Do IV (intravenous medications) labels need to include an expiration date?

IV medication labels are required to include an expiration date. This is crucial for patient safety, as intravenous medications must maintain their efficacy and safety standards throughout their shelf life. The expiration date informs healthcare providers about the period during which the medication is guaranteed to remain effective and safe to use.

Including an expiration date on IV medications helps prevent the use of drugs that may have degraded or become unsafe over time due to factors such as light exposure, temperature variations, or interactions with the container. Ensuring that this information is clearly displayed promotes proper storage, administration, and adherence to best practices in medication management in the healthcare setting. Thus, the requirement for an expiration date on IV medication labels is aligned with regulations aimed at ensuring patient safety and effective treatment outcomes.