Does Cialis (Tadalafil) expire?

Does Cialis (Tadalafil) expire?

Yes, Cialis (Tadalafil) does expire, like every other medication on this planet. Cialis usually comes with a shelf-life of about 2-3 years. Once the drug is past its labelled expiration date, it’s not recommended to take it. 

Now Cialis doesn’t really turn toxic once it expires as research does not show any chemical degradation of this medication. However, it could lose its potency and there’s no way to determine how much potency is left. 

This is why The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends staying away from expired meds, just to be safe, as expired meds have no guarantee regarding their safety and efficacy (1).

Potential risks of taking expired Cialis

Taking expired Cialis can pose several potential risks due to the deterioration of the medication over time. As stated earlier, when a medication expires, its chemical composition may change, leading to reduced effectiveness (1). 

This means that the expired Cialis may not work as intended in treating erectile dysfunction (2,3). Moreover, expired medications can become less stable, which might result in harmful byproducts that could cause adverse effects on your health.

These effects could range from mild discomfort to more severe reactions. It’s essential to avoid taking expired Cialis and to dispose of any outdated medications properly. 

The proper use of Cialis is essential to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic response. It is important not to cut or crush Cialis tablets as it can affect the content uniformity and stability of the drug. However, some alternatives to Cialis, like Viagra, can be cut in half.

How to store Cialis properly to extend its shelf-life?

Properly storing Cialis is essential to extend its shelf-life and maintain its effectiveness. To do this, store the medication in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture (4). Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, such as freezing or high heat, as these can degrade the medication.

It’s best to keep Cialis in its original container with the lid tightly closed to prevent air and moisture from getting in. Additionally, ensure that you keep Cialis out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion (4). 

Always check the expiration date before taking the medication and discard any expired or outdated pills responsibly. By following these storage guidelines, you can help ensure that your Cialis remains safe and effective for as long as possible.

How to properly dispose of expired Cialis? 

When it comes to disposing of expired Cialis or any other medication, it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. First, remove the medication from its original container and place it in another bag, preferably with other waste products so you won’t accidentally use it.

You can dispose of it in your household trash bin, making sure to conceal the package to maintain privacy. Avoid flushing expired Cialis down the toilet or throwing it directly in the sink, as it can contaminate water sources. 

If you have any concerns or questions about the proper disposal of expired medication, consult your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for further guidance. Remember, safe disposal helps protect the environment and ensures the medication doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Don’t Be Tempted to Use Expired Medicines [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2021. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines.

2.-

Minhas S, Kalsi JS, Ralph DJ. Cialis (tadalafil): a new treatment for erectile dysfunction. Hosp Med. 2003 Oct;64(10):589-92. doi: 10.12968/hosp.2003.64.10.2323. PMID: 14584238. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14584238/

3.-

LABEL: CIALIS- tadalafil tablet, film coated. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from:  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=ebddb745-81f9-4b25-8739-b2886032ed26&type=pdf

4.-

Funk OG, Yung R, Arrighi S, Lee S. Medication Storage Appropriateness in US Households. Inov Pharm. 2021;12(2):1–15. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8326694/pdf/21550417-12-02-3822.pdf