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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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The term "shelf life" of a drug slightly differs from a drug's "expiration date". The shelf life generally relates to a drug's quality, whereas the expiration date relates to its safety.
Shelf Life - A drug that has passed its shelf life might still be safe for consumption, but its quality is no longer guaranteed. Shelf life is variably influenced by storage conditions, such as exposure to heat, light and moisture.
Expiration Date and Safety - The expiration date of a medication indicates the date the manufacturer or pharmacist guarantees the full potency and safety of a drug. Some, but not all medications retain potency and are usually safe briefly following the expiration date, but you must check with a pharmacist about specific medications. Some drugs, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can be dangerous if used after their expiration date.
If a bottle has both the shelf life & expiration date listed, then it is advisable to use the earlier date as the time to avoid consumption. However, better still would be handing the dosage unit to your pharmacists so he or she can give you specific advice.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Aug 26, 2009
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Darrell Hulisz, RPh, PharmD Associate Professor Department of Family Medicine University Hospitals School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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