What Happens if You Take an Expired Viagra
Viagra, also known as sildenafil, is a drug used to manage erectile dysfunction in men. And as in all other drugs, the ingredients and chemicals (like sildenafil citrate) that make sildenafil break down over time. This breakdown can reduce the drug’s effectiveness till it is non-existent and even harmful.
What Happens if You Take an Expired Viagra
Viagra, also known as sildenafil, typically maintains its maximum effectiveness for around two years after manufacture. Beyond this timeframe, the medication may work better. For safety and optimal results, it’s best to:
- Dispose of expired medication responsibly and purchase a new one.
- Discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor if needed.
How to store Viagra for Optimal Effectiveness
To ensure that your sildenafil lasts as long as possible, you should take the following steps:
- Cool, dry container: Like all medications, keep it stored in a cool and dry place; if not, regardless of shelf life, you might find yourself consuming something harmful in place of sildenafil.
Keep away from sunlight, cold, and humidity, as extreme temperatures can be harmful.
- Don’t stockpile:
Do more than just get it stored at home. If you have no plans of using it anytime soon, wait till you have use for it.
- Tightly sealed container: Make sure the lid is always tightly covered when not in use to prevent moisture exposure and contamination.
What are the downsides of using expired Viagra?
Depending on how long it has expired and the conditions in which it was stored, the following may occur:
Nothing – in this case, the efficacy may be significantly reduced so much that it does not work well or at all for erectile dysfunction. This is usually the best-case scenario.
There is no specific evidence on the toxicity of expired Viagra, but its typical side effects may be exacerbated and manifested in expired Viagra.
In the worst-case scenario, you may experience one or all of the following symptoms:
- nausea
- vision problems
- diarrhoea
- aches or pains in muscles, especially the back
- itchiness
- feeling pins and needles throughout your body
- stomach pain
- seizures
- heart attacks
If you’ve taken an expired Viagra and noticed any of these side effects, stop using it immediately. Any unused, expired Viagra should be appropriately disposed of.
Even after expiry, you may still be able to take sildenafil, but you must consult your doctor to know if it is still safe. Your doctor will let you know if you can still use it, and if not, you will get a new prescription filled.
In instances like this, ensure that you dispose of the expired drug properly to avoid poisoning someone else or polluting the environment.
Tips to Manage Erectile Dysfunction
Avoid alcohol; first, it can interfere with drugs like sildenafil. It may also impede blood flow, which is responsible for erection.
- Healthy weight: Eat nutritious meals and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight because fat and build-up of cholesterol may increase the risks of erectile dysfunction.
- Reduce or quit smoking: Tobacco and nicotine can also restrict blood flow to the penis and aggravate ED.
- Get enough sleep: A good night’s sleep reduces cortisol from stress and other toxins in the blood, which can affect your normal bodily functions.
Dispose of expired Viagra immediately and talk to your doctor about refilling your prescription if you’re still experiencing symptoms of ED.
Expired Viagra can cause unwanted side effects and may not work the way it’s supposed to. It may also cause complications with contamination, so it is better not to risk it.
