Technically, no studies have been performed specifically on expired Viagra® or its generic counterpart sildenafil. However, testing other medications has shown that they remain stable as long as up to 15 years past their expiry dates.
However, the duration can vary wildly based on factors such as storage conditions, so taking sildenafil past its expiration date – whether branded or generic – isn’t recommended.
The short answer? Sildenafil, like all medicines, expires. The ingredients that comprise sildenafil degrade over time, leading to an overall reduction in potency each day past its expiry date.
Let’s go on a deep dive on how long you can reasonably expect sildenafil to work, what the risks are, and how to dispose of expired sildenafil properly.
Will expired sildenafil (Viagra®) work?
Under the law and regulations set forth by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both prescription and over-the-counter medicines are mandated to have an expiration date.
Now, expiration dates don’t necessarily signify the exact date or month that a particular medication will go bad. Rather, they serve as a time frame in which medicine is known to be effective and chemically stable when stored properly.
However, as the FDA itself admits, many drugs remain stable long after their expiry date. Moreover, the FDA itself has tested the effectiveness of many drugs after their expiry dates in line with its Shelf Life Extension Program.
Now, the question remains: will that 5-year-old bottle of Viagra® still work? Based on the FDA’s tests, approximately 90% of drugs they test are good for as long as 15 years past their expiration date. However, with regard to expired Viagra®, no publicly-released studies have been conducted, therefore we really have no idea if that piece of information still applies.
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
Free Express
Shipping
Discreet
Shipping
No Waiting
Rooms
How long is the shelf life of sildenafil (Viagra®)?
Viagra® is made of ingredients that remain chemically potent for a certain time frame, including sildenafil citrate – its active ingredient.
Granted, they might still work years after they were first manufactured. However, the diminishing chemical composition means it won’t work as well.
Moreover, expired medicine may grow toxic mold or bacteria.
Generally, sildenafil (Viagra®) has a shelf life of about 2 years, comparable its other kin in the PDE5 inhibitor family of ED drugs as follows:
- Stendra® (avanafil)
- Cialis® (tadalafil)
- Levitra/Staxyn® (vardenafil)
What will happen if you take expired sildenafil (Viagra®)?
In general, you should refrain from taking expired medicine. If you do, the best-case scenario is that it just won’t have the same potency, if any. The worst-case scenario is you’ll feel quite ill.
Viagra® or generic sildenafil like its PDE5 inhibitor counterparts works by targeting PDE5. PDE5 is an enzyme regulating blood flow in the penis responsible for muscle contractions in the smooth penile muscles. When this enzyme is inhibited, blood flows more freely, leading to firmer erections for ED patients.
There is no guarantee that this mechanism of action will work as efficiently as it should if you take expired Viagra®. Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra®, begins to break down over time, leading to a reduction on its inhibiting effect on PDE5.
Thus, what happens if you take expired sildenafil? Most likely nothing. But that’s not what you want if you depend on it to fight your ED. To get the desired full effect that will give you that performance boost you need, make sure it’s well within its expiry date.
What are the side effects of taking expired Viagra®?
Under normal circumstances, the most common side effects of Viagra® or generic sildenafil are as follows:
- Flushing
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sensitivity to light
- Nasal congestion
- Body pains
More serious side effects may include angina (chest pain), priapism (a rare, painful condition consisting of an erection for more than 4 hours), changes in vision or hearing, or shortness of breath.
Once Viagra® or its generic equivalent expires, it’s hard to know if you’ll develop side effects when you take it, even if you’ve already done it before.
The best way to store sildenafil is by keeping it in a dry place at room temperature. Avoid storing it in places exposed to heat and humidity.
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
Free Express
Shipping
Discreet
Shipping
No Waiting
Rooms
How do I dispose of expired medicine like sildenafil (Viagra®)?
Here are the most environmentally-sustainable ways to dispose of expired medicine like sildenafil are as follows:
- Medicine labels contain disposal instructions. Follow the instructions carefully to safely dispose of expired medicine..
- Your city or state might have a drug-take-back site or program. Also, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) offers a similar drug take-back day where you can take your expired medicines like expired sildenafil for safe disposal and recycling.
- Throw expired medicines in a sealed container mixed with cat litter, organic waste, or dirt. Avoid throwing entire packages with expired medicine inside them, as they might make their way to children, companion animals, or other household members.
- Do not dispose of expired Viagra® down the toilet – it may be dangerous to the environment. Moreover, it isn’t part of the FDA-approved list of drugs that can be flushed.
Should you take expired sildenafil (Viagra®)?
Taking expired Viagra® may cause potential side effects, apart from not working as it should. Refrain from taking expired Viagra® and dispose of it safely. Consult your doctor about refilling a prescription in case you still have lingering symptoms of ED.
Lastly, you might want to explore alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction such as other ED drugs like tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil, or make some lifestyle changes that may help you improve your ED symptoms without needing medication. Never take Viagra® without a prescription.
