Always check the label carefully. The expiry date is usually printed clearly on the carton and sometimes directly on the bottle or vial. Look for “EXP” followed by a date (month/year or day/month/year depending on your country’s format).
Pay close attention to the format. Some countries use MM/YY, others DD/MM/YY, or even YYYY/MM/DD. Understanding your region’s format prevents misinterpretations.
The date indicates the last day the medication is guaranteed to be effective. After this date, the drug’s potency might decrease, reducing its effectiveness.
| Carton | Usually on a side panel or the top flap |
| Bottle/Vial | Often near the bottom or on the side |
| Label | Usually near the other product information |
If you’re unsure about the expiry date or the formatting, contact your pharmacist. They can help you verify the date and advise you on whether the medication is still safe to use.
