Validity of prescription drugs varies by color
Prescription drug validity periods at pharmacies differ based on the prescription's color. ABDA advises patients to present prescriptions promptly after issuance.
The validity period for prescription drugs at pharmacies varies depending on the color of the prescription form, the German Association of Pharmacists (ABDA) announced. The association recommends that patients present their prescriptions to a pharmacy as soon as possible after they are issued, ideally on the same day or within a couple of days.
Under regulations, most prescriptions expire after a specific period and can no longer be dispensed by pharmacies. These time limits also apply to prescribed medical devices and aids.
Prescriptions covered by statutory health insurance, typically pink, are valid for 28 days. Previously, this duration was one month. Private prescriptions, usually blue, are valid for three months. Yellow, multi-part prescriptions used for controlled substances like potent painkillers, are valid for seven days.
White T-prescriptions, consisting of two parts, are valid for six days. These are for medications that could cause birth defects in pregnant women and require special safety measures. Pink discharge prescriptions are issued to patients upon hospital release. Currently, these are valid for six working days due to the COVID-19 pandemic; otherwise, they are valid for three days.
The only type of prescription without an expiration date is the green prescription. These are used to recommend over-the-counter medications and are valid indefinitely.