I always thought that if you froze any pills from an RX you got that you could make them last longer than the expire date. I've done this for YEARS. I'm just reading the fine print on a recent med & it states Do Not Freeze. Why? Does anybody know what exactly will happen (chemically speaking) to a pill or capsule if it is frozen? Does it make it less effective, or actually *dangerous*?
What happens if I freeze my prescriptions to make them last longer?
Question posted by amyr_74 on 15 April 2015
Last updated on 21 April 2023 by Overlymedicated
5 Answers
Overlymedicated
21 April 2023
You ask why would you need to keep a med after a year. For some it's because of money and when drs are trying to get the correct medicine for your condition and they have to go by trial and error. I've been on meds and the dr wants to try something new and if it's not working as well as your previous medicine then they will put you back on your old medicine. For others it may just be the Era they were born in and they feel it's wasteful. My mother is one of them and I eventually sneak the older meds out and she doesn't seem to notice. She grew up dirt poor and a biscuit and and onion had been their only meal. I'm sure there are other reasons that may seem silly and dangerous to us but you can't change a mindset easily.
IsaacAnxiety
21 March 2018
I recently misplaced some medication that found its way into a freezer! I didn’t want to risk it, but I’ve been taking anxiety meds for years now. They’ve been through a wash, swimming, camping, and even snowboarding. No issues yet! But one time I did get really drowsy from it, could have been just the side effects.
Deese333
6 Sep 2017
Been freezing my pain, inflammation, anxiety, vitamins for years. Works great. Pharmaceutical companies may not approve or anyone like doctors or pharmacist hitting their fat pocket books. Told to keep in room temperature, okay while in Florida my room can be 100 and in Canada room could be 20 below etc etc etc. What a bunch of crooks. Solid pill form stays fresh and good in freezer. Is elementary. Common sense.
SHEsevEN4
16 April 2015
I would not freeze medication.
HollyAVH
30 Aug 2015
Why? The question begs more than a simple yes or no answer. I've been freezing meds (and supplements) for 15 years ! As doctors change scripts by increasing or decreasing dosing I save the unexpired scripts in zipper-freezer bags for storage in - the freezer. I was under the impression that like food even if expired over a period of time, at least if frozen in the deep freezer they'd be back up if I ran out of meds. Some meds cannot be stopped abruptly so I believed that *not* having a seizure or heart attack would be better than waiting till I found a new prescriber or my doctor returned from an extended illness out of the office. Now I'm really in a panic because the *other* thing I've done for decades (because I forget things, like taking my meds) is prepare my scripts and supplements in 7 day weekly pill organizers which cover a 4 week period. I organize vitamins in 1 color coded weekly organizer and scripts in a clear weekly organizers.
That way I can bring bottled water & the 2 small cases w/me , or I put them in the same, visible place every day & next to bottled water so that I don't forget. I forget to eat ! Because there are some meds which I abxolutely cannot forget to take I organize both meds & supplements in 4 week allotments. Then I put each week's pill-organizer into a zip- freezer bag and store it in the freezer. I stack the 3 weeks on top of on another keeping 1 of the 4 weeks out & available. Wheneach week is completed, I remove the upcoming week from freezer, let it thaw" removed from the zip bag , wrapped in a thick paper towel & when dry, store that week in a fresh zipper bag. I don't have to think and remember - I put it in with the coffee cups (need my joe) removing 1 day's organizers . I'm 60+, single female, fiercely independent, live alone in my own home and now am extremely concerned that all this time I've diminished the efficacy of my meds. IIt's bad enough that because of financial issues we are forced to comprimise our health using generics. Thus, , *I* should not be contributing to my own demise by ruining what's effective by freezing the good components inside the pills. NO ! Don't want to hear it (the generic debate) It doesn't matter what some pharmacists believe- I know for a fact that *certain* meds' generic are not the equivilant of their brand name drug. When certain generics are unavailable & my doc's are forced to prescribe the brand name , the difference is significant in mood and physical tolerance. My doctors unequivocally confirm this (most do). Back to the topic at hand, please, I need some factual advice. You'll need this info. to answer : I am being treated for Crohn's Colitis, diverticulitis, spinal disorders, mjajor depressive disorder. I am mobility-challenged (on SSDI). I take supplements for digestive disorders , and one year I ended up with spinal meningitis. I support my body w/multi-vitamins, C, calcium/mag/zinc, pro-biotics, pre-biotics, L-Glutamine, L-Lysine, Omega's 3-6, and the one "thing" which saved me from an insatiable Crhon's flare- up between 1992-1997 is my beloved, life- affirming, Blue-Green Algae. Scripts include (short term) Qsymia; , Long term (15 + yrs) Asacol, Bupropion, generic XR Adderall, generic regular release Adderall. Have have been on&off other meds which being non-maintenance stored in the closet- the Deep Freezer died last year. Have I ruined the efficacy of my regularly ingested meds by freezing them ? Although I have been considered a trend setter, I think of myself as a genteel lady but right now not so much as I'm swearing a blue streak.
gbaumga1967
10 March 2017
Why not freeze meds? Is there any proof it will break down the molecular structure?
kaismama
15 April 2015
Freezing can change the molecular structure of the medication. That will make it less effective and possibly damaging. Why would you need to keep a med more then the year it has?
Related topics
prescription, medication, expiration, tablet, pill, expiry date, drug, capsule, expiration date
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