I have a bottle of this antibiotic that expired 6 months ago. I understand that stuff usually really is still effective much longer. Would this stuff still be good?
You’re probably unable to diagnose yourself with anything requiring an antibiotic, anyway, since you don’t likely have the equipment on hand to run a culture. See a doctor if you’re sick; flush old antibiotics (of which, if you take them properly, you shouldn’t have any) because if you take less than a full course, you’re risking developing an antibiotic-resistant infection, and probably moreso if they’re less effective from being old.
Not necessarily. I have two-thirds of a prescription of generic Bactrim left right now because the doc decided to try a different antibiotic, as the first kind wasn’t working. I believe that I paid 97 cents as my copay for that prescription, so I don’t feel too bad about throwing it out, but if my insurance hadn’t paid for it, I wouldn’t be so casual about pitching it. My doctor is also comfortable with me having a prescription for erythromycin ready to be filled when I need it, in case my cellulitis flares up. I know the symptoms, she knows I know, and it’s a lot easier all the way around if I don’t have to go to the ER, but can just send my husband or daughter out to get the prescription filled.
I have no idea what the answer to the OP’s question is…other than “Better see your doctor.”