I've been told by several doctors that most medicine is good for at least 3 years past its expiration date.
Not sure I'd want to take that chance with something like a rescue inhaler or Epi-Pen for severe allergic reactions, mind you, but otherwise, I think that you're good to go, especially for stuff like OTC medicines.
The DOD did a study on that very thing, mostly due to the fact that they have vast stockpiles of medical supplies and drugs.
IIRC, the conclusion was that for MOST drugs, a ten year shelf life can easily be assumed, and 15-20 is not out of the question.
Thanks!
I keep a 3 month supply of all my meds at all times. What really helped me do that on a budget was the $4 list at Wal-Mart. I took it to doc and said, “If at ALL possible, anything you prescribe me should be on this list.” He knows that because I take a lot of daily meds, money is tight. He gives me lots of lovely samples ALONG WITH a script.
I love my doc.
It's not quite that simple, unfortunately. It would be prudent to investigate each individual drug you would want to hold for a long time.
Lots of drugs just lose efficacy over time. For example, a cortisone cream or such, the exp date means it has reached 90% of its original potency. Well, so that's not really a big deal.
But some drugs don't just become less potent with age, the chemicals degrade and become toxic. Aspirin, for one. And of course depending on the drug's purpose, a small decrease in efficacy can be pretty important.