Can you use an inhaler after the expiration date?

[rangerrebew]

Can you use an inhaler after the expiration date?
Last reviewed Fri 9 March 2018
By Jayne Leonard   
Reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD   
 

It is usually safe to use an albuterol sulfate inhaler beyond the expiry date listed on the device, although it may not be as effective as it once was.

An albuterol sulfate (Proventil, Ventolin) inhaler provides relief from asthma attacks and asthma symptoms. Most people do not use reliever inhalers every day, so they may be forgotten about and allowed to expire.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321163.php

[GtHawk]

Since testing of drugs to determine if they are still effective is expensive the use by date is rather arbitrary. Is the drug not as  effective or did the the drug company just set a date in what they considered a balance between expected use and the expense of Continued testing?

[the_doc]

If you're having an emergency, don't hesitate to try the expired inhaler.  Asthma attacks can be fatal if you don't have a rescue inhaler.