Hello again. I feel such an idiot. With the cold weather, I have been nebulising with Sodium Chloride 0.9% Nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit doses. They are in box stating Saline Steri-Neb. Sterile until opened.I had several boxes over from last year.
I feel such an idiot. It never occurred to me to check the use by date. When I did it was June last year! I honestly did not think these capsules could actually go off. Even worse may contain harmful bacteria.
At the moment my sputum is slightly green and I have discomfort in one lung. Should I consider taking the Doxycycline as an extra precaution because of out of date saline? T
he worrying question for me now is - have I done myself a load of harm? I have been taking the out of date capsuls for about three months off and on.
I realise that it is a bit late to do much but at least knowing I have not infected myself furtherwith bacteria might help my peace of mind. Anybody go any idea, how I might be able to find out? (Chemists does not know ). Or am I worrying unduely?
Lots of good wishes to all.
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Frustrated12
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In my personal opinion, you’re worrying unduly! A chemist won’t tell you that because they don’t want to commit themselves, or encourage people to use out of date stuff, but I can’t imagine how expired saline can hurt you. Salt is, after all, a preservative, and it’s not even a drug. I’d happily use it myself if, for example, I’d run out!
I am fussy about taking anything outdated, Salt is one exception. It is used to cure bacon, so it preserves - So I think salt being a preservative really can't go out off date . I would not worry.
I cannot see how bacteria could have got into the saline solution. The phials are sealed. As it is only salt water and not a medicine, the date probably doesn't make much difference. From your description it sounds as though you coincidentally have a bacterial exacerbation starting up and so it would be a good time to start your antibiotics. Just get your saline updated at the same time.
thank you. Have got saline on order now and will collect tomorrow. Depending on my condition, will go ahead and start the Doxy. I am on Azithromycin which I understand does provide some protection, albeit not against bronchiectasis. Thank you.
Yes some of those those nasty little bugs ( especially pseudomonas) can evade azith which is good at keeping down inflammation but needs heavy back up sometimes in bronch. I hope that you feel better soon.
Hi there, I do have sticky mucus but not coughing up any. Not coughing at all. But I do feel discomfort in right lung/chest. Can’t nebulise til tomorrow. Do you think it is better to start Doxy? Or is it possibly not a flare up?
Really difficult to tell as I don’t otherwise feel unwell. Sorry to be nuisance. So frustrating!
This is why bronch is so complex and we bronchs are all different. Sometimes an exacerbation starts with lots more,darker and thicker mucus. Sometimes with pain and a heavy feeling but unable to cough anything up because the mucus is so sticky. This is what I had after having some kind of flu type virus at xmas. I took my cipro and it all eased up and I was able to do my breathing and get the mucus out. I am not a doctor so can't tell you what to do but I hope that my experience helps you to make up your mind as to whether to take your doxy.
Manufacturers are obliged to include a sell by or use by date but that does not mean it suddenly becomes harmful. Personally, as it is only seawater I would contine to use until the box is empty, but don`t quote me on it. All the best for 2023, we all need it, Chris.
If your sputum is discoloured you probably have an infection so start you emergency meds and send a sputum sample off. I suggest the risk from the over date is pretty slight.
2 years is ok with me too 😊 Medications might lose their strength or efficacy, but if they’re individually sealed they don’t become dangerous. Drug companies put a very restricted expiry date on them, it’s in their commercial interests to do so. I hate wasting drugs, they’re so expensive, so if I come across some which have escaped my strict rotation system (!) I use them up
As others have stated, don't worry about a few months "out of date" saline. If the liquid is clear and not cloudy, it is likely fine, salt is a preservative. I think we sometimes put way too much stock in "use by" dates. When I worked at our local hospital, there were nurses that collected "out of date" supplies that their Churches would send overseas. I'm sure it was fine. Rest easy, you've done no harm.
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