Expired prednisone?

Short answer: don’t take expired prednisone.

- Why: The expiration date is the date the manufacturer guarantees potency and safety. After that, the medicine may be less effective, and safety or chemical stability isn’t guaranteed.
- What to do with expired pills:
- Do not flush them down the toilet.
- Dispose safely via a pharmacy take-back program or local drug take-back guidelines.
- If no take-back is available, mix the pills with an undesirable substance (e.g., used coffee grounds or kitty litter) in a sealed container, label it, and place in the household trash. Remove labels to protect your privacy.
- If you still need prednisone: contact your prescriber for a new prescription and proper tapering plan if you’re stopping or changing therapy.
- If you accidentally took expired prednisone or have concerns, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Seek urgent care if you develop concerning symptoms (e.g., severe allergic reaction, trouble breathing).

If you want, tell me your location and I can help find local disposal options or a take-back program.