Prescription Medication Expiration

[majikTib]

I've got strep throat... been feeling it since last Tuesday (Jan 2) and taken Augmentine antibiotic. I'm out now. My wife has a prescription for antibiotics (Cipro) that expired in June of 2006. Would it be okay for me to take the antibiotics til I can get to the doctor again and get another script?

[Doc]

Call you physicians office and ask for a refil on your current prescription. They may be able to call it in for you tonight. Your physician may not be in, but will have one covering while they aren't available. Taking other antibiotics you weren't prescribed, let alone another persons antibiotics (they were prescribed it for a reason) isn't a wise choice. I'm surprised you ran out. Typically you are given a 10 day supply. When medications expire their potency is less.

[majikTib]

understandable Doc. Thanks for the info. I'll go get prescription filled tomorrow.

My wife was given a script for Augmentine (antibiotic) a couple months ago. She had a reaction and stopped taking it. I was perscribed the same medicine and dosage so I took hers instead of getting mine filled (no need in spending money for it if we already have it). I wasn't just randomly giving myself medicine like my post seemed.

[Doc]

Now I understand why you didn't have a 10 days supply. Strep throat can cause permanent heart damage if it's not taken care of properly.