Does Sildenafil Expire? What You Need to Know

Sildenafil—commonly known by the brand name Viagra—is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Like all prescription drugs, sildenafil has an expiration date, but what does that really mean for safety and effectiveness?

If you’ve had sildenafil sitting in your medicine cabinet for a while, you might be wondering: Does sildenafil expire? The short answer is yes. Let’s break down what that means and how it could impact your health.

What Is an Expiration Date?

The expiration date on prescription medications is the final day the manufacturer guarantees full potency and safety of the drug. These dates are determined through rigorous stability testing under specific storage conditions. After that point, the medication may not work as well—or, in some cases, at all.

For sildenafil, the expiration date is typically 1–2 years from the date of manufacture, but this can vary depending on the pharmacy and storage conditions.

What Happens If You Take Expired Sildenafil?

Taking expired sildenafil isn’t likely to be dangerous, but it might be ineffective. Over time, the active ingredient can degrade, meaning it may not produce the intended results, such as improved blood flow or enhanced erectile function.

Some key risks of taking expired sildenafil include:

• Reduced effectiveness
• Wasted dosage (you may think the dose “didn’t work” when in reality, it’s lost potency)
• Delayed treatment (especially if you're depending on it for intimacy or managing a medical condition like PAH)

Can Expired Sildenafil Make You Sick?

Generally, expired sildenafil isn’t known to become toxic, but it’s still not recommended to take any medication past its expiration date. The FDA and most healthcare providers advise against it because potency and purity are no longer guaranteed.

How to Store Sildenafil Properly

To get the full shelf life out of your medication, keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or anywhere it might be exposed to humidity.

Tips for proper storage:

• Keep tablets in their original packaging
• Store at room temperature (68°F–77°F or 20°C–25°C)
• Do not refrigerate unless the label specifically says to

What Should You Do With Expired Sildenafil?

If you discover expired sildenafil in your cabinet, don’t flush it down the toilet or throw it in the trash. Instead, follow proper medication disposal guidelines:

• Use a local drug take-back program (often offered by pharmacies)
• Mix it with an unappealing substance like coffee grounds and place it in a sealed container before disposal
• Check FDA drug disposal instructions

Need a Refill or New Prescription?

If your sildenafil has expired or you’re unsure whether it’s still effective, it’s a good time to consult with a licensed medical provider. At AlphaMD, we make that process simple. Our online telehealth platform allows men and women to consult with board-certified clinicians from the comfort of home. If treatment is right for you, medications like sildenafil are delivered directly to your door in discreet packaging.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, sildenafil does expire—typically 1–2 years after manufacture
• Expired medication may not be harmful, but it likely won’t be effective
• Always store medications properly and dispose of them safely
• Don’t rely on expired medications for treating ED or any medical condition

Your health and treatment outcomes are too important to leave to chance. If it’s time to refresh your prescription or talk to a provider, AlphaMD is here to support your care every step of the way.