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Taking Expired Antibiotics

Updated December 24, 2016
Luc Says:
Sat, December 3, 2016

Why does the bottle of medicine given to a patient ALWAYS have a shorter expiration date than the "mother" bottle? Why aren't they the same?

1 Reply

1
Verwon Says:
Sat, December 24, 2016

Well, as explained by the NIH, the original bottle is factory sealed, and as long as the seal remains intact, it has a longer life span, because it is not being exposed to the elements that cause degradation, such as heat, light, and moisture.

However, once that seal is broken and the medication is placed in a bottle as dispensed by your pharmacy, the shorter expiration date is the longest period of time that the manufacturer can ensure that the medication maintains its maximum efficacy under average storage conditions.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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