Reading medicine names and labels
How to read manufacturing and expiry dates on medicine packs
Medicine packs print a manufacturing date and an expiry date, often in small, abbreviated text. This guide explains the common labels and date formats so you can find and read them.
Where the dates are
Dates are usually printed together with the batch number, often on the end flap or back of the box, or along the edge of a blister strip. They may be stamped or embossed rather than printed in ink, which can make them hard to see. Tilting the pack under a light often helps.
If a strip has been cut, the dates may be missing from the piece you have. Keep the outer box until the medicine is finished so you always have the dates and batch number.
Common labels
- Mfg, MFD, Mfg. Date or Mfd.: the manufacturing date, when the batch was made.
- Exp, EXP or Exp. Date: the expiry date.
- Batch No., B. No. or Lot: the batch the pack belongs to. It is usually printed next to the dates.
The manufacturing date is always the earlier of the two. If you are not sure which date is which, the later one is the expiry date, but check the label beside it.
Common date formats
Packs use different formats. A few common patterns are:
- Month and year in numbers, such as "08/2027" or "08-27".
- Month as letters and year, such as "AUG 2027" or "AUG 27".
- Day, month and year, such as "15/08/2027".
When a year has only two digits, "27" stands for 2027. In a date with a day, read the order carefully, because packs do not all put the day and month in the same order. If the format is unclear, ask the pharmacist to read it with you.
What to do with an expired medicine
- Do not use a medicine after its expiry date.
- Keep it apart from your current medicines so it is not used by mistake.
- Ask a pharmacist what to do with it.
If the date has been scratched off, overprinted or looks altered, or the pack has no date at all, do not use it. Show it to a pharmacist. You can also report a suspicious product to DGDA.
How to report a suspected fake or substandard medicine to DGDA
What this site can and cannot tell you
The DGDA registry snapshot used on this site records each registered product's brand, generic, strength, form, manufacturer and DAR number. It does not contain batch numbers, manufacturing dates or expiry dates, so these can only be read from the pack.
How to read a medicine pack: brand, generic, strength, DAR, batch, expiry
Check a brand or DAR number in the registry snapshot
If you have any doubt about whether a medicine is still fit to use, do not use it. Ask a registered pharmacist or doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Exp" mean on a medicine pack?
What does "Mfg" or "MFD" mean?
The expiry date shows only a month and year. What does that mean?
Can I check an expiry date on this site?
This guide is general information only and is not medical advice. It does not tell you what any medicine is for or how to take it. For questions about your health or your medicines, ask a registered doctor or pharmacist.