I am amazed at the effectiveness of old hydrocodones

[question everything]

We've had several surgeries after which we would be prescribed something like 20 hydrocodone, or oxycodone, tablets. And we would use only 1 or 2 and keep them, in case.

Last two days I've head a killer toothache, but know that I'd have to wait for Monday.

Tried Ibuprofen 800 mg that I got last year after a tooth was removed and that I found helped better than the codon. But it has to be taken once every 8 hours and with food.

Yesterday we ate out and my tooth was throbbing, could barely eat.

Came home, found a prescription from 2010 for hydrocodone/APAP (?) 5mg/325 mg to take 1-2 tablets every 4 hours. Took 2 and so far so good. Still holding after 18 hours! I woke up with a swollen tooth but no pain. And the swelling is a bit down.

Some years back I had a similar case when I took an old codone and the nurse was amazed. They are supposes to last for a year, she said.

Yeah, right. The reality is that there are several organizations that collect "expired" drugs and ship them to poor countries.

Will probably lose that tooth. Sigh.

[marylandblue]

1. I think the year expiration is some sort of FDA or state requirement

Drugs do lose their potency after a time and it's not the same for every drug and it varies by storage condition. So they just set a standard amount of time for everything that is likely less than the time they would degrade under bad storage conditions.

[GeorgeGist]

2. FWIW, APAP is acetaminophen [aka Tylenol]

[question everything]

3. Thanks. Guessed that, but was not sure