In general terms the expiration date of a drug is specified in the month and year, indicating that this is the end-of-life, where it retains its properties.

The purity of a drug indicated in the current period to 99% effectiveness of its components so vece once it begins to lose its therapeutic effectiveness. As for the power and effectiveness in duration, 90% remain unchanged reach the bloodstream so it must keep in mind the due date because it is the only way to keep all the purchased product properties.
Bear in mind that maturity also varies according to product development, for example if you have tablets, we know the date, is showing us its effectiveness in the period, but in the case of mixtures that powder prepared base, there should be two dates, one for the unprepared product and the other to know when will the effectiveness of the reconstituted product.
Correctly read tags with the expiration date beyond which the product can become toxic, it is the best way to keep in mind its power and effectiveness in improving symptoms of various diseases for which they are employed.