Does Viagra Expire? Know its shelf life and more
Viagra, also known as the ‘little blue pill,’ is an FDA-approved prescription medication to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Also, Sildenafil present in Viagra helps to treat high blood pressure during Pulmonary arterial hypertension. Like other medicines, Viagra also comes with an expiration date. The effects of Viagra become less effective after it expires.
Does the Viagra pill expire?
You might be wondering if the Viagra tablet expires. The answer is yes. Both brand name drug Viagra and the generic version of sildenafil expire.
Viagra pill might continue to offer you erectile benefits in sexual dysfunction like ED after its expiration date. Still, its active ingredient and other chemicals used in expired medicine have reduced activity, so the medication might not work well. Expired medicines can grow pathogens such as bacteria and mould, making you suffer from adverse effects.
If you have a Viagra pill that is expired, do not use it. The FDA has set an expiration date for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
How does Viagra work for Erectile dysfunction?
Viagra and its generic form that comes in tablet form works by improving blood flow to the penis and stimulating erectile tissue. In response, you can achieve hard erections under your sexual stimulation after taking Viagra.
What is the shelf life of the Viagra pill?
Like other medicines, Viagra is formulated using ingredients that remain chemically active only for a specific amount of time. This also includes generic sildenafil citrate, its active ingredient.
The shelf life of Viagra might slightly differ from one producer to another, but this medicine expires almost two years after it is manufactured. After Viagra expires, it might still work and help you maintain erections, but the reduction in its chemical activity won’t make the medicine work effectively.
The expiration date of Viagra tablets is similar to other ED medications, like Levitra, Cialis, and Stendra. To know the exact date of expiration, it is essential to check the packaging of Viagra once.
It would be best if you used Viagra dosage as prescribed before it expires. If the expiration date has passed already, buy a new pack.
Also, Know: What if Viagra stops working?
Can expired Viagra pill still work?
As the ingredients stay chemically effective only for a specific period, Viagra might become less effective with time.
Viagra, a PDE5 Inhibitor like other ED pills, works by increasing the flow of blood in the soft tissue of the male sexual organ. This medicine is very effective, making it the best treatment solution for ED caused by a health problem that affects blood flow.
However, not everyone using Viagra tablets experiences beneficial results. Some decrease the effectiveness of Viagra.
What happens when Viagra expires?
Once Viagra expires, here is what all starts to happen:
Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient of Viagra, becomes less effective and increases the onset action of medicine. This means Viagra takes more time to start working, and its overall effectiveness is reduced.
The risk of growing bacteria and mould increases. As a result, your chance of getting sick also increases.
The common side effects of Viagra also start to increase because the ingredients of this medicine continue to break down.
Consuming expired Viagra can make you suffer from:
- Headaches
- Itchy, pin-and-needle sensations
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Priapism
- Nausea
- Vision problems like sensitivity to light
What to do with expired Viagra pills?
It is always advised not to take expired Viagra and always check the expiration dates of your medicine. If you have some Viagra pills in your medicine drawer, dispose of them properly.
Here are some safe and environmental-friendly ways to dispose of your expired Viagra:
Carefully read the disposal instructions.
Most medicine labels list the suggested methods for disposal. You can follow those instructions and accordingly dispose of Viagra pills.
Check whether your city or state has a local drug take-back program.
These programs generally necessitate submitting a form. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) conducts National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days, during which you can take the Viagra pills to approved sites and throw them away. Professionals might also recycle it.
Dispose of expired Viagra in the trash in a sealed container mixed with dirt.
Don’t throw away Viagra alone because children, pets, or others in your home can get the medicine quickly. Make sure you throw it away in a sealed container mixed with dirt or cat litter.
Do not flush expired Viagra in the toilet.
Whatever you do, never flush little blue pills of Viagra in the toilet. This can be dangerous for the environment.
Summary
Thus, expired medication like Viagra may also lead to unwanted side effects and might not work the way it should. You should dispose of expired Viagra pills immediately and consult the doctor to refill your prescription if you still have ED symptoms. Also, every time you buy your non-prescription or prescription medications, make sure you check the expiry dates of your medicines.
