What is meant by the "expiration dating" of pharmaceuticals?

Expiration dating of pharmaceuticals refers to the date until which the product is guaranteed to be safe and effective when stored under the recommended conditions. This is essential because it ensures that the medication retains its potency and safety for the duration of its shelf life. Manufacturers conduct stability testing to determine the expiration date based on how the drug behaves over time in various conditions. Once the expiration date has passed, the product may begin to degrade or lose effectiveness, posing potential health risks to consumers.

The importance of this definition underscores the necessity for healthcare providers and patients to adhere to these dates to ensure that medications are used safely and effectively. Keeping medications beyond their expiration date can lead to treatment failures or adverse effects, which is why the guaranteed safety and efficacy of the product until the expiration date is such a crucial aspect of pharmaceutical regulations.