Expiration date

Expiration date is a term used in the field of pharmacy and medicine to indicate the date after which a medication or medical device may not be used due to potential changes in its safety or effectiveness. The expiration date is determined by the manufacturer, based on testing of product stability.

Overview

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all medication labels include an expiration date. This date is intended to give consumers a timeframe during which the product is expected to be safe and effective if stored under the recommended conditions. After the expiration date, the manufacturer cannot guarantee the safety or effectiveness of the product.

Determining Expiration Dates

Expiration dates are determined through stability testing. The manufacturer tests the product under specific conditions over a period of time to observe any changes in its physical characteristics or chemical properties. The product is considered stable if it maintains its identity, strength, quality, and purity throughout the testing period. The expiration date is then set as the last day of the month in which the product is expected to remain stable.

Importance of Expiration Dates

Using medications or medical devices past their expiration date can pose health risks. The product may not work as intended, which can be particularly dangerous in the case of life-saving medications. Additionally, expired products may undergo chemical changes that make them harmful or less effective.

Storage Conditions and Expiration Dates

The storage conditions of a product can significantly impact its shelf life. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and light can affect the stability of a product. Therefore, it's important to store medications and medical devices as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure they remain effective up to their expiration date.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Medicine
• Food and Drug Administration
• Medical device

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