Oral Contraceptives
Shelf Life: 5 years
The first indication of deterioration of this product is a reduction in the hardness of the pill. If the pill crumbles when it is pushed through the aluminum backing, the quality is questionable. Although this is not an absolute test of quality, it is an easy and obvious way for commodities managers to check these products.
It is also extremely important that the sterile aluminum packaging for each pill be unbroken, that the pill packets be complete, and that the pills be the correct color. The accompanying product information should also conform to the pill type and dosage.
When stored at room temperature (15-30 C) in dry conditions, USAID-supplied oral contraceptives have a shelf life of five years from the date of manufacture. Locally-supplied oral contraceptives may have a different shelf life. Refer to the manufacture's recommendations for these products.
Condoms
Shelf Life: 3-5 years
Prolonged exposure to sunlight, temperatures above 40 C, humidity, electric sparks (from electric motors), fluorescent light, or contact with mineral or vegetable oils will cause condoms to deteriorate very rapidly. Chemical products should not be stored in the same warehouse as condoms. The escape of petroleum vapors or various types of liquid solvents can cause chemical damage to the condoms.
Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place. In tropical climates, there should always be adequate ventilation, as hot and humid warehouse conditions shorten the shelf life of condoms. Shelf life in typical tropical storage conditions is likely to be less than three years.. During a quality assurance inspection, if the condom is found to be sticky or brittle, it is unacceptable for use.
Diaphragms
Shelf Life: Variable
The diaphragm should be clean and without holes or cracks. If there are holes or cracks (even very small ones), they will be visible when holding the diaphragm up to a light. The diaphragm should be packaged with an accompanying tube of contraceptive jelly and a plastic syringe applicator.
Once dispensed, the quality of the diaphragm should be checked every two years and replaced if necessary. Check for holes and cracks.
Spermicidal Jelly
Shelf Life: 3 years
The jelly tube should not be wrinkled or leaking. You should be able to screw the applicator easily onto the top of the tube. Make sure that the correct product information is enclosed in the package.
Spermicidal Foam
Shelf Life: 3 years
The can of foam should not be exposed to intense heat or extreme fluctuations in temperature or humidity and should be stored upright at temperatures not exceeding 49 C. Because the contents of the can are under pressure, the can should not be punctured or incinerated. Each package should contain product information on the correct use of the spermicidal foam.
Foaming Tablet
Shelf Life: 5 years
The information on the boxes or packages should correspond with the information printed on the tablet packaging. There should be no broken or missing tablets, no tablets of a different color, and no cracks in the foil laminate. The tablets should not feel soft or crumbly.
IUDs
Shelf Life: 4 years
Because IUDs are made of plastic, they should be protected from heat or direct sunlight. There should not be any breaks in the sterile packaging; any break or perforation of the sterile wrapper makes the IUD unacceptable for use. All product contents should be included in the sterile wrapper, and the insert information must be legible. Do not become alarmed if the copper on the copper-bearing IUDs darkens; this happens on all copper IUDs. This is a natural process caused by gases in the air.
Injectables
Shelf Life: 5 years
Vials will remain potent and stable up to the expiration date if stored at controlled room temperature (15-30 C). The vials should not be refrigerated.
Implants
Shelf Life: 5 years
The implants are packaged in a sealed sterile pouch. If the seal is broken or some of the capsules are missing, the product is unacceptable for use. The implants must be protected from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and excessive moisture.
Norplant has a shelf life of five years from date of manufacture, provided that the sterile plastic pouch is not damaged or opened. While Norplant is very stable and can be stored at temperatures ranging from -20 to 50 C, it is essential that the product be stored in a dry location. Once inserted, the implants have five additional years of effective life.