What is indicated by the expiration date on drug labels?

The expiration date on drug labels indicates the date until the drug is expected to be safe and effective. This means that up until this date, the manufacturer guarantees the potency, safety, and overall quality of the drug, assuming it has been stored correctly. After the expiration date, while some medications may still retain some level of effectiveness, there is no assurance that they will be safe or effective to use.

This guideline is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients to ensure that medications are taken within a time frame that ensures their intended therapeutic benefits. Understanding the significance of the expiration date helps in minimizing the risks associated with using expired medications, which can lead to inadequate treatment or unexpected adverse effects.