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A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Port Washington, WI

I had sealed bottles which were 18 months old. Do components of them deteriorate over that time?

January 30
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Answer Summary

Members discussed whether Biktarvy and Dovato remain effective beyond the pharmacy-issued 12-month expiration date, with most agreeing that... Read more

Members discussed whether Biktarvy and Dovato remain effective beyond the pharmacy-issued 12-month expiration date, with most agreeing that sealed, properly stored solid tablets typically retain potency well past that date, though manufacturer expiration dates (often 24-26 months) are more reliable indicators than pharmacy labels. Several members shared practical strategies including rotating stock to use oldest bottles first, building a modest supply by refilling every 22 days, donating unopened bottles within 6-12 months of pharmacy expiration to ASOs, and understanding that while expired HIV meds are generally safe to take, even slight potency loss risks viral replication and drug resistance. A recurring theme was the tension between medication waste and safety, with members emphasizing that taking slightly expired meds is far safer than taking none at all, especially given the financial precarity many face with $4,000 monthly costs and the critical importance of uninterrupted treatment.

A myHIVteam Member

I don't know, but I have six months in supply. I do rotate to the oldest, but never out of date.

February 6
A myHIVteam Member

Yes I have government drop to 2000 deductible blue cross went up 12 bucks a month copay on most of my scripts are 0

February 12
A myHIVteam Member

I keep ALL of my meds in neutral temperature dark storage. So whatever the manufacturer expiry is I would trust. Now that I know about that labeling I can ignore the pharmacy expiry.

How long on the shelf? I doubt very long at all. My pharmacy doesn't keep it in stock so it has to be shipped to them.

February 1
A myHIVteam Member

What should you do?
If these are your current daily meds and you have access to a fresh supply, use the fresh ones. The peace of mind is worth it.

If you are in a situation where these are your only option, medical experts generally agree that taking slightly expired/old meds is much safer than taking no meds at all, as it keeps some level of protection in your system.

January 30
A myHIVteam Member

Dave have you checked into the " extra help " ?

This year for tge first time since 2015 ( when I got married) that I qualified for it .

Got the letter of acceptance and the best part was seeing thar my med costs would be capped at $2000 dollars which after only a months supply of davato ( at tge cost of nearly 3 k a month ) I will be golden the rest of the year .

But now that I am changing advantage plans might have to endure co-pays of 12 dollars a month for three neds ( one of them insulin ) but with the bigger part of the part b give back I will be getting the co-pays will be negiable.

February 11

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