This little blue pill is obviously the best-known medication which can help address erectile dysfunction in men (symptomatically).
Viagra contains an active ingredient called sildenafil, which has been known to revive the potency in impotent men.
Each product has a shelf life. Viagra is no exception!
However, it can be stored for a long time, since most of the tablets in medicine are characterized by increased durability.
What is shelf-life of this medication and how to store it properly?
Does Viagra Expire?
Fast Way: Yes, it can expire!
Usually packs with Viagra have information about expiration date. Basically the ‘deadline’ is 2 years from the manufacturing data, but it can vary depending on the storage conditions.
Sildenafil tabs are conventionally formulated and manufactures with the use of standard pharmaceutical technologies.
If you cannot find exp. date on the package, try to find date of manufacture stamp and simply count 2 years after that.
Some websites claim that Viagra’s shelf-life is 5 years, but this information should be treated with skepticism.
Can You Take Expired Viagra?
Expiration of the pharmaceutical can mean that it loses its efficiency. Some components may start to decompose.
Notice
It is not recommended to take expired Viagra, because this can lead to some undesirable effects.
However, some patients might consider Shelf Life Extension Program (SLEP), a joint program by the FDA and the United States Department of Defense which purpose is to research expiration of drugs. According to the SLEP, 90% of medications maintain the same efficiency even after expiration date.
However, to maintain effectiveness pharmaceuticals should be stored properly (see the section below).
In any case, if the package or blister shows a date that has long expired, then you should not take such Viagra.
If the expiration date has not expired, but the tablets have too loose texture, are soft and disintegrate into particles in the hands or in the blister, then this indicates that Viagra was stored incorrectly, which led to spoilage of the drug.
Read an interesting article on the point: What Is Viagra Made Of?
Is Out of Date Viagra Dangerous?
Potential Side Effects of Expired Blue Pill
The expired medication may still work; however, its efficacy may be reduced.
Besides, some individuals may experience various side effects, including but not limited to:
- vision abnormalities
- tingly feeling
- muscle ache and backache
- stomach disorders
- itchiness
- upset stomach and diarrhea
How to Store Viagra Properly?
According to the European Medicine Agency and other healthcare / medical authorities, the product should be stored below 30ºC.
You can safely store Viagra at home. The main thing is that the room temperature does not rise above 30ºC.
The best option is to place the tablets in a dark chest of drawers or closet, where they will be protected from exposure to sunlight and moisture.
Do not freeze Viagra or expose it to overheating. In addition, make sure that no water or other liquid gets on the packaging.
Note that the expiration date does not depend on whether the packaging is open or closed. The blisters in which the tablets are stored ensure their proper preservation for a long period of time.
However, if you take a pill from a blister, it becomes more susceptible to negative external influences.
It is also very important to keep Viagra in a place that children will not have access to. Take a look at leaflet for more information.
