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Question:
In the deepest, darkest recesses of my medicine cabinet, I’ve discovered a Viagra tablet that must be at least 12 months old and could be as much as 18 months old. Is it safe to take it? And will its effects be pretty much the same as if it were new?
Rhett K., Fort Worth, TX
Who Is ED Staff
April 22, 2020 at 5:11 pm
ANSWER:
Hi Rhett!
If it’s only about a year old, it should work pretty much as well as new. However, beyond that point the molecules in the pill gradually break down to such an extent that its effects eventually are not what they would be if the tablet were new. Generally speaking, the molecules in an oral medication such as Viagra will have broken down to the point that the drug is inert by the five-year mark. Regardless of its age, you’re unlikely to experience any ill effects if you take the pill, unless of course it’s discolored, crumbling, or appears to have come into contact and interacted with another medication. That said, if it’s so old as to have lost its potency, neither will you experience any positive effects on your ability to get and keep an erection. It’s best to keep prescription medications in the containers that they originally came in. That way, you can readily determine the age of the pills therein. If you are depending on Viagra to come through for you on an upcoming date, don’t run the risk of disappointment by using a drug of unknown age.
Thanks,
Who Is ED Staff