The expiration date printed on contraception packaging indicates the point at which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the medication’s full potency and effectiveness. For example, a package of oral contraceptive pills might display an expiration date of “07/2025,” signifying that the pills should ideally be used before the end of July 2025.
Adhering to expiration dates for medications, including contraceptives, is crucial for several reasons. Primarily, it helps ensure the medication delivers the intended therapeutic effect, preventing unintended pregnancies. Over time, active ingredients in pharmaceuticals can degrade, reducing their ability to prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus effectively. Historically, the implementation of expiration dates on medications has been a regulatory effort to standardize drug quality and protect public health.