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Expiry datesExpiry dates
Medicines usually deteriorate over time due to the effects of heat, light and air. As they deteriorate, they may become less effective, or undergo changes that make them harmful. To avoid such problems, every medicine is given an expiry date.
The expiry date is usually found on the back panel of bottle labels and on the end flaps of boxes, near the batch number. The expiry date is indicated by a prefix such as ‘Expiry’, ‘Expires’, ‘Exp’, ‘Expiry date’, ‘Exp date’ or ‘Use before’, and the date in months and years after which it should not be used.
The expiry date given depends on the length of time the medicine is expected to remain safe and effective when stored as recommended. Some medicines last only a few months, while others last many years.
Always check the expiry date before using medicines that you’ve had for a while. Also, store medicines as recommended, so they don’t deteriorate prematurely.
Take any expired medicines to your local pharmacy, so the pharmacist can dispose of them safely. Don’t flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain, because they will pollute our environment, particularly our waterways.
MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Date published: 2004-09-01 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
