Do prescriptions expire?

Since a law was passed in 1979, prescription drugs have a date printed on them to warn when they should be discarded. This date assures consumers that they are getting the full strength of the prescription medication and that it's still safe to take, states Harvard Health Publications.

Over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements are also marked with expiration dates. Most medications in the United States last from 12 to 60 months from their manufacture date, reports Drugs.com. While no evidence supports that expired medication is unsafe to take, if the drugs are needed for a life-threatening disease or allergy, new medication should be taken, according to Drugs.com.