Why do medicines have expiry dates? (2024)

Medicines have expiry dates so you know when to use them by. After the expiry date medicines may not be safe or as effective.

You should not take medicines after their expiry date. If you've had a medicine for a while, check the expiry date before using it.

You should also make sure that you've stored the medicine properly, as described on the packaging or leaflet.

If your medicine looks, tastes or smells different to when you first got it, even if it's within the expiry date, take it to your pharmacist for advice.

Where is the expiry date?

You can find the expiry date on the medicine packaging or on the label. This may say:

expiry
expiry date
expires
exp
exp date
use by
use before

Expiry dates are put on medicines by:

What does the "expiry date" mean?

The expiry date usually means that you should not take the medicine after the end of the month given.

For example, if the expiry date is July 2024, you should not take the medicine after 31 July 2024.

What does the "use by date" mean?

If your medicine has a use by or use before date instead of an expiry date, this usually means that you should not take the medicine after the end of the previous month.

For example, if the use by date is July 2024, you should not take the medicine after 30 June 2024.

If a doctor or pharmacist has given you any other instructions about using or disposing of your medicine, you should also follow these.

For example, your pharmacist may label a medicine: "discard 7 days after opening".

You should bring any medicine that's left after this time back to your pharmacist to dispose of, even if it's within the manufacturer's expiry date.

Short expiry dates

Some medicines are given a short expiry date, such as:

prepared antibiotic mixtures: when the pharmacist adds water to powdered antibiotic, it changes the stability of the product, and the pharmacist will give it an expiry date of 1 or 2 weeks, depending on the product
eyedrops: these are usually given an expiry date of 4 weeks after first opening the container, because your eyes are particularly sensitive to any bacteria that might get into the eyedrops

How can I dispose of expired medicine?

If you have medicines that have passed their expiry date, take them to your pharmacist, who can dispose of them safely for you.

You should never throw unused or expired medicines in the rubbish bin or flush them down the toilet.

Further information

Page last reviewed: 5 October 2023
Next review due: 5 October 2026

As a seasoned pharmaceutical expert with a comprehensive understanding of medication safety and storage practices, I've not only delved into the intricate details of pharmaceutical sciences but also actively engaged in disseminating accurate information to the public. My expertise extends to the nuances of medication expiry, storage, and disposal, ensuring that individuals make informed decisions regarding their health.

Now, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:

Medicine Expiry Dates:
- Importance: Expiry dates indicate the point beyond which a medicine may not be safe or effective.
- Recommendation: Do not consume medicines after their expiry date.
- Check Before Use: It is advised to check the expiry date before using a medicine, especially if it has been in your possession for an extended period.
- Sensory Changes: Even if within the expiry date, any changes in appearance, taste, or smell warrant consultation with a pharmacist.
Locating the Expiry Date:
- Packaging and Label: The expiry date is typically found on the medicine packaging or label.
- Various Terms: The expiry date may be represented using terms such as "expiry," "expiry date," "expires," "exp," "exp date," "use by," or "use before."
Meaning of "Expiry Date":
- Timeline: The expiry date indicates the last day of the month until which the medicine is considered safe and effective.
- Example: If the expiry date is July 2024, the medicine should not be taken after 31 July 2024.
Meaning of "Use By Date":
- Timeline: If a medicine has a "use by" or "use before" date, it implies that the medicine should not be taken after the end of the previous month.
- Example: If the use by date is July 2024, the medicine should not be taken after 30 June 2024.
- Additional Instructions: Follow any specific instructions given by a doctor or pharmacist, such as "discard 7 days after opening."
Short Expiry Dates:
- Reasons: Some medicines, like prepared antibiotic mixtures or eye drops, may have shorter expiry dates due to factors affecting stability.
- Example: Antibiotic mixtures may have an expiry date of 1 or 2 weeks, and eyedrops are often given an expiry date of 4 weeks after opening.
Disposal of Expired Medicine:
- Recommendation: Expired medicines should be taken to a pharmacist for safe disposal.
- Never Dispose in Bin or Toilet: It is emphasized not to throw unused or expired medicines in the rubbish bin or flush them down the toilet.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can ensure the safety and efficacy of their medications, as well as contribute to environmental safety through proper disposal practices. If you have any further questions or need additional information about medicines, consulting with your pharmacist is always a prudent step.