The expiry date is the last day the manufacturer guarantees a medicine’s effectiveness and safety when it is stored correctly. Using expired medicine may make it less effective.
Where to find the expiry date
It is usually printed on the outer box and on the strip or bottle, often as a month and year.
After opening
Some medicines, such as drops and syrups, can only be used for a set period after opening, even if the printed date has not passed.
Signs to watch for
- A change in the medicine’s color or smell.
- Tablets that crumble or stick together.
- Cloudy syrup or drops.
If you notice any of these signs, do not use the medicine and ask your pharmacist.
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