Out of date paracetamol

[IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads]

I have a box of soluble paracetamol that lives in my suitcase for holidays. Soluble so that the teen can take it if needs be (I know they need to learn to swallow tablets). It says “Best Before April 2026”. Do I need to chuck it? We’re going away tomorrow and our village pharmacy is closed at the weekend.

I’d keep it if your not able to replace today and I’m sure it would be fine but I’d probably replace after the holiday

Never had that happen to me, best you every time take them out after holidays and pop a new packet in so that way you should be in date. If you need them on holiday should be okay

It won't cause any harm but it might not be as effective as the ingredients can degrade over time.

Sorry. I hate packing. It would probably just be easier to Google the German for “soluble paracetamol”. Or get the teens to swallow tablets!

it won’t harm you, it may be less effective. UBD mean that it is tested to 2 years and dose/effectiveness is not changed or within allowable limits.

It's really not that out of date. It'll be fine for this trip.

No not at all! I've used medicine that several years out of date before.

You shouldn't if it's something that you need to keep you alive. Unless you've no alternative!

But if it's something like pain relief the worst that can happen is it might lose potency. But not a couple months after the date!

Realistically what are the chances that you are going to need to use it if you’ve still got some (all?) left and it’s gone past its Use By date?

It’s only a couple of months out, the issue would be lack of effectiveness. So if you did need it and took a dose and it didn’t seem to do much, then you could look to buy some more where ever you are. Chances are you won’t need it at all.

It won't hurt and will probably work absolutely fine.

There will also be a Boots/Savers/Superdrug at the airport most likely and you can replace them for very cheap.

In Germany paracetamol is only sold at pharmacies (Apotheke). Most pharmacists do have at least one person who speaks English, particularly in cities, but they will grill you on what you plan to do with it! It will be more expensive than in the UK.