Shelf life of Drugs?

NorthernAutumn · Nov 8, 2008

Hey everyone!
I still have some metacam left over from Evie's spay (she's doing great, btw!).
It's been stored on the counter
I also have a vial of Metoclopramide (oral delivery), which wasn't used b/c she started eating by herself. It has also been at room temperature.

Can I keep these to use in a future emergency? When is the expiry?

Maureen Las · Nov 8, 2008

You would need to check with the vet clinic where you got the drug. If you got a full bottle of metacam in a box it would have an expiration date on it.
metoclopromide keeps for awhile but I am not sure how long.
Best to check with wherever the drug came from.

ra7751 · Nov 9, 2008

Hi,

Metacam has a pretty long shelf life. I checked my bottles (very large ones) that I purchased last year and they show an expiration date of 2010. And we have used certain drugs that were several months out of date. The stamped date are primarily for legal requirments. And the metaclopromide, in my non-professional opinion, should be immediately delivered to the garbage. Those types of drugs have no place with rabbits. They have never and will never be used on any of my rabbits....and I have dealt with some of the most serious stasis issues. I know a lot of vets that treat rabbits and none of them prescribe those drugs for rabbits.

Randy

NorthernAutumn · Nov 9, 2008

Thanks Randy and Maureen; I'll chuck the metaclopramide. Would it be best to keep metacam on the shelf or in the fridge?

JimD · Nov 9, 2008

NorthernAutumn wrote:

Would it be best to keep metacam on the shelf or in the fridge?

From http://www.petmedoutlet.com/metacam.htm:

"Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store this medication at room temperature, away from excess heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep out of the reach of children and pets."