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Does Expired Ativan Tablets Are As Effective As New Ones?

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Posted on Fri, 14 Nov 2014
Question: my sister came across some Ativan she had hidden in a draw , found them & wonder if they are ok to take or do they need to be thrown away, filled on 7-27-12, it is now 10-28-14, thx, don't have a cell phone to send any info to
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Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Would recommend disposal.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The Ativan tablets are over 2 years out of date. The main issue with them would be that they may have lost some of their potency and therefore would not be as effective as expected. I cannot advise your sister to take them however, they are unlikely to be dangerous if taken at the correct dosage. I would suggest it would be safer to dispose of them and seek another prescription from your doctor.
I hope this is of help. If you ahve any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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Does Expired Ativan Tablets Are As Effective As New Ones?

Brief Answer: Would recommend disposal. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The Ativan tablets are over 2 years out of date. The main issue with them would be that they may have lost some of their potency and therefore would not be as effective as expected. I cannot advise your sister to take them however, they are unlikely to be dangerous if taken at the correct dosage. I would suggest it would be safer to dispose of them and seek another prescription from your doctor. I hope this is of help. If you ahve any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger