Does cymbalta expire?

As we grow older, we tend to forget things. Can you remember when was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Exactly – that’s why expiration dates were invented. They serve as a gentle reminder to toss out those expired jars of mayonnaise or bottles of ketchup before they cause any harm.

But what about medication? Specifically, does Cymbalta expire? In this article, we’ll answer that question and more!

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is a prescription drug used primarily in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

It works by increasing levels of two neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin helps regulate mood while norepinephrine can help increase mental energy.

Now here’s where it gets interesting…

The Case for Expiration Dates

We touched on this earlier but let’s go over it again because chances are if you’re asking if Cymbalta expires then you aren’t up-to-date with all medications expiration info.

Almost every medication has an ‘expiration date’ printed on its packaging which suggests after which point the medicine will no longer be effective or unsafe for human consumption.

Here’s why:

  • Medicines lose potency over time.
  • As generic manufacturers much take extra care during their manufacturing process so as not breach product quality assurances involved in producing branded medicines

The U.S Food & Drug administration requires manufactures include expiry dates based on stability testing data proving medicine strength decreases as storage period increases resulting in potential risk from not strictly following usage guidelines post-expiration.

For instance; there could be insufficient medicines active ingredient(s) reducing effectiveness towards intended cure/treatment further leading towards dangerous side effects instead possibly fatal health conditions (scary thought right!?). Common examples with using such meds coming past the expiry date is with antibiotics which can lead to antibiotic resistance for bacterial infections.

So, Does Cymbalta expire?

The Short Answer

Yes, it does.

Now that we got that out of the way let’s see what happens if you decide to go against common sense and take expired medication. Here come more headings…

What Happens When You Take Expired Medication

If your only concern about taking an expired drug was reduced effectiveness think again- expired medications are not just less likely to work as intended but could give you negative side effects (surprise! surprise!)

In effect; bad things can happen so never:
– Take higher doses (thinking it will increase benefits).
– Use instead without speaking with medical specialists.
– And also never share meds – expiration dates apply irrespective of when a medicine may have been opened or whether there still exists symptoms applicable to another persons current experience.

That said possible medication conditions due past expiry use vary based on patient factors such age/health status etc., and how long ago the drugs were originally “expired”. Nevertheless, here are couple things that could possibly happen:

Tossing Your Money Down the Drain

Expensive Cymbalta is in fact marketed as brand causing some patients seeking affordable therapy from generic versions often using after expiration dates making ineffective especially since average cost per pill varies

Cymbalta has an exorbitant price tag even at $200-$300 per month depending on dosage size thanks GSK extending their license until recently while offering no-genuine alternatives hence limiting support offered by federal pricing negotiations limited options provided towards lower-income citizens leading expensive self-pay costs averaging around $274 monthly regardless of copayment

However buying ‘expensive’ doesn’t protect consumer embarrassment later upon discovery presenting week-old prescription left unused collecting dust inside medicine cabinet thus wasting money if non-use remains priority hence awaring usage scheduling accordingly would prevent undesirable scenarios averting actions proving counterproductive leading towards patients asking for new prescriptions rather than seeking individualized assistance regarding doses control.

Health Risks

In worst-case situations, taking expired medications can lead to serious health risks which include these reactions:

  • Allergic Reactions – there’s higher risk of allergic reaction as the medication loses its potency.
  • Toxicity Risk- expired drugs may contain toxic substances leading to severe harm or even death in extreme cases.

For that reasoning alone you should never, and seriously never take any medicine post expiration date except instructed by doctor as small changes in dosage greatly influence reactions based on efficacy rate therefore pharmaceutical companies would suggest treating with caution always…

How Long Does Cymbalta Last?

Most drugs have a clearly labelled ‘use-by’ date printed at the front so plan accordingly beginning usage prior twelve months after prescription buildups inside pharmacy shelves meaning drug effectiveness occurrences potentially lowered chances recovery from ‘depression’, hence talking with medical professional helps influencing proper treatment durations safe diagnostic procedures + expected dosages/feedback regarding condition monitored over time through administration.

However before you start rummaging through your medicines cabinet searching for a cymbalta pill well past its prime; it might be worth noting this – once opened, drugs do not keep well (we know right? years of ‘St Trinitus’s Medical Shampoo’ ads completely shattered).

Therefore if your prescription is still unopened and remains firmly sealed packaging box sealed air-resistant container then hold up some hope since prescribed use dates officially begin when seal is broken otherwise expires earliest within two years after manufacture manufacturing/processes finished.

Conclusion

The next time someone asks whether Cymbalta expires, now you’ll have an answer (Congratulation!) Just like anything else we consumer medicines need to treat them with respect including understanding potential side effects due delayed taping making little difference while expecting adequate curing options without possible hitches lingering further down line recurring affect.

Remember, your health is important don’t let be ruined by a lousy Cymbalta pill that’s past its prime. Stay safe!

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