Medicine expiry dates explained
Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Short answer: The expiry date (EXP) is the date after which the manufacturer no longer guarantees that a medicine works properly and is safe. Look for it on the pack and on the strip itself, make sure it is well ahead, and do not use a medicine after it has passed.
Where to find the dates
Most packs print two dates, usually next to the batch number:
- MFG or Mfg. Date is the manufacturing date, when the batch was made.
- EXP or Exp. Date is the expiry date, after which the medicine should not be used.
Check both the outer carton and the strip, bottle or tube inside. If the dates on the carton and on the strip do not match, or if one of them is missing, ask your pharmacist before you buy. Our guide on how to read a medicine label shows the other details to check at the same time.
How the date is written
| On the pack | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| EXP 06/2027 | Month and year. The medicine is normally usable up to the end of June 2027. |
| EXP 06-2027 or 06.2027 | The same: June 2027. |
| EXP JUN 2027 | The same: June 2027, with the month written as a word. |
| EXP 15/06/2027 | A full date. Usable up to 15 June 2027. |
| Use before 06/2027 | Treat it as an expiry date. Do not use it after that month. |
If you cannot tell how a date is meant to be read, or the printing is faint or smudged, ask the pharmacist to read it with you. Do not guess. A date that has been scratched, covered or changed is also a warning sign. See how to spot fake or unregistered medicines.
What the expiry date means
The expiry date is the manufacturer's guarantee. Up to that date, and when the medicine has been stored as the label says, the company stands behind the strength and quality of the product. After that date, the guarantee ends. The medicine may have lost some of its strength, so it might not work as well, and in some cases it may not be safe. That is why the safest rule is simple: do not use a medicine after its expiry date.
Some medicines need extra care
- Opened bottles and syrups. Many liquid medicines have a shorter life once opened, and the label may say how many days. That date can be earlier than the printed expiry date.
- Eye and ear drops and creams. These can also have a shorter life once opened. Check the label.
- Refrigerated medicines. If a medicine that needs the fridge has been left in the heat, ask a pharmacist before using it, whatever the expiry date says.
- Medicines for serious conditions. Do not take a chance with an expired medicine for epilepsy, heart disease, diabetes, asthma or an emergency. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a fresh supply.
Short-dated packs: a point worth checking
A pack that is still in date but close to its expiry may not last for your whole course. If you need a medicine for several weeks or months, check the date before you pay, and ask for a pack with a later date if the one on offer expires soon. A very cheap price on a short-dated pack is not always a bargain, because you may have to throw part of it away. To compare real value, use the price per tablet and also think about whether you will finish the pack in time.
Storage affects how long a medicine lasts
The printed expiry date assumes that the medicine was stored as the label says. If it was kept somewhere hot, damp or in direct sunlight, it may spoil sooner. Read how to store medicines safely at home.
What to do with expired medicines
- Stop using them and keep them away from children and animals until you dispose of them.
- Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of them safely in your area.
- Do not give leftover or expired medicines to other people.
- If a shop sold you an expired medicine, tell the pharmacist and keep the pack. You can report the problem to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through dra.gov.pk or to your provincial health department.
Frequently asked questions
Is a medicine safe on the last day of its expiry month?
When a date is given as a month and year, the medicine is normally usable up to the end of that month. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist, and do not use it after that.
Can I use a medicine a few days after it expires?
It is safest not to. The manufacturer no longer guarantees the medicine after that date. Ask a pharmacist, and get a fresh supply for anything important.
Why are there two different dates on my pack?
One is usually the manufacturing date (MFG) and the other is the expiry date (EXP). The expiry date is the one that tells you when to stop using the medicine.
Does the date apply after I open the bottle?
Not always. Some medicines, such as syrups and drops, have a shorter life once opened. Check the label or leaflet, and ask your pharmacist.
Sources and further reading
- The label and leaflet supplied with each medicine.
- DRAP, dra.gov.pk, for official information on registered medicines.
- Your pharmacist or doctor, for advice about your own medicines.