The expiry dates of medicines are manufacturers’ guarantee of the full potency and safety of drugs. If the medicine is used within its shelf life, maximal efficacy and safety of the drug is ensured. It reflects the ability of the drug in curing the disease or reducing symptoms. However, expired medication may not adequately treat medical issues because of reduced effectiveness. Over time, medicines and their compounds undergo a series of changes in their physical and chemical properties that are visible when tablets disintegrate or lose colour and liquids also separate into layers. This reduces the effectiveness of medicines.
Why do drugs have a shelf life?
