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Highlights
- Research shows that most medications remain stable after one year past their expiration date.
- Even if a drug is “stable” after its expiration date, its effectiveness diminishes over time.
- Viagra can remain effective for one to two years after prescription, but it may be less effective after its printed expiration date.
- The risk of negative side effects is low for taking expired Viagra, but by five years of original prescription, Viagra will stop working.
- Store your Viagra in a cool, dry, and dark place to avoid the medication’s breaking down more quickly over time.
How long does unused Viagra last? This is an important question. You want all of your medications to be effective when you need them. With a drug like Viagra, this is especially important, as you want it to be fully effective when you need it. [Español]
The Shelf Life of Prescription Medications
So, does Viagra expire? The short answer is yes. However, in 2019, a group of British scientists published the results of a study that indicated that many drugs remain stable and effective beyond their printed expiration date, even when not maintained in strictly controlled conditions.
The scientists, part of the British Antarctic Survey, were interested in the effect that shelf life had on medicine, as they are responsible for the care of researchers in very remote areas. The Antarctic bases that the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit serves often receive resupply only once a year. What’s more, the drugs that are supplied are often subjected to wild temperature fluctuations.
To determine whether the medications being supplied to the bases in the Antarctic remained safe and effective over the course of a year, the researchers tested a wide array of drugs for their stability over time. Their results showed that all tested drugs remained stable over the year, even with the temperature fluctuations.
What Is the Shelf Life of Viagra (sildenafil)?
If stored properly, prescription and generic Viagra can remain effective for more than a year.
While the British Antarctic study did not specifically study the Viagra pill, some of the researcher’s conclusions may still be valid for the drug and its generic counterpart, sildenafil. The study supports the earlier work of the Shelf Life Extension Program run by the United States military, which found that most drugs remain effective after the printed expiration date on the label.
What lowers the effectiveness of many drugs, over time, is the breakdown of molecules that make up the active ingredient. For Viagra, this is the compound sildenafil nitrate. (Generic Viagra is sold as sildenafil.)
Most users will not subject their Viagra to the wild temperature fluctuations of shipment from the U.K. to Antarctica. This means that if stored properly, Viagra can remain effective for more than a year.
While the general recommendation is to take Viagra within one year for full effectiveness, a 2002 European study of the molecular stability of sildenafil found that “2-years shelf life is acceptable for [sildenafil] when the product is stored below 30 degrees C.” This is equivalent to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Happens to Viagra Over Time?
Viagra and sildenafil, like any drug, lose their effectiveness over time as the molecules in the drug break down. Depending on how you store your Viagra, this may mean that for full effectiveness, you will need to take the medication within one year of prescription. After that point, Viagra will become less and less effective. By five years from its manufacture date, it will be completely inert, and you won’t get any benefit.
How Can I Extend the Shelf Life of Viagra?
We know that at times, you will use more of your erectile dysfunction medication; other times, you will use less. You’d like your prescription to last as long as possible. So is there anything you can do to help it last longer?
Here’s what the research says:
- Keep it cool. Lower, controlled temperatures will help extend the effective life of many medications. Exposure of medicines to storage in high temperatures means a faster breakdown of the molecules that make the drug effective. As the previous study noted, you need to keep Viagra at below 30 degrees Celsius/86 degrees Fahrenheit without major temperature fluctuations.
- Store it in a dark place. Exposing Viagra/sildenafil to strong light will speed up the breakdown of the active ingredients, indicating that the medication should always be stored in an opaque bottle in a dark place.
- Don’t keep it in the bathroom. The bathroom is not the best place to store your medications, even though it is the most common choice for most people. Bathrooms get hot from showers and baths, and both heat and temperature fluctuations can reduce the effectiveness of your Viagra.
Some sites will recommend that you keep your Viagra in the refrigerator to extend its effectiveness even further. There is not, however, readily available scientific evidence that this will help.
Key takeaway: Your best bet is to keep Viagra in a cool, dark place that does not experience temperature changes, such as your linen closet.
What Happens If You Take Expired Viagra?
You probably won’t experience problems other than lower effectiveness levels. The only side effects that may come from taking expired Viagra are the same side effects that you would experience from full-strength Viagra. These may include bladder pain; burning in the chest, stomach, or skin; problems with urination; stomach upset; or blood pressure fluctuations.
If you take Viagra more than a year after the prescription date, there will simply be less of the active ingredient in it to affect you, so those side effects may be milder. You should still not take Viagra, even “expired” Viagra, if you have a severe reaction to a full dose.
Time for a New Prescription? Talk to a Physician for Free
If you have further questions about brand-name Viagra or generic sildenafil, it’s best to talk to a doctor. At eDrugstore, we offer free medical consultations with licensed doctors in the U.S. who can answer your questions and talk to you about what medications are right for you.
With our licensed physicians and pharmacists, we have been dispensing Viagra quickly, discreetly, and cost-effectively for over 20 years. There’s simply no reason to suffer any longer with ED. Check out our medication guide and place your order with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Viagra dosage, and how do I know which is right for me?
The typical Viagra dosage is usually available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. The right dosage depends on factors such as your age, overall health, and how your body responds to the medication. Most men typically start with 50mg as it’s a commonly prescribed dosage. However, your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and health conditions.
How long does Viagra last after you take it?
Viagra generally lasts 4 to 6 hours after ingestion. This period reflects when the medication remains effective, helping men achieve and maintain erections. However, the exact duration can vary depending on factors like age, metabolism, and dosage.
Is Viagra 50mg the standard dosage for most men?
Viagra 50mg is a common starting dosage for many men, but it may not be the right dosage for everyone. Some men may benefit more from 25mg or 100mg based on their individual response and medical history. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
What is the process for getting an online Viagra prescription?
The process for getting an online Viagra prescription involves:
- Completing a health questionnaire or undergoing a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare provider.
- The provider will evaluate your medical history to determine if Viagra is appropriate.
- If approved, they will issue a prescription that allows you to buy Viagra online through a licensed pharmacy.
How does Viagra work for men?
Viagra works by enhancing blood flow to the penis, helping men achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. It inhibits the enzyme PDE5, which relaxes blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow during arousal. Viagra is not an aphrodisiac but improves erectile function.
How to use Viagra for best results?
To use Viagra for best results, follow these tips:
- Take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity on an empty stomach for quicker onset.
- Avoid heavy or high-fat meals as they may delay the medication’s effects.
- Avoid alcohol and grapefruit, which can interfere with the medication.
- Use as directed by your healthcare provider and never exceed the prescribed dosage.
Elizabeth Nichols is an experienced and flexible author with extensive experience in both popular media and academic publishing. She specializes in health, medical and travel writing.