Medication Expiry Tracker
Add your medications and expiry dates to see at a glance what's expired, what's expiring soon, and what's still good, so your medicine cabinet is always ready when you need it.
Track your medications
Add each medication with its expiry date. Items expiring within 90 days are flagged automatically.
No medications added yet
Add your first medication above to get started.
How to use this tracker
Add each medication by entering its name, the expiry date from the label, and optionally where it's stored. The tracker automatically sorts medications by expiry date and labels them as Expired (past date), Expiring Soon (within 90 days), or OK. Use the Clear All button to start fresh, or remove individual items with the × button on each row.
Tips for success
- Check your medicine cabinet, first aid kit, car kit, and go-bag separately, medications often live in multiple places.
- Most OTC medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antihistamines) remain effective for 1–4 years past the expiry date when stored correctly, but the expiry date is the manufacturer's guarantee, not a cliff.
- Liquid medications, eye drops, and certain prescription drugs (especially antibiotics and nitroglycerin) degrade faster, replace these promptly when expired.
- Store medications in a cool, dry place, not the bathroom. Heat and humidity accelerate degradation.
- Set a calendar reminder every 6 months to review this list and replace anything expiring within 90 days.
Practical note
This tool runs entirely in your browser, no data is sent anywhere. Your medication list will be lost if you close or refresh the page. For a permanent record, use the printable Medication Expiry Tracker available in our printables section, or screenshot your completed list.
What medications should be in a home emergency kit?
- Pain & fever: Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin
- Allergy & anaphylaxis: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed
- GI relief: Antacids (Tums/Rolaids), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), loperamide (Imodium)
- Wound care: Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin), hydrocortisone cream, antiseptic wipes
- Cold & respiratory: Decongestant, cough suppressant, throat lozenges
- Prescription medications: Maintain a 30–90 day supply of any critical prescriptions if your doctor permits
FAQ
Is it safe to use medications after the expiry date?
Expiry dates are the manufacturer's guarantee of full potency and stability under proper storage conditions. Many solid oral medications (tablets, capsules) remain safe and effective for years past expiry. However, liquid medications, eye drops, certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines), and nitroglycerin can degrade or become harmful after expiry. When in doubt, especially for prescription medications, consult a pharmacist.
How do I dispose of expired medications safely?
The safest methods are: (1) drop off at an authorized medication take-back location (many pharmacies, hospitals, and police stations participate), or (2) mix medications with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter in a sealed bag and place in household trash. Do not flush medications unless the label specifically directs it, most medications should not enter the water supply.
How long should I stock medications for emergency preparedness?
Most preparedness guidelines recommend a minimum 3-day supply for short-term emergencies and up to 90 days for extended disruption scenarios. For prescription medications, ask your doctor for a 90-day supply authorization. Some insurers allow emergency overrides during declared disasters.
Where is the best place to store medications?
A cool, dry, dark location, ideally a bedroom closet or dedicated medicine cabinet away from the bathroom. Humidity and heat from bathrooms and kitchens accelerate degradation. Avoid freezing unless the label specifically instructs it. Keep medications in their original child-resistant containers.
Will this tracker save my data between visits?
No, this tool runs entirely in your browser session and does not save data when you close the tab. For a permanent record, use our printable Medication Expiry Tracker worksheet, or screenshot your completed list before leaving the page.