What does the month/year format indicate for a medication's expiration date?

The month/year format for a medication's expiration date indicates that the medication is considered effective and safe to use until the last day of the specified month in the given year. This practice gives consumers and healthcare professionals a clear understanding of the period during which the medication can be expected to maintain its potency and safety for use.

For instance, if a medication has an expiration date of March 2023, it is valid for use until March 31, 2023. After this date, there is no guarantee regarding the medication's effectiveness, and it may not perform as intended or could potentially pose safety risks. The significance of this format is crucial in medication management, ensuring that patients use medications that are both safe and effective, thus minimizing the risk of adverse effects or treatment failure.