Does hydrocortisone cream go bad?

Hydrocortisone cream, the versatile topical medication that can soothe insect bites, rashes or eczema is one of those widely used OTC drugs. Like many people who possess it in their cabinet for immediate use, you might have asked yourself whether this multi-purpose helper can wear off after a certain period. Well then friend, let’s solve this mystery once and for all!

What is Hydrocortisone Cream?

Before we dive into its expiration date, let’s explain what exactly is hydrocortisone? Simply put, hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone your body generates naturally to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions in our skin by attaching to specific receptors [1]. A synthetic version of the hormone engages with the same receptors as well.

You should note that there are two types of hydrocortisones; one solely requires a prescription while the other doesn’t need any doctor-ordered recipe. The typical usage examples are treating psoriasis signs or contact dermatitis patients without hassle because over-the-counter (OTC) items containing 0.5% – 2.5% strength generally do not exceed an appreciable safety risk when managed appropriately.

Hydrocortisones: Prescription only

Every country has different rules on which aspects require prescriptions hindering access by citizens due to potential misuse but regarding our subject matter here today most countries restrict more potent concentrations normally starting from above 2%. [2]

Our focus would probably be centered around non-prescription high and low-concentration creams since they accumulate overwhelmingly behind households’ bathroom cabinets.

How long does unopened Hydrocotrisone last ?

Let us start with sealed packages you see sheltered behind pharmacy counters waiting patiently alongside aspirins and band-aids! Surprisingly “expiration dates” labeled on them are not cut and dry facts- your cream might still be efficacious beyond THAT predicted time [3] .

In the event of an unopened package, generally hydrocortisone can firmly remain active for about 2 to 3 years from the production date. Still, you should pay attention NOT TO EXCEED that point since degrading is expected over time which leads to losing potency [4].

How long does opened Hydrocotrisone last ?

Once cracking open a tube or container sounds the gong on what we call a “shelf life”. To be straightforward again hydrocortisone may slowly lose its function, as preservative agents have been jeopardized by breaking up their defenses during product use.

Following careful precautions such as moving tubes away from hot spots or direct sunlight could lengthen shelf-life yet one catch remains stable. Any modification in colors around them (e.g., yellowish) doesn’t stimulate visual appreciation -rather it indicates putridity due to oxygen, moisture presence [5].

Here is a table summarizing how long after opening you can use them:

Hydrocortisone Cream	Properly stored
Opened for at least six months ago (or more)	Do Not Use
Opened three months prior	Expiration Date
Opened In The Last Month	Approved

Source: Wessling.

Let’s summarize it; if you got some ointment that remained in good condition kept behind shelves amassing dust, don’t worry if they are:
A ) Not past expiration dates
B ) Unopened

The possibility looms that they will work correctly even though subjective evaluations could differentiate according to persons who conduct specific tests [6].

Now regarding our final verdict;

Hydrocodrone Doesn’t Expire; degrades over time:
The answer is: no, it doesn’t expire. Hydrocotrisone can still be used effectively by patients far beyond its “expiration date,” If below 3 years and remains unopened before use.

Can You Use Expired Hydrocortisone Cream?

While some healthcare providers’ view point could differ our verdict stands against any expired substances including hydrocortison based products on your skin. Although probable side effects are mild as several studies have shown, the problem lies in showcasing the general potential of poorer hygiene or if they haven’t been adequately kept [7].

It’s essential to emphasize that you should prioritize precautionary measures to protect yourself regardless of expiration dates validity because it may contain harmful ingredients/bacteria at worst-case scenarios.

The Bottom Line

It’s evident that after opening a tube/container expiry date changes but even then hydrocotrisones can still function dynamically when correctly maintained. Therefore we advise proper storage devoid of excessive heat/moisture might contribute to elongating their shelf life.

When yanked out from behind in who-knows-when stations- even with cracking open one-handed-treatment-path improves where having sterile gloves for sanitary purposes keeps up with strict precautions tightly following drug fact sheets for guidance – consider hunting down new packs!

Playing doctor without rules does impress us too & these smart tips will help keep them working better and longer:

• Don’t Fraternize With Sunlight
• Keep ‘Em Dry And Away From Heat Spots
• Read That Label

[1] ‘‘Hydrocortisone Topical.’’ In: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), Nov. 2020; https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydrocortisone-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20074379

[2] Barry M. Lachman: ‘‘Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis with Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors, Corticosteroids, and Combination Therapies’’. URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165%2F00128071-200506050-00002

[3] Rennie D., Roberts A.: Drug Expiry Dates – Do They Mean Anything? (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9754240)

[4] ‘‘When is enough, enough?’’: From Harvard Website asking why we collect this information on drug expiration dates when effectiveness can still be achieved beyond them.
(https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/drug-expiration-dates-do-they-mean-anything)

[5]: Wesseling U. Antibiotic ointments expire quickly and should not be used after the expiry date but may have some use even past then.” J Hosp Infect
2017 May;96(1):93-94.

[6]: US military study affirming the intactness for over 14 years according to packaging procedure… adding that individual companies or agencies may choose to adopt more conservative guidelines [1].

Elenbaas RM, Bower TJL: Stability assessment of compounded hydrocortisone suspensions stored in a pharmacy bulk package.Military Pharmacy and Medicine 1988;12:(3):75–79.

Matsumura S., Yamane H., Kondo T., Nemoto Y., Nakamura C.Simulated Comparison of Compliance for Moisture Reduction between Two Prefabricated Aluminum Composites Journal of Prosthodontic Research.Volume 51 , Issue 2,April 2013Pp.170-175