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Is It Safe To Use Expired Otocombe Ointment?
I have just come home from day surgery, partly operated through a tracheostomy stoma, and inadvertently been given a tube of this Otocombe Ointment that is 18 months out of date. I've phoned for a replacement but a) how harmful would it likely be if I used it a couple of times around the stoma, which is oozing dark stuff b) is it ok to just clean the site with saline or prontosan for a couple of days before I get the replacement?
Tue, 23 Dec 2014
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
It is better not to use an ointment which is outdated that to 18 months. It can cause adverse or allergic reactions, can lead to worse complications that to in the sensitive area of tracheal stoma.
Allergic reactions are agent specific not dose related. This ointment has a steroidal as well as bacteriostatic and antibiotic combination, wherin you can go for an alternative also.
Please clean the area with saline or betadiene lotion twice daily, there is no problem in doing so.
All the best.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Sabiha Banu
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
It is better not to use an ointment which is outdated that to 18 months. It can cause adverse or allergic reactions, can lead to worse complications that to in the sensitive area of tracheal stoma.
Allergic reactions are agent specific not dose related. This ointment has a steroidal as well as bacteriostatic and antibiotic combination, wherin you can go for an alternative also.
Please clean the area with saline or betadiene lotion twice daily, there is no problem in doing so.
All the best.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Sabiha Banu
I find this answer helpful
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Please don’t use the ointment as it is 18 months old. You can use if it is few days or 1 month old but 18 is too much.
It can cause irritation or other complains. Second, you can use alternative for stoma up to next replacement.
Don’t worry it is safe.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Krunal Modi
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Please don’t use the ointment as it is 18 months old. You can use if it is few days or 1 month old but 18 is too much.
It can cause irritation or other complains. Second, you can use alternative for stoma up to next replacement.
Don’t worry it is safe.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Krunal Modi
I find this answer helpful
3 Doctors agree with this answer
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