Can You Take Expired Finasteride? (Safety Guidelines)

Finasteride is a treatment for male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

It works by preventing testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicle shrinkage and prostate gland enlargement.

If you have been prescribed finasteride, you may be wondering if you can continue to take it after the prescription has expired. Let’s find out.

Does Finasteride Expire?

Finasteride does have an expiration date.

On the prescription bottle or pharmacy label, there will be an expiration date listed near the batch number.

If no expiry date is specified, it is considered expired one year from the date of dispensing.

Can You Take Expired Finasteride?

Taking expired finasteride is not dangerous, but its potency cannot be guaranteed after expiration.

The expiration date of a prescription, according to research, differs from the expiration date of the pills themselves.

The former is usually one year after the date of dispensing, while the latter is typically two to four years after the date of manufacture.

This means that your finasteride pills may still be effective after your prescription expires, but not always.

Another research, however, claim that there is no guarantee that finasteride will retain its potency and safety after it has expired.

The drug’s effectiveness may deteriorate over time, especially if it is exposed to heat, light, or moisture.

Taking expired finasteride may not produce the desired results or may result in undesirable side effects.

As a result, taking expired finasteride is not advised. If you are unsure about the expiration date of your medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Finasteride Shelf Life- How Long Does it Last?

Finasteride has a four-year shelf life when stored below 25 degrees Celsius. It is critical to store it properly in order to keep its potency.

Propecia, a brand of Finasteride, should be stored at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), with the container tightly closed and protected from moisture.

Side Effects of Finasteride

Here is a list of possible finasteride side effects:

• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Reduced libido (sex drive)
• Ejaculation problems
• Tenderness or enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia)
• Testicular discomfort
• Depression
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and swelling are common.
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Dizziness
• Weakness

Please keep in mind that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some people may experience additional side effects not listed here.

Conclusion

To summarize, finasteride has an expiration date, and taking it after that date may result in decreased effectiveness or side effects.

To ensure medication safety and efficacy, proper storage and consultation with a healthcare professional are essential.