Why expiry dates matter
Reduced potency
Most medicines slowly lose strength after expiry — your dose is no longer the dose printed on the pack.
Toxic breakdown
Some drugs (notably old tetracycline-class antibiotics) form harmful compounds after expiry.
Bacterial growth
Expired syrups, eye drops and creams can grow bacteria, especially in Indian heat and humidity.
False reassurance
An expired course of antibiotics may suppress symptoms without curing the infection.
How the expiry checker reads tiny print
Embossed or thermal-printed expiry dates often fade or smudge. Our scanner uses image enhancement and OCR to recover faint dates from both strip and carton, and warns you when the two don't match — a classic counterfeit signal.
Expiry checker — FAQ
Is it safe to take a medicine one day after the expiry date?
Tablets often retain potency for a short time after expiry, but liquids, eye drops and refrigerated items should be discarded immediately. When unsure, replace the medicine.
Does the expiry date include the printed month?
Yes. 'Exp. 03/2026' means safe up to and including March 2026. After 31 March 2026 the manufacturer no longer guarantees full potency.
How should I dispose of expired medicines in India?
Empty pills into wet waste mixed with tea leaves or coffee grounds, cut off identifying labels, and avoid flushing them. Return larger quantities to medicine collection drives where possible.