Yes. If stored correctly they can be good but that is dependent on the drug and its overall stability.

Every drug has a shelf life. (both real and advertised). Every drug that is made has a retain sample that is stored for longer than the advertised shelf life.

Shelf life is basically a mathematical equation on safety/effectiveness.

For easy math a drug produced today will have a 4-year advertised shelf life. The four years is usually about 80% of half-life. That means that fromt he day it was made the drug was tested and 12 years later there were some quality issues, safety issues or effectiveness issues. The half life of 12 is 6 and about 80% of 6 is 4. Four years becomes the advertised shelf life.

DO NOT READ THIS AND THINK IT IS NOW OK TO TAKE EXPIRED MEDICINE. I am not a doctor but I have worked in the pharmaceutical field for 20+ years.

It is a great topic and an interesting read.

EWO