Solution expiration

[Tío Riñon]

My prescription recently changed and I'm running short of supplies.  My PD nurse has placed an order for more solution, but it won't arrive for a few days.  I have some old solution that I could use, but it has expired (Jan. & Feb. of this year).  Does anyone know if it's OK to use solution past the expiration date?  I know you've got some leeway with food, but I don't know if it applies to this.

I have some alternatives if necessary, but if possible I would prefer to maintain this new prescription.  Thanks for your insight.

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[jeannea]

What does your nurse say? Sometimes in this situation they have some extra at the clinic for you to use. Also, it's really unusual to have expired solution. Do you rotate properly? Are you sure you checked the year and not just the month?

My instinct says it's ok to use. Expiration dates are not based on an actual expiration most of the time. I worked in pharmaceuticals. They test the product for up to 2 years. If it's ok after 2 years they give it a 2 year expiration date. It could be good for 5 years or 10 years but it's not worth it money wise to test it longer than 2 years. Plus the FDA usually only requires 2 years of stability data.

Now don't do this only on my advice. Ask your nurse and if she says it's ok to use then go for it.

[amanda100wilson]

Personally, I would use it.  It's only a month or two out of date.  If it was six months or more, I would say 'no'.  I am pretty sure that hey err on the side of caution.  However, your nurse would be the one to ask for a definitive answer.  Actually, she should really be getting an e press order for you if she doesn't have any supplies herself ( which would be strange, because most do)

[cdwbrooklyn]

I would not use it because it’s out of date.  I was told by my nurse to never use solutions out of date.  Is it possible to call your center and get some updated solutions until your supplies come in?  It’s better to be safe then sorry.   

[tito]

Again, this seems to be boiling down to your approach to PD and medicine in general, similar to the thread concerning strict (or not so strict) adherence to protocol. I think some people are naturally more fearful than others, and they tend to take the more cautious approach to everything.

I personally do not do absolutely 100% of what they showed me in PD training. And yet I know people who use gloves and gowns to set up their PD. Personally, I would use the slightly-expired solution.

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[Jean]

HENRY!!!!! On a motorbike? Surely you are pulling our collective legs?

[Darthvadar]

One former member, sadly lost to last year told me how she used to do PD exchanges in the cubicle in pub toilets!!!... Never had even a minor infection in all the years on PD...

So motorbike or tractor doesn't spook me!....

I'd follow the advice of asking your Dialysis Nurse Specialist's advice!...

Best of luck.....

Darth...

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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[Tío Riñon]

I appreciate everyone's input on this matter.  I did contact a nurse about whether I could use the expired solution or not and was told not to take the chance of infection because there would be a risk of it being unsterile (the reason for the date).  I have some other work arounds, so I'll make due until my order arrives.