Does ivermectin expire?

Yes. Ivermectin, like all medicines, has an expiration date printed on its packaging.

Key points:
- The expiration date is the date until which the manufacturer guarantees safety and full potency when stored as directed.
- After expiration, potency can decrease and safety isn’t guaranteed. Do not rely on expired ivermectin for treatment.
- Storage matters: keep it in the original container, at the temperature listed on the label, away from light and moisture unless otherwise directed.

What to do if you have expired ivermectin:
- Do not use it. Replace it with a fresh supply from a pharmacy or prescribed product.
- Dispose of it safely. Do not flush down the toilet. Check local guidelines or ask a pharmacist about a take-back program. If no program is available, you can mix the medication with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds or cat litter), place it in a sealed bag or container, and put it in the trash.

If you’d like, tell me the exact product (tablets, suspension, or topical) and the expiry date, and I can help interpret what to do. If this is for an ongoing treatment, contact your pharmacist or clinician for advice.