Drug Storage

Medications must be stored under specific conditions to maintain potency, as they are sensitive to changes in temperature, light, and humidity. The FDA sets these storage conditions based on clinical trial data. Key temperature definitions include:

• Freezer: -25°C to -10°C (-13°F to 14°F)

• Refrigeration: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)

• Controlled room temperature: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

Expiration dates are established by manufacturers based on studies of potency loss under storage conditions. Regular inventory checks are required to remove expired medications, with some manufacturers using every-6-month dating and others assigning monthly expiration dates. Prescription labels typically carry a 1-year expiration date, regardless of the manufacturer's date, to account for improper home storage. Special attention is advised for areas with high heat or humidity, and specific conventions dictate medication storage throughout the distribution process.