Can a veterinarian prescribe expired drugs?

Veterinarians are not permitted to prescribe expired drugs because the effectiveness and safety of these medications can no longer be guaranteed after their expiration date. Once a drug has expired, chemical properties may change, leading to reduced potency or potentially harmful degradation products.

Using expired drugs in veterinary practice can pose significant risks to the health and well-being of animals. Quality control measures dictate that medications must be stored and used within their shelf life to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Regulatory agencies and veterinary boards recommend adherence to these practices to protect both animals and their owners.

Although there may be specific circumstances in which an expired medication is considered for use—such as lack of availability or in extreme cases of emergency—standard practice dictates avoiding expired drugs unless there are specific guidelines that can justify their use. This ensures that patients receive effective and safe treatments.