Medical Review by: Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary:
- Viagra® and Cialis® both have specific expiration dates that represent the longest possible time period during which they can be safely and effectively used.
- Expiration dates are established through extensive testing for stability under various conditions by pharmaceutical companies and reviewed by regulatory agencies like the FDA.
- Typically, Viagra® (sildenafil) remains effective for about 2 years from its manufacturing date, provided it’s stored properly.
- Cialis® (tadalafil) generally has a shelf life of 2-3 years from manufacture, with its effectiveness also influenced by storage conditions.
- Using expired Cialis® or Viagra® can lead to reduced effectiveness and potential health risks. Avoid using expired medication and make sure to dispose of it properly through a pharmacy take-back program or by following the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Cialis® and Viagra® are two of the most popular erectile dysfunction treatments—but like all medications, they come with expiration dates. Understanding how these dates are determined and what they represent is vital for using either drug safely and effectively.
Below, we explain what the expiration dates on Viagra® and Cialis® actually mean, what factors can change their potency over time, and the risks associated with using them after the expiration dates have passed. We’ll also include tips on proper storage and disposal so that you can use these medications with confidence.
Expiration dates explained
The expiration date for a given medication means you shouldn’t take it after the time period listed.
Determining the expiration date for a medication involves several stages to ensure accuracy and reduce any potential risks:
- Pharmaceutical companies conduct extensive stability testing on drugs before they go to market. These tests involve exposing the drug to different conditions (like temperature, humidity, and light) over time to observe how its potency changes, and whether any safety issues arise.
- Based on these tests, companies estimate a time period during which the drug is expected to remain stable and effective under specific storage conditions. This period is often conservative to ensure safety and efficacy.
- The data collected is provided to regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review. They ensure that data supports the proposed expiration date before the drug is allowed to go to market.
Sometimes, additional data collected after the drug is on the market can lead to adjustments in the expiration date. For example, if new stability information emerges, a drug’s shelf life might be extended.
Understanding Viagra® shelf life
Viagra®, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil, typically has a shelf life of approximately 2 years from the date of manufacture. As long as Viagra® is stored properly, it can be used safely within this 2-year period. However, various factors can affect this shelf life. Always check your medication packaging to determine the expiration date.
Factors affecting Viagra® potency over time:
- Temperature: Viagra® should be stored at room temperature, 77°F (25°C). Storing it outside this temperature range can cause the drug to degrade and lose effectiveness.
- Humidity: It’s essential to store Viagra® in a dry place. High humidity levels, such as those found in bathrooms or near sinks and showers, can adversely affect medications.
- Light: Exposure to light can also degrade Viagra® like most medications. It should be stored in a dark place, like a drawer or medicine cabinet, to protect it from light exposure.
- Accessibility: Keeping Viagra® in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, is important for safety.
Understanding Cialis® shelf life
Cialis® contains the active ingredient tadalafil, and has a typical shelf life of about 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Like Viagra®, its shelf life can be impacted by several factors:
Factors affecting Cialis® potency over time:
- Temperature: Cialis® should ideally be stored between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Like Viagra®, Cialis® can lose its potency faster when stored outside this temperature range.
- Humidity: High humidity can affect the stability and effectiveness of most medications. Avoid storing Cialis® in places like bathrooms or other humid environments.
- Protection from Light and Air: Storing Cialis® in a dark place (like a medicine cabinet) and keeping it in its original packaging helps protect it from exposure to sunlight and air, which prevents it from oxidizing or being damaged by UV light.
- Accessibility: Keeping Cialis® in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, is important for safety.
The risks of taking expired medications
The FDA does not recommend using any expired drugs, including Viagra® and Cialis®. When drugs pass their expiration date, the chemicals inside often break down, leading to the following risks:
Reduced effectiveness
Changes in the chemical composition of a drug can directly impact its potency. Expired Viagra® or Cialis® may not work as well (or at all) as Viagra® or Cialis® that has not yet reached its expiration date.
Note: some people may be tempted to take more than the recommended amount of Viagra® or Cialis® once it has expired, in order to compensate for its reduced effectiveness. However, this can lead to potentially dangerous side effects (see below).
Potential side effects
When the chemicals in medications like Viagra® or Cialis® break down, they can interact with your body in unexpected ways. These may include:
- Vision problems (when taking more than the recommended dose of Viagra®)
- Feeling itchy or experiencing pins and needles
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Taking more than the recommended dose of Viagra® can also increase your risk for vision problems and low blood pressure (which can consequently increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially if you are taking any drugs containing nitrates).
Only ever take Viagra® or Cialis® as directed by your doctor. Avoid mixing it with other drugs or medications. Do not use it once it expires.
Potential bacterial growth
Expired medications can also be breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. This can lead to vomiting, nausea, and general feelings of unwellness.
Proper storage and disposal
Storing Viagra® & Cialis®
Follow these tips to protect your Viagra® or Cialis® and keep them as safe and effective as possible until their expiration dates:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
- Keep your medication in its original packaging.
- Avoid storing your medication in conditions where it might be exposed to extreme temperatures, such as a hot car or near a heat source.
Disposing of expired Viagra® or Cialis®
Safe methods for disposing of expired or unused medications include:
- Returning them to a pharmacy take-back program.
- Mixing them with a substance like dirt or cat litter in a sealed container and throwing it into your household trash.
- Following specific disposal instructions on the medication label or patient information leaflet.
Do not flush these medications down the toilet or throw them into the trash without following the steps above. This can lead to environmental damage or accidental ingestion by other people or animals.
Learn about erectile dysfunction treatment from Lemonaid Health.
Cialis® is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC. Viagra® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.
