Ever found an old tadalafil (Cialis) pill in your drawer and wondered, “Is this still safe to use?” You’re not alone.
Yes, tadalafil expires. But what happens once it’s past the expiration date? Is it still worth taking?
Let’s break it down.
What Is the Shelf Life of Tadalafil?
Tadalafil, more commonly known by the brand Cialis, typically has a drug shelf life of two to three years from the manufacture date. Manufacturers determine Tadalafil’s expiration date, depending on the brand.
But, what if it’s past its shelf life?
However, if your medication has expired, we still suggest you consult a health professional before taking it.
Does Tadalafil Lose Potency Over Time?
Yes, Tadalafil’s potency declines after expiration.
Over time, its active ingredient (tadalafil citrate) breaks down. This reduces its effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Several factors can affect its potency, such as:
- Exposure to heat and humidity
- Oxygen exposure
- Light exposure
To preserve potency, store tadalafil in a cool, dry place. Follow the manufacturer’s storage guidelines as well.
How Long Does Tadalafil Take to Expire?
As per manufacturer’s guidelines, Tadalafil’s shelf life is 2 to 3 years from the manufacturing date. This means it should remain safe and effective within this period if stored properly.
Factors Affecting Cialis Potency Over Time
Improper storage can also make Cialis less effective over time. Here are the main factors to know that can affect Cialis’ potency:
Humidity
Cialis is highly moisture-sensitive. Exposure to heat and humidity can shorten tadalafil’s shelf life (by degrading the active ingredient), making it less effective or even unusable.
Tadalafil should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from the bathroom.
Temperature
Cialis should be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C / 59°F to 86°F). High temperatures (above 40°C / 104°F) can break down tadalafil, reducing its effectiveness.
If you live in a hot climate, store Cialis in a cool, dark place — never in a car or near a window.
Accessibility
Frequent handling of Cialis can expose it to moisture, dirt, and bacteria — all of which can degrade the medication over time.
Always keep Cialis in its original, sealed packaging to prevent contamination and moisture exposure.
Exposure to Light and Air
Light and oxygen exposure can speed up tadalafil breakdown, making Cialis less potent over time.
Store Cialis in an airtight, light-blocking container. Keep the lid closed tightly after each use.
How to Check the Expiration Date on Cialis
Before taking Cialis, make sure to check the expiration date to ensure it will be safe to use. Pharmaceutical companies in Canada must label drugs and health products with expiry dates to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Over time, tadalafil can lose potency, meaning it may not deliver the expected results.
Here’s how to find the expiration date for your Tadalafil medicines:
Step 1: Check the original packaging.
Check for the expiration date (EXP) printed on the blister packs or the bottles/box labels. If your Cialis was dispensed in a different container, the expiration date may be printed on the pharmacy label.
Step 2: Read the date format (MM/YYYY).
Most Cialis expiration dates are in MM/YYYY format. Example: EXP 08/2025 means it is safe until August 31, 2025.
What Happens If You Take Expired Tadalafil?
Expired tadalafil might not be dangerous, but there’s a big risk – it may not work when needed for better erections when it’s expired. This means:
- The onset and duration of the drug become unpredictable.
- You may not experience the full effect, or it might not work at all.
Does this make expired Tadalafil toxic?
Using expired tadalafil may increase the risk of side effects. However, expired medications may not be safe due to potential chemical changes.
“Beyond that date, we don’t know what happens, we don’t know if it is still effective, we don’t know if it is potentially toxic.”
– Jill Hall, Pharmacist and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Canada
Using expired tadalafil can cause side effects due to chemical degradation, bacterial contamination, or other unknown risks. So if your tadalafil is expired, let’s not take the risk.
How to Store Tadalafil for Maximum Shelf Life
Did you know storing your tadalafil incorrectly can expire before the printed date? Humidity, heat, and air exposure can weaken the active ingredient, making it less effective when needed.
Here are the best practices for storing tadalafil:
- Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C / 59°F to 86°F) in a dry place, away from humid areas.
- Leave it in its original blister pack to protect the medication from air, light, and moisture.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and windows.
- Do not expose to children and pets.
Replacing Expired Tadalafil
As mentioned earlier, it’s not worth the risk to take expired Tadalafil — it may lose effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects.
Why You Should Replace Old Pills
Expiration guidelines are there for a reason. Taking expired Tadalafil can lead to:
- Reduced effectiveness – The active ingredient, tadalafil, breaks down over time, meaning expired Cialis may not work when needed. Apart from not being up to clinical standards, it can also cause unwanted side effects (such as headache, muscle pain, dyspepsia, etc).
- Unpredictable results – Expired tadalafil may work inconsistently. You could experience delayed onset, shorter duration, or no effect at all. This can lead to frustration and disappointment, defeating the purpose of medication use.
- Potential safety concerns – As tadalafil degrades, chemical impurities may develop, leading to headaches, digestive issues, muscle pain, or other potential side effects. Taking degraded medication may lead to unwanted reactions.
Quick and Easy Ways to Get a New Prescription
Tadalafil is a prescription drug, but you don’t need to visit a doctor to get a fresh prescription. Jack Health offers a fast, secure, and discreet way to renew your tadalafil prescription online.
No one wants to spend hours filling out forms or so. Today, we want everything to be quick. Here’s how to get a quick new Tadalafil prescription:
- Start a free consultation – Answer a few quick health questions from the comfort of your home.
- Receive your prescription – If approved, one of our licensed doctors will issue your prescription.
- Free and discreet delivery – Your medication is shipped quickly and discreetly—straight to your door.
You can also buy refills here if you already have a Tadalafil prescription.
How to Properly Dispose Of Expired Cialis
Expired Cialis should never be flushed or thrown in the trash, as it can contaminate water and pose safety risks.
The good news is that Canadian pharmacies usually offer free disposal services for unused or expired medications. Simply drop them off — no paperwork needed.
Some municipalities also host drug disposal events for Cialis or Sildenafil. Check with your local pharmacy or Health Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Tadalafil (Cialis) expires within 2 to 3 years according to pharmaceutical standards, but you can maintain its potency with proper storage.
- Taking expired Cialis isn’t dangerous but it may be less effective.
- It’s best to get a fresh prescription instead of gambling with the potency of expired Cialis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cialis effective after its expiration date?
Cialis isn’t that effective anymore when it surpasses its expiration date.
Can expired tadalafil be harmful?
Expired Tadalafil is less potent. It could also develop impurities due to chemical breakdown. This can lead to unpredictable results or side effects.
For consumer safety and compliance standards, we suggest that you dispose of expired tadalafil and get a new pack instead.
Does storage temperature affect tadalafil’s potency?
Yes, Taladafil should be properly stored to maintain its potency. Do not expose it to high heat or freezing temperatures. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.