What Happens If You Take Expired Sildenafil?

Introduction

Sildenafil is a commonly prescribed medication which helps males deal with erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow to the penis. Like all medications, sildenafil is stamped with an expiration date. Many people have the same question: what happens if you take sildenafil that is already expired? Does it still work? Is it safe? Does it cause adverse effects?

There is an ongoing public need to understand the risks and ramifications of expiry medication.

This guide precis all the research that has been conducted on expired sildenafil medications and the effects of these medications on the individual and on the public.

Does Sildenafil Really Expire?

Yes. Like all medicines, sildenafil also has expiry dates. This is the date which the manufacturer has provided to ensure that the medicines have the desired effect as well as the physician’s approval, provided that the medications are kept under the required conditions. However, the medication is simply ineffective.

All medications are subjected to a breakdown process if they are kept in conditions of high humidity, high temperatures, or light. That will also be the case with sildenafil medications. Long term exposure to these elements of nature will cause the medicine to lose their desired potency.

What Happens If You Take Expired Sildenafil?

Reduced Effectiveness

In the case of expired sildenafil, the most common issue is with the effectiveness of the medication.

Most common of which are:

• A slower or delayed response
• A potentially weaker erection
• A shorter duration of action
• It may produce no noticeable effect at all

Loss of potency is most commonly associated with how the medication is stored. For example, pills stored in a cool, dry place may last slightly longer, but pills exposed to heat or humidity lose effectiveness at a much faster rate. If expired sildenafil feels weak, you may think about higher doses.

Learn when 200 mg is considered in our guide: “Can I Take 200 mg of Sildenafil?”

Mild Side Effects May Be More Noticeable

Mild side effects may be more noticeable, but expired medication is unlikely to inflict serious harm.

More noticeable side effects that may occur are:

• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Flushing
• Upset stomach
• Fatigue

The effects of expired medication are generally similar to those of fresh sildenafil, but may feel slightly more pronounced or inconsistent due to a breakdown in the medication’s chemistry.

Chemical Breakdown Can Make the Drug Unreliable

The active ingredient in sildenafil slowly degrades over time. Unpredictably, the medication may remove the efficacy of the medication. While sildenafil most typically doesn’t pose a toxic threat to one’s health, the chemical breakdown can affect how the body reacts to the medication in an unpredictable manner.

• The issue with this is primarily the unpredictability of the drug.
• The medication may work one day, and fail to work the other.
• The side effects may be stronger, or even weaker.
• The time taken to activate may be longer.
• The medication may be absorbed unevenly.

Because of this, a noticeable decline of confidence may occur during intimacy, which may cause frustration.

Higher risk if it was stored improperly

Heat-activated storage decreases the shelf life of expired sildenafil. Exposure to the heat and humidity of bathrooms and vehicles and prolonged exposure to sunlight will increase the rate of unsafe deterioration.

Expired sildenafil stored poorly also has

• Irritation
• Discomfort stomach
• Effects are unstable
• Ingredients break down faster

Is Expired Sildenafil Dangerous?

Usually, expired, poorly stored sildenafil is not dangerous because it is not toxic. Still, because it is unpredictable and has vast differences between individuals, it is not considered safe.

Risks are higher with:

• large doses of expired sildenafil
• Is with alcohol
• Is with nitrates or heart medications
• Tablets from unverified online pharmacies
• Heart, kidney, or high/low blood pressure problems

Unpredictable responses include excess dizziness, rapid drops in blood pressure, and more.

Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or changes in vision.

Signs your sildenafil has gone bad

Expired medications are unsafe and unwise to take, particularly if there are visual or physical changes to the pills. This is true even if the expiration date has recently passed.

Be on the lookout for:

• Changes in color, including faded patterns
• Any signs of cracks, or if it looks powdery
• Unusually strong or odd-smelling
• Sticky or overly soft
• Damaged or opened package

You need to dispose of the medication if any of the above.

Expired Sildenafil Alternatives

If you come across expired tablets, the best option is to obtain new ones with a fresh prescription. A few of the alternatives include:

Acquiring New Sildenafil

• Obtain a new prescription for clear efficacy and reliable results.

Other Alternatives for Erectile Dysfunction Medications

• There’s an array of other alternatives based on personal needs and/or tolerances.

Alternatives Beyond Medications

• Certain other lifestyle modifications are also beneficial for sexual function, including stress management, exercise, adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy body weight, etc.

Guidelines for Proper Sildenafil Storage

These guidelines are important for maintaining the effectiveness of the medication for as long as possible.

Some other suggestions include:

• Keep it in a cool, dry area with a temperature no higher than 20-25°C
• Avoid storage in bathrooms and other humid areas
• Keep in a place that doesn’t get direct sunlight
• Leave in the original package
• Don’t remove the tablets from the original package to place in a clear plastic bag
• If stored correctly, the medication will be just as useful even long after the expire date.

Conclusion

There is not much risk in taking expired sildenafil, but it is generally not effective, so might not be worth taking anyway. Expired medications tend to be less effective, take longer to absorb, and cause more side effects due to the drug breaking down chemically. Accessing a new, unexpired medication will make the experience much more effective and promote a lower side effect profile. When it comes to expired sildenafil, it is always better to be safe, and that means replacing it.