# Expired Rogaine

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expired-rogaine/175104>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 14, 2003, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expired-rogaine/175104 "2003-05-14T01:42:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SuperNova](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@SuperNova](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuperNova)\
**Post date:** [May 14, 2003, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expired-rogaine/175104/1 "2003-05-14T01:42:17Z")

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I acquired some unopened Rogaine. However, it has an expiration date of 12/02. Anyone have any idea if this would still work, or is it worth buying new stuff?

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**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\
**Post date:** [May 14, 2003, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expired-rogaine/175104/2 "2003-05-14T01:53:24Z")

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Well, as seen on [tv.com](http://tv.com) is selling minoxidil (Rogaine) that expired in 2000. [http://www.asseenontvandmore.com/asseenontv/exminfreejpa.html](http://www.asseenontvandmore.com/asseenontv/exminfreejpa.html)

Frankly I suspect the product is still effective, with a date of 12/02 on it.

Perhaps one of our pharmacists will pop in to confirm/deny

QtM, MD

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**Author:** ![SuperNova](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@SuperNova](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuperNova)\
**Post date:** [May 14, 2003, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expired-rogaine/175104/3 "2003-05-14T17:12:05Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Qadgop the Mercotan \*  
> Frankly I suspect the product is still effective, with a date of 12/02 on it.
> 
> Perhaps one of our pharmacists will pop in to confirm/deny
> 
> QtM, MD \*\*

I am inclined to agree that it’s still effective on some level. I am just trying to find out how fast the product loses effectiveness after expiration. Anyone? Is it worth buying new stuff or not?

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**Author:** ![LisaRx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/77aa72/32.png) [@LisaRx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LisaRx)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expired-rogaine/175104/4 "2003-05-16T05:42:13Z")

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On its expiration date, a product is estimated to have lost 10% of its potency. Solutions (liquids in general) deteriorate more quickly than solids.

You would have to do a cost/benefit analysis—The product ,IMO, is probably safe, but less than effective. Are you purchasing the expired product? The generic is not very expensive at most major retailers now. This would be a product that would not be very easy to evaluate, though. If I take an expired decongestant and my nose is still plugged up, I know to throw it away. Hair growth—how are you going to know? The product at its best does not work for everyone.