[Jimmi]

Ok I have a prescription for belladonna, and it just expired on 7/17...I ahve 2 refills left, but the drug along with prescription both have the expiration date of 7/17. My doctor is in New York and I have jsut moved in California, and he is being a dick about renewing it without going in for an appointment. I mean it just expired like 15 days ago. So does anyone here know if belladonna actually expires and goes bad or do you think id still be able to use it till like september when i actually make it back home?? PLEASE HELP ITS URGENT!!

 

[MartyG]

I think that the expiration date is flexible. I used to work in a hospital and I remember asking the pharmacist if I could take the medication past the date.She said there was no problem and actually mine was a year past the expiration date. How long have you had the prescription?As long as it is kept in a dry dark place, it is usually fine.

 

[LNAPE]

Belladonna is a class C medication and any perscription can be filled up to 6 month after the date written.So any refills or original persciptions for this must be filled within that time. It does not mean the drug itself has expired on the shelf but the actual perscription is no good after 6 months or what ever date the doctor says from the date written.Linda

 

[LNAPE]

Your doctor can only hand you a new perscription and can not call it in for a refill. The drug stores must keep these types of perscriptions filed separate and they have drug inspectiors come in from time to time to check if the doctor or pharmacy is complying with the law. If not bad news for the doc or the pharmacist.When the drug itself is expired on the shelf the inspector must have a witness which I have been many times to the disposal of this type of medication. FLUSH///Linda

 

[passionflower]

I'm not a doctor, nor a pharmacist, but most news stories I've seen on expiration dates and drugs is that drugs tend to have a far longer shelf life than the expiration date. You have nothing to lose by trying the prescription that you have left. If it doesn't work, than you'll perhaps have to see a new GP in California. Best of luck. --Cindy from TX.

 

[KLG]

Jimmi,15 days is nothing. Most things have a shelf life longer than said. I agree you should give it a shot. I'm from Jersey too. I go to a GP (who is no good by the way) so I wish I could recommend someone for you...perhaps you could post asking if anyone here from Jersey can recommend a GI for you. I am not sure about here ,but know that there are a few on the Meeting Place board.

 

[electric liz]

I also used to take Belladonna. I took it well after it had expired, and had no adverse reactions. I am seriously jealous of you though. The last time that I went to get my perscription refilled, the pharmacist told me that they no longer make the drug (I live in Ontario). I would love to get more because it totally helped me!!!!

 

[passionflower]

Elizabeth, what about Donnatol in Canada? It is an antispasmodic derived from Belladonna, and has been used for IBS for eons.

 

[electric liz]

Hey Cindy! Yup, I was on Donnatel and LOVED it. However, the last time I tried to have the prescription refilled, the pharmacist told me that it was no longer being made being of "addictive issues". Do you know of anyone in Canada who is currently taking it? I'd love to get more!!!