Do you ever stop to think about the significance of the little expiration date that is stamped on ED medications online? Even those little bottles of Tylenol you stashed away in case of sudden pain also contain one. So Viagra has an expiration date too. Thus, do you wonder if the expiration date of Viagra truly matters? What happens if you take expired Viagra? Does Viagra become less effective over time?
Read on to find out the significance of that date.
Does Viagra Have A Shelf Life?
Popular erectile dysfunction (ED) medication Viagra usually has an expiration date stamped on the container, which is important to know for understanding its shelf life. This expiration date on Viagra signifies the amount of time that the drug is anticipated to take to maintain its stability and efficacy. From the date of production, Viagra typically has a shelf life of about 2 to 3 years.
Factors Effecting the Shelf Life of Viagra
The shelf life of Viagra is effected by a number of factors.
1. Storage Conditions
To keep Viagra effective, proper storage is essential. Place it in a dry, shaded area away from moisture and bright sunshine and keep it at room temperature (around 25°C or 77°F). Keep Viagra away from damp areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
2. Packaging
Light, moisture, and air can all accelerate the medication’s degradation; therefore, it’s best to keep Viagra in its original container. You shouldn’t transfer Viagra to other containers unless you really have to.
3. Quality of Ingredients
The caliber of Viagra’s active ingredients also affects its shelf life. For the best quality and most effective results, only buy Viagra from trusted pharmacies.
Does Expired Viagra Work?
The expiration date on Viagra signifies the manufacturer’s promises about the safety and stability of the drug when kept in its original, sealed container.
That doesn’t imply that a medicine becomes naturally unstable the moment its expiration date passes. Medications like Viagra typically have a shelf life of around two years. Even after the drug is expired, the active ingredient in Viagra may still be effective. However, its effectiveness will be diminished due to the decrease in chemical activity. It is also possible for mold or germs to grow on expired Viagra. That’s why, FDA strictly prohibits the use of medicines after they pass their expiration date.
Moreover, valid research on the efficacy of Viagra beyond its expiration date is lacking, and the role of other variables, such as lot variation and storage conditions, is also unclear.
What Are The Possible Risk Of Using Expired Viagra?
As I mentioned above, the FDA advises against taking medications after their expiration dates due to stability concerns. Medications have a constant risk of losing some of their efficacy as they expire due to changes in their chemical makeup. It’s possible that prolonged exposure to high temperatures or humidity has caused the active ingredient in medicines to degrade.
When using Viagra as prescribed, you may experience some of the following adverse effects: flushing, headaches, nausea, light sensitivity, runny nose, and aches and pains. However, major adverse effects are also possible after using expired Viagra, such as chest pain, erections that last more than four hours, difficulty breathing, and alterations to one’s vision. Even if you’ve taken Viagra before, it’s hard to predict if you might experience adverse effects after the expiration date has passed.
Also Read: Rhino Pills Vs Viagra
What Is The Proper Way To Dispose Of The Expired Viagra?
If your Viagra has expired, here are the best, safest ways to get rid of it:
- Take a look at the Trusted Source disposal instructions. The best way to dispose of medication is usually specified on the label. Pay close attention to those directions.
- Find out whether there is a drug take-back program in your area. Typically, these programs ask that you fill out a form. Take your unwanted or expired Viagra to certified locations on DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days to be safely disposed of.
- Put old Viagra in a sealed container with some dirt and throw it away when it expires. Keep Viagra in a sealed container; otherwise, kids, dogs, and other family members might be able to access it easily.
- Do not dispose of old Viagra by flushing it down the toilet. Viagra has environmental risks and is not included in the FDA’s official flush list (Trusted Source).
Also Read: Frequently Asked Questions About Viagra
Key Takeaway: Prioritize Your Safety
To sum up, the shelf life of Viagra typically ranges from 2 to 3 years. Even though you can safely use Viagra past its expiration date, you might not get the full benefit of it because of the gradual loss of potency. It is typically advised that you should not use Viagra after its expiration date has passed. This will help to maintain your safety and get the greatest possible results. Properly dispose of expired Viagra and consult your doctor for a fresh prescription. You can even buy prescription medication online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Expired Viagra?
Your health and safety are in danger if you use Viagra after its expiration date. Although it could be perfectly fine to use it after the expiration date, the medicine may lose a lot of its efficiency and strength over time. This means that using expired Viagra might not work as intended, which could be disappointing and frustrating.
In addition, the active components in outdated prescription may have degraded or changed, which could lead to allergic reactions or other negative effects such as stomach pain
Diarrhea, seizures, and heart attacks. Avoid using outdated Viagra and, if necessary, see your doctor for a fresh prescription to prioritize your safety and ensure optimal results. Always keep your medication in its original, sealed container for the sake of your health.
Does Viagra Have A Use By Date?
Yes.The box of Viagra, like all other medications, usually has a use-by-date stamped on it, which indicates how long the medication is expected to stay stable and effective when maintained correctly.
Does Viagra Become Less Effective Over Time?
Yes, the efficacy of Viagra might decrease with time, especially after the expiration date has passed. To keep the medicine effective for as long as possible, you must store and handle it properly.
