How to Read Medicine Labels and Leaflets
Medicine labels hold the information you need to use a product safely. Here is how to read them, section by section, and what to check before you start.
Understanding Expiry Dates on Medicines and Cosmetics
Expiry dates are more than a formality. Learn what they mean, why opened products may not last as long, and how to spot a product that has spoiled.
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Almost every medicine, and many personal care products, carry a date on the pack. That date tells you whether the product can still be relied on. Here is what the different dates and symbols mean.
What an expiry date on a medicine means
A medicine's expiry date is the last date up to which the manufacturer has shown that the product keeps its full strength, quality and safety, as long as it has been stored as the label directs and the pack has not been opened. It is based on testing of how that product holds up over time.
Dates are often written as a month and year, such as "EXP 03/2027". Where only a month is given, the product is generally considered usable until the end of that month, unless the pack states otherwise. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist.
After the expiry date, a medicine may not work as well as expected, and some products can change chemically or become contaminated. The safest approach is simple: do not use medicines after their expiry date. This is especially important for medicines you rely on for a serious or long-term condition, where reduced effectiveness could matter. If you are running low, or only have expired stock, speak to your pharmacist or doctor about a replacement.
Opened products: in-use periods
Once you open a product, its useful life can be much shorter than the printed expiry date. Every time a bottle is opened, or a dropper or nozzle touches skin or air, there is a chance of bacteria getting in. This is why many eye drops, ear drops, oral liquids and some creams carry an instruction to discard them a set number of days or weeks after opening.
A practical tip: when you open a product with an in-use period, write the date of opening on the pack. Then follow whichever comes first, the end of the in-use period or the printed expiry date. Check the label, too, for whether the product should be kept in the fridge once opened.
Cosmetics: "best before" dates and the open-jar symbol
Cosmetics and toiletries are labelled differently from medicines. Some carry a "use by" or "best before" style date, similar to those on food. Broadly, "use by" relates to safety, while "best before" relates to quality, such as texture, scent and performance. For medicines, however, the expiry date should always be treated as a firm limit.
Many cosmetics show a small symbol of an open jar with a number and the letter M, such as "6M" or "12M". This is the period after opening: the number of months the product is expected to stay in good condition once opened. Eye-area products such as mascara tend to have shorter lives because they come into close contact with the eyes. Storage matters too: a product kept in heat or sunlight may deteriorate well before its date.
Signs a product may have spoiled
A date is a guide, not a guarantee. Products can spoil early if stored in heat, humidity or sunlight, which is worth keeping in mind during Bahrain's summer months. Do not use a product, even within its date, if you notice:
- tablets that are crumbling, cracked, sticky, discoloured or stuck together;
- capsules that are softened, swollen or leaking;
- liquids that have turned cloudy, changed colour or contain particles, unless the label says this is expected;
- creams or lotions that have separated, changed texture or developed an unusual smell;
- any pack that is damaged, unsealed or missing its label.
For tips on preventing this, see our guide to storing medicines safely at home.
Disposing of expired products
Set expired or spoiled medicines aside rather than keeping them "just in case". Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the sink. Keep them out of reach of children and pets until you can dispose of them, and ask a pharmacist about suitable disposal options.
When to speak to a pharmacist or doctor
If you realise you have used a medicine that was out of date, speak to a pharmacist, who can advise whether you need to do anything. Seek medical advice promptly if you feel unwell, or if the medicine was for a condition where missing its effect could matter, such as an infection or a long-term condition. Ask before using eye drops or other products if you are unsure how long they have been open.
If you are unsure about a date or symbol on a pack, ask our team at AJ Pharmacy in store, call +973 3366 8480 or message us on WhatsApp. Our guide on how to read medicine labels may also help.
Sources and further reading
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always read the label and speak with a pharmacist or doctor about your own situation. In an emergency, call 999.
