Expiry of homoeopathic medicines – a study report
Expiry of homoeopathic medicines is a highly debated topic. For the pharmacists and practitioners it is the important concern. To make it out a comparative study has been done on the regulatory framework for the expiry of homeopathic medicines in four countries: Brazil, Germany, India and the United States. Study revealed that expiry of homoeopathic medicines varies from country to country. US exempted homeopathic medicines from expiry dates. In India all homoeopathic products except dilution and back potencies have 5 years of expiry. Whereas in Brazil 5-year expiry for finished products only, potencies used in manufacture being exempted from an assigned expiry date. There is no rational or scientific background to give 3-5 years of expiry for homoeopathic medicines. In fact some studies showed that homoeopathic medicines are effective even after 25 years. Ultra-diluted homoeopathic medicines contains non-material activity that is maintained over time and, since these exhibit different chemical properties compared to the original starting material, it is quite possible they possess properties of longer activity than conventional medicines.
Reference:
Valavan R, Cesar A. Current Status of Expiry of Homeopathic Medicines in Brazil, Germany, India and the United States: A Critical Review. Homeopathy. 2019 Nov;108(4):232-239. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1692208. Epub 2019 Jul 29.