What is the standard "use by" date for medications?

The standard "use by" date for medications is typically set at one year from the fill date. This is a general guideline used in pharmacy practice when the manufacturer has not provided a specific expiration date for a product once it has been dispensed. The one-year timeframe helps ensure that the medications maintain their efficacy and safety up to that point.

In some cases, the manufacturer's expiration date may be the most accurate reference for when a product should no longer be used. However, when that information is not available or applicable, the one-year guideline is considered an industry standard to safeguard against the potential degradation of medication quality over time.

Using a time frame longer than one year, such as two years, could increase the risk of dispensing medications that may no longer be effective or safe. Therefore, understanding and adhering to the one-year guideline is crucial in pharmacy practice to maintain patient safety and the integrity of medication therapies.