Calcium and dextrose question

[hillsdown]

I was cleaning my med cabinet in my office and found about 10 bottles of dextrose and calcium that have never been used. They are stored in a dark, cool place. The expiration date is 06 all the way to 08 so they have really expired.

My question is do they really expire or can I use them if the need arises. I hate to throw 150.00 of meds away if they are still good.

If no one knows for sure I will ask my vet on Monday when he is out here.

Thanks.

 

[TexasBred]

I was cleaning my med cabinet in my office and found about 10 bottles of dextrose and calcium that have never been used. They are stored in a dark, cool place. The expiration date is 06 all the way to 08 so they have really expired.

My question is do they really expire or can I use them if the need arises. I hate to throw 150.00 of meds away if they are still good.

If no one knows for sure I will ask my vet on Monday when he is out here.

Thanks.

I would use them especially if the seals on top of each bottle are intact. Sugar and calcium don't get old I don't think and the solution should be as sterile as the day it was bottled.

 

[hillsdown]

Thanks TB, that is what I was thinking. They are completely sealed and the solution looks crystal clear. It is amazing what you hardly use when you don't milk cows anyomore.. :lol:

I will ask my vet for sure, but I would hate to throw them out just in case a scenario does come up ,and they are not cheap either.

 

[novaman]

I've wondered the same thing about the expiration dates. I try to keep a few bottles on hand at all times but sometimes I don't use it and gets carried over and likely expires before I ever do need it. I use it anyway but have always wondered if there is a reason for the expiration date or is it just something to cover their butts or maybe just sell more product? I wouldn't think sugar water would get bad. As far as the calcium I thought maybe it would precipitate out over time but I can't say I've ever seen it happen. Who knows!

 

[milkmaid]

I'd still use them. Most times even meds such as antibiotics are good long past the expiration date. If dex and calcium are kept cool and in a dark place I see no reason they would go bad.

 

[regolith]

I try to keep a few bottles on hand at all times but sometimes I don't use it and gets carried over and likely expires before I ever do need it.

You're trying hard to make me jealous :lol2: :lol2:

I'd keep 'em, use them. They'll be fine.
Hide them from the dairy inspector if they're anything like ours - I've been black-marked before now for antibiotics that were already expired when the vet gave me them.

 

[CowGirl005]

Calcium and especially dextrose can crystalize if they are too old and you may not be able to see it. I know some antibiotics can become harmful if they are expired as well. Personally I wouldnt risk it especially if they are being given IV. To me, I would risk throwing out $150, and not loosing any cattle. There is a reason why there are expiration dates on medications.

 

[hillsdown]

I asked DR. U today and was told to use them as long as they are sealed and stored properly..

I really do not see a scenario coming up in the near future, so if I do not need them by this time next year they are hitting the trash.

 

[hillsdown]

Calcium and especially dextrose can crystalize if they are too old and you may not be able to see it. I know some antibiotics can become harmful if they are expired as well. Personally I wouldnt risk it especially if they are being given IV. To me, I would risk throwing out $150, and not loosing any cattle. There is a reason why there are expiration dates on medications.

If they are crystalized they wouldn't even pass through the needle. So no need to worry there... ;-)