Many people ask, “Does Sildenafil expire?”
Yes. Like all prescription drugs, Sildenafil, the active ingredient of Viagra, has a set expiration date to ensure it works properly.
When it expires, Sildenafil (Viagra) is not guaranteed to be as effective as it was anymore. This makes it less reliable for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).
So, does taking expired Viagra pose any risks? How can you store it to extend its shelf life? Let’s break it down.
What is the Shelf Life of Sildenafil (Viagra)?
Sildenafil’s shelf life is typically 2-3 years, just like Tadalafil. After this period, the drug may lose its effectiveness.
The shelf life depends on the Sildenafil brand, though. Manufacturers determine Sildenafil’s expiration date.
The common brands of Sildenafil and their shelf lives include:
- Viagra (tablets): 2 years but always check the packaging for exact dates.
- Revatio (oral suspension): 60 days after reconstitution
- Generic brands: Usually has the same shelf life as Viagra, but always check the packaging for exact dates
Expiration dates are determined through stability testing conducted by manufacturers. Then, Health Canada regulates these expiry dates to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Does Sildenafil Lose Potency Over Time?
Yes, Sildenafil’s potency declines after expiration. That means it may be less effective in treating erectile dysfunction. But several factors can also speed up the process.
- Exposure to Air: Oxidation can break down the active ingredients.
- Moisture & Humidity: Sildenafil degrades when exposed to moisture. High humidity causes sildenafil tablets to absorb moisture.
- Light & UV Exposure: Direct sunlight and UV rays chemically alter the structure of sildenafil.
- Heat & Temperature Changes: Excessive heat speeds up chemical breakdown.
- Acidic or Alkaline Environments: Sildenafil degrades faster in extreme pH conditions.
So, make sure to store Sildenafil in a cool, dry place to maintain its shelf life.
How to Check the Expiration Date on Sildenafil and Viagra
Canadian pharmaceutical companies are required to put an expiration date on all drugs for a reason. This makes sure that you’re taking medications that are safe and effective up until the expiry date.
You can find the expiration date of Sildenafil (Viagra) on its packaging, usually labeled “EXP” in an MM/YYYY format.
Here’s where you can find them:
- Blister Packs: Printed on the foil backing, near the lot number or manufacturing date.
- Prescription Bottles: Listed on the pharmacy label, near the dosage instructions.
- Box Packaging: Found on the outer packaging, often printed near the barcode.
Note: If you can’t find the expiration date of Sildenafil, ask the pharmacist to locate it for you. If there’s none, don’t buy it because it may not be regulated by Health Canada. It may be expired, contain the wrong dosage, or worse, not even have Sildenafil at all.
Better be safe than sorry.
What Happens If You Take Expired Sildenafil?
Expired sildenafil may lose its effectiveness over time. The degradation of its active ingredient can lead to inconsistent results or reduced efficacy and increase the risk of side effects..
Here are the potential side effects that may happen when you take expired Sildenafil:
Reduced Effectiveness
Sildenafil’s chemical composition breaks down over time. This means that expired Viagra may not work as intended, which may result in insufficient treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Potential Health Risks
Expired sildenafil may be less potent. Expiration can cause chemical changes over time that can create unpredictable byproducts. These degraded compounds may cause unexpected side effects or have dangerous interactions with other medications, which makes them risky for human consumption.
Unpredictable Results
Pharmaceutical companies in Canada ensure that your Sildenafil is safe and effective up until the expiration date. But after that, the results are unpredictable. Some expired medications may retain partial potency, but others might become completely ineffective.
It simply means that you cannot rely on expired Sildenafil or Viagra to provide the desired therapeutic outcomes when it’s expired.
How Long Is Viagra Good For After Its Expiration Date?
Manufacturers do not ensure safety or effectiveness past the expiration date.
While expired Viagra may not be toxic, its active ingredient may break down, which leads to reduced efficacy. This could result in an unreliable response for treating erectile dysfunction.
It’s best to discard Viagra if it changes in appearance (crumbled, powdery, or discoloured), has a foul smell or texture, or has damaged packaging, or expired.
How to Properly Store Sildenafil for Maximum Shelf Life
Follow these guidelines to maintain its shelf life:
- Temperature Control: Store sildenafil at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C
- Avoid Humidity: Moisture can break down the active ingredients. Keep tablets in a cool, dry place.
- Protect from Light: Store sildenafil in its original packaging to protect it from sunlight and artificial light.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Unless specified by the manufacturer, refrigeration can cause condensation, which may lead to degradation.
What to Do with Expired Viagra
Using expired Viagra isn’t worth the risk. Here are the things you can do with expired Viagra:
- Pharmacy Returns: According to Health Canada, you can return unused or expired medications to pharmacies for safe disposal. Do not throw or flush in your toilet. Simply hand over the expired Viagra to the pharmacist and they’ll do the drug handling.
- Take-Back Programs: Some municipalities and police stations offer medication drop-off sites. Find collection sites near you here.
If your Viagra or Sildenafil has expired, it may be time for a new prescription. Jack Health offers discreet delivery across Canada and free telehealth consultations. Get your prescription today.
Key Takeaways
- Sildenafil (Viagra) typically expires after 2 years.
- You can maintain the shelf life of Sildenafil (Viagra) with proper storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 3-, 5-, or 10-year-old Viagra still work?
Viagra may retain some potency after 3 years, but its effectiveness declines. After 5 years, it may have significantly degraded. At 10 years, it’s unlikely to be effective, even if stored properly.
Can expired sildenafil be harmful?
It may be less potent. The degraded ingredients could also cause unpredictable side effects.
Does generic sildenafil have the same shelf life as brand-name Viagra?
Yes, most generic sildenafil has the same 2-year shelf life as Viagra, but always check the packaging for manufacturer-specific expiration dates.
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