Re: [e-drug] Differences in shelf lives of same medicine (6)

[stein@lyftingsmo.no]

E-DRUG:  Differences in shelf lives of same medicine (6)
-------------------------------------------------------

dear E-druggers,

Shelf life is the time from production/delivery to expiry date.
Minimum shelf life is often specified in tender conditions.
Expiry dates often refer to certain storage conditions.

The expiry date on the package is not the date when the medicine doesn't have full effect anymore. The expiry date is when the manufacturer stops having full responsibility for the pharmaceutical quality of the medicine in the package.

Different manufacturers may use different excipients and packaging materials, and use different production methods. Testing methods may vary. Both manufacturers and regulatory authorities may have varying focus and views (and morals) in these things. 

All these things can have influence on expiry date.

Manufacturers may also have different tactics. Some think that short shelf lives (and more outdated packages) make larger sales. Others think that long shelf life gives the company good reputation.

Counterfeit medicines have expiry date on the packages.

So expiry dates are never 'The Truth' about the quality of medicines.

Expiry dates should be evaluated with professional knowledge and common sense.

regards

Stein Lyftingsmo
Hospital Pharmacy of Elverum
Norway
www.lyftingsmo.no
stein@lyftingsmo.no