AIBU to use out of date antibiotics?

[WhatIsThisPlease]

I've cut my finger and thumb getting my Invisalign trays out, deep in the nail bed.

They've gone septic and are really sore and throbbing.

I've got some Flucloxacillin which I think would be fine but the expiry date was December 2021.

Will they be ok to take?

@WhatIsThisPlease If you get any systemic symptoms of it progressing to sepsis, you should go to A&E. but let's hope those antibiotics kick in soon!

Thank you. I'll Google what they are and will keep an eye on it.

It's just so relentlessly sore ☹️

I've taken out of date antibiotics and they were fine and did their job

you’ve no way of knowing that. The infection may have got better by itself, many do. That’s if it’s even bacterial.

antibiotic resistance is a major, major problem. Their use need to be managed and prescribed every time. People randomly self medicating and taking ab’s not specifically prescribed for that situation are contributing to the issue.

how do you think we got MRSA?

it’s the whole I’m alright attitude. Even if you are correct about the type and dosage you need it needs to go in your notes for future management.

antibiotic resistance is a real and scary future. People are dying because they are no longer working. Have some social responsibility.

@Oneearringlost

Thank you. I'll keep an eye on it.

Lancing sounds horrific but if it stops the pain I don't think I'll care!!

What is..
Landing is a bit painful, but, oh my goodness, the relief. I had an entrenched paronychia, on Fluclox, like you, but the pain and throbbing and swelling was not assuaged by the antibiotics ( though I definitely needed them to keep the infection localised to the finger and to stop it tracking up my hand and arm).
Practice nurse lanced it and I can only describe the relief as similar to getting an epidural in labour!

How do you know Flucloxacillin is the appropriate medication?

Justkeep, It's 1st line antibiotic for soft tissue localised infections. If they don't respond, sometimes you need to change it to an antibiotic that targets gram positive and gram negative infections like Co- amoxiclax. Pet bites always need an antiotic like Co- amoxiclav

@Oneearringlost

I can imagine! I think I might have lanced it myself last night!!

I've just managed to bend my finger for the first time in three days so hoping the infection is receding!! 🤞🏻

Thank you, but I was asking if the OP knew that. Or whether she thought she'd try some random AB she's had lying around for months (years?) in the hope that it would clear up her infection.