What is the standard practice for listing expiration dates on prescription labels?

The standard practice for listing expiration dates on prescription labels is typically determined by the specific policies of the pharmacy, which may include guidelines provided by the state pharmacy board or other regulatory entities. This answer reflects the importance of pharmacies having their own protocols to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications dispensed to patients.

Pharmacy policies often dictate how expiration dates are assigned based on factors such as the stability of the medication after it has been dispensed, and whether the medication has been repackaged. This practice allows pharmacists to consider the unique conditions of storage and handling that may affect a medication's lifespan once it leaves the manufacturer’s control.

While it is also essential to consider the manufacturer’s expiration dates (as mentioned in another option), relying solely on that can overlook specific, pertinent information related to how the medication may degrade or remain effective after being handled by the pharmacy. Therefore, the pharmacy's established policy, which includes considerations for varying factors impacting medication integrity and patient safety, is crucial in determining the expiration date to be put on the label.