Expiry Date Guidelines for Care Homes

(When the Preparation is opened Staff to write the date on the label)

Check storage requirements and expiry dates of each product, usually found
in the information leaflet or on the packet, as they may differ from below

INTERNAL MEDICINES EXPIRY DATE

Liquids (Internal) 6 months from opening
Antibiotic liquids Usually 7 or 14 days when freshly prepared. See label on
preparation
Medication in original Manufacturer’s expiry
packaging
Medication in Monitored As advised by dispensing pharmacy
Dosage System (MDS)
Glyceryl Trinitrate tablets 8 weeks after opening, or as advised by dispensing
pharmacy
Insulin Manufacturers expiry until opened and then 1 month

EXTERNAL MEDICINES EXPIRY DATE

Creams (tubes) 3 months after opening
Creams (jars/pots) 1 month after opening
Ointments (tubes) 6 months after opening
Ointments (jars/pots) 3 months after opening
Creams/Ointments (Pump Manufacturers expiry
Dispenser)
Liquids/lotions 6 months after opening
Bath oils 6 months after opening

DROPS EXPIRY DATE

Eye drops multidose, Ear 1 month after opening
drops, Nose drops and Eye
ointment
Eye drops Minims Manufacturers expiry

MANUFACTURERS EXPIRY WHAT DOES THIS MEAN

DATES
‘Use by’ Use by the end of the month
e.g. Use by March 2013 = Use by 31st March 2013
‘Use before’ Use before the beginning of the month
e.g. Use before March 2013 = Use before 1st March 2013
‘Expiry date’ Expires at the end of the month
e.g. Expiry date March 2013 = Expires on 31st March 2013
Reference:Lowe R A. Storage, stability and in-use shelf-life guidelines for non-sterile medicines. London, Eastern and
South East Specialist Pharmacy Services. 2001 Mar.
Acknowledgement: Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucester Primary Care Trust

Updated by Alison Marshall- Medicines Management Pharmacy Technician ELCCG June 2014.
Review date June 2016 or following updated relevant clinical guidance.