When Does Flea Medicine Expire?
WouterIf you have a pet, you need to make sure you use the correct medicine for your pet. Even though your cat’s medicine will be less effective than when it was brand new, you should still use it to protect your pet. The active ingredient in the medication does not expire, and it will still kill fleas and ticks. However, its potency may be affected and it may not stop fleas from attaching to your pet. If you have concerns about the efficacy of your medicine, you should contact your veterinarian for assistance.
Most drugs are safe to use past the expiration date. However, if you buy expired medications, you should not use them on your pet. The chemicals in these medications change and may cause adverse reactions. In addition, you should not use them on pets who are critically ill. Though most medicines are still safe to use after their expiration date, it’s still best to follow the directions on the label.
The expiration date of liquid and powder medications is generally seven to fourteen days. In contrast, powder medicines can last from one to two years. However, injectable medications may have shorter shelf lives. In addition, it is difficult to dispose of expired medications safely.
