OT: Expired corticosteroid

I have seborrheic dermatitis. It's flared up again, but my cream expired a year ago. I'm seeing my dermatologist on Thursday, but I feel like I want to claw my face off. I called back but they've given away all their earlier appointments. I know I shouldn't use an expired medicine, but this is driving me crazy. Are there any good reasons I shouldn't use it in the short term?

Katie K., when did it expire?  I cannot tell you to do it but I would call your doctor and see why they can't call you in a script and tell them you are in terrible discomfort and want to claw your face off.  There is no reason unless it has been years and years since you have seen this doctor.  Make sure to ask for refills and I know some doctors will refuse to write a script unless they see you.  But you do have a history of using this medication so let us know what they say.  It won't hurt to call.  It's your face!!!!!  Let me know.  Jane

It expired August 2012. He prescribed a large tube, but the pharmacy only had small tubes, so they gave me two of them. They're both expired, of course. I googled it and it seems it will be okay, just less effective.

Yes, this happened to my husband.  He received small tubes also from the pharmacy. Me, and I am saying just ME, one year mark is ok especially because the pharmaceutical companies tend to put one year mark on everything.   I  have had pharmacists tell me different on using expired drugs.  Some do apply but on cream that you have used and you are seeing the doctor this week.  Hope you find some relief until then.  Jane 

I don't see why not, unless is contaminated. 

Also - you can use OTC hydrocortisone cream in a meantime - I do all the time... it is not as strong - but you can apply that more often.