Using an Expired Ventolin inhaler

[Greystate]

A friend just gave me an unused Ventolin inhaler. A doctor friend of her’s claimed that it’s safe for me to use, even though it expired in 2018.

Appreciate any replies🙂

[eleanordigby]

I wouldn’t use it, that’s at least 4yrs out of date 😕 It’s probably not very effective now anyway. Why can’t you get one from your gp?

[Foxy79]

hi I wouldn't use a 4 year's expired inhaler I haleras play a very big part in serve copd broncechtisis respiratory problems and it's very simple everthing has a date of exipirey why cause it's strength dies after the date everthing has a expire date human roads house trees etc and we are talking about a medication. a doctor wouldn't say that and a real friend wouldn't do that I know my family and friends wouldn't nor my doctor would in emergency I always can buy one or get one from my local pharmacy and earliest time I can get them a priscribtion for my refund it is simple if you make it or its very hard like maintenaning your astma or serve copd broncechtisis respiratory type 2. Take care hope it was easy to understand if said something that upseted you I'm sorry but I said everything I will do

[Collienut]

I once used a 6 month out of date Ventolin inhaler by accident, it was in a bag I rarely use and didn't check the date before I left home. It was very gritty in texture and made me worse, which is why I checked the date on it and realised my error. Sorry, long way of saying it's not a good idea to take out of date medication, especially a reliever.

[Birthday60]

it might be safe but not if if will actually help!!

[peege]

I certainly wouldn't use an out of use by date 4 yearyears ago ventolin. Up to 6/12 Months out of date in an emergency perhaps but not 4 years. As an asthmatic I always ensure I have ventolin spares in date. P

[Homely2 Administrator]

I have never had an issue getting ventolin prescribed, so why use an out of date one

[teddyd]

Why would you? If you have condition that requires ventolin can you not just get one from your GP. Four years past its use by date is a long time.Personally I would not want to use it or rely on it if having an asthma attack.

[76RL]

It really cannot be a sensible thing to do, not only is it 4 years out of date but it's content balance may well have altered even if unused.If you needed one urgently a if you are a registered sufferer you can get one from you local pharmacy. Or if you are away any pharmacy will be able to help.

Be safe.