube lasts me at least six months, and still "does what it says on the tin" (and nothing has dropped off, withered away, or turned blue after the tube has been open for more than a month) [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-element Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 This might be a perfect example of why so many medicines are prescribed here in France, and contribute to the health budget deficit.. So much medication ends up unused, and wasted?It breaks my heart every time I empty out the medicine cabinet and take the unused medication back to the pharmacy, as I know it ends up being destroyed - sadly, no longer passed on to countries which are desperate for them. It seems such a mad and cruel world.[:(]I am now very careful before actually getting prescribed medication from the chemist. I make sure I only get what is necessary - but they often overestimate it.Having said that, I have some beta-blockers (used sporadically) which are way past the use-by date. When I tried to use one the other day, I noticed it seemed to have no effect whatsoever.[:'(] Still, I have some newer one, which are only 8 months past the use-by date, I guess I'll try those next.[8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daft Doctor Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 Hi, as there is no need for Hydrocortisone ointment (or cream) to be sterile, there is no need to bin it after a month. Just go by the expiry date on the tube and you won't go wrong. Trust me, I've been prescribing the stuff for the last 20 years, and it remains both safe and potent for a considerable time. Hope that helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarncat Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 Choccie - did you buy the cream over the counter or did you need to see a doctor first? My tube is well over 5 years old (I use it very rarely) and is still totally effective, but it is nearly empty.TC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 Tarncat, you can get hydro-cortisone cream/ointment at 0.5% over the counter. Anything stronger requires a prescription. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarncat Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 Thanks for that Clair. This prompted me to do a little research on line and I've been able to buy some at 1% strength from the UK (plus TCP ointment which might smell disgusting but is the only thing that stops my insect bites from itching!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanb Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 [quote user="5-element"]I have some beta-blockers (used sporadically) which are way past the use-by date. When I tried to use one the other day, I noticed it seemed to have no effect whatsoever.[/quote]How could you tell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-element Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I only take a beta-blocker occasionally, when I have a tachycardia episode. I can tell by whether it slows down my heart rate or not.I can also see and feel other effects normally (sluggishness, blood pooling in hands and feet, etc.). With the ones I have past their sell-by-date, no effect whatsoever, on anything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 [quote user="Clair"]Tarncat, you can get hydro-cortisone cream/ointment at 0.5% over the counter. Anything stronger requires a prescription.[/quote]Clair, I have been able to get a 1% ointment over the counter. It is called Locoïd and costs around the 6€ mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 [quote user="sweet 17"][quote user="Clair"]Tarncat, you can get hydro-cortisone cream/ointment at 0.5% over the counter. Anything stronger requires a prescription.[/quote]Clair, I have been able to get a 1% ointment over the counter. It is called Locoïd and costs around the 6€ mark.[/quote]The fact your pharmacist sold you this without a prescription is very odd. Maybe he/she was distracted?It is a list 1 medication. If you look at this page, it confirms that this should be available only with a prescription. ListeOrdonnanceDurée de la prescriptionQuantité délivréeListe Iordonnance simple non renouvelable sauf mention contraire « à renouveler X fois »renouvelée jusqu'à 12 moispar fraction de 30 jours au maximum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minnie Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Not a direct comparison but I take Pariet, and looked this one up on the page you mentioned:PARIET est délivré seulement sur ordonnanceBetween expiration of E106 and CPAM affiliation I obtained this medication from different pharmacists at least 6 times without prescription! I assume, therefore , that the system is a little slack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 "Odd"? I should think so, especially as I have bought it on 2 different occasions from 2 different pharmacies!Must be because they think the sweet way I ask for it irristible?[:-))]Or they don't really care about me overdosing on the medicament and suffering from the side-effects?[:P] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 [quote user="sweet 17"]Must be because they think the sweet way I ask for it irristible?[:-))] Or they don't really care about me overdosing on the medicament and suffering from the side-effects?[:P][/quote]Perhaps something to do with your accent... [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 What, my Charentaise accent? [:P] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonrouge Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Pssible a mixture of Charentaise and Welsh?The combination of the two must be very appealing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Dragonrough, why haven't you replied to my PM? Us Welsh, misunderstood and under-represented as we are, have got to stick together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonrouge Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 I havekindest regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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