Cialis is used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED), which is the inability of men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) to get and maintain an erection.
You can also regularly use a low dose of Cialis to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
Cialis contains the active ingredient Tadalafil, which belongs to the class of PDE5 inhibitors.
It is the longest-lasting ED pill whose effects last for 36 hours in the body.
However, like any other medicine, Cialis can break down and expire.
In this article, we will discuss the time it takes to expire. We will also elaborate on all the factors affecting the shelf life of Cialis.
What is the shelf life of Cialis
Shelf life refers to the period during which a product can be stored before it is no longer suitable for consumption or use.
The shelf life of Cialis is usually two years from the date of manufacturing.
Beyond this period, the medication may no longer guarantee safety and effectiveness.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to print the expiration date of medicines on their packaging.
You can generally find the expiration date on the label of the medicine. It may start with the letters ‘EXP.’ or something similar.
Always check the expiration date before buying or taking a medicine. This simple precaution ensures that the medicine has intended therapeutic properties and adheres to its safety standards.
Do other ED medications like Viagra have expiration dates as well? Explore the answer in this article – Does Viagra Expire? Bursting The Myths.
Shop Cialis and its generic versions (Tadalafil) at Cheap Medicine Shop:
Can you use expired Cialis
The FDA recommends not using drugs after their expiration dates.
Therefore, you should not use Cialis past its expiration date because of two reasons.
It may become less effective
Over time, Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) may break down.
Its chemical structure degrades, and its efficacy in treating ED may be reduced.
Thus, Cialis loses its potency after its shelf life (2 years).
Expired medications can be risky
Source: Syda_ProductionsMedications become less safe to use after they expire.
For example, certain medications can be affected by bacterial growth that may affect your health if ingested.
You may be at more risk of experiencing adverse effects if you take expired Cialis (Tadalafil).
Common side effects of Cialis include:
If you experience severe adverse effects after using expired Cialis, contact your doctor immediately.
If your Cialis is not yielding the desired results, expiration could be a contributing factor. Explore all the reasons in this article – “What Could Be The Possible Reason for Cialis Not Working?“.
How to Store Cialis
It is essential to store prescription medicines properly.
If not stored properly as directed, Cialis may lose potency before expiration.
Proper storage conditions are essential to keep the medicine safe and effective.
Heat, dampness, and humidity can trigger the breakdown of the chemical compounds of the medicine.
It may also fasten the growth of infectious fungal mold or bacteria.
Generally, you can store medicines in a cool and dry place. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or within reach of children.
Let us discuss these tips on how to store Cialis properly in detail.
Cool and dry place
You should store Cialis in a cool and dry place with no heat or moisture. Excess heat or moisture can cause the medicine to break down and become unsuitable for use.
Suitable places to store may include desk drawers, kitchen cabinets, closets, or any place away from direct sunlight and excess heat.
Out of reach of children
Source: Getty_imagesIt is essential to store Cialis or other ED medications like Viagra out of the reach of children.
Cialis is meant for use by males only and is unsuitable for children.
Keep Cialis out of sight of children or in locked cabinets where they can’t reach them.
Avoid storing Cialis in the bathroom
You should store Cialis away from moisture and heat. A bathroom has a lot of heat and humidity, which can cause the medicine to go bad.
Avoid storing Cialis in the bathroom cabinets or other damp places.
Keep original containers
Keep Cialis in its original containers and take it out as needed. Don’t try to store it in pill organizers or other containers.
Storing it in the original containers will help you maximize the shelf life of Cialis.
Additionally, you must dispose of all unused, expired Cialis responsibly.
How to dispose of expired Cialis
You should dispose of expired Cialis or other medications rather than using them.
Cialis is not on FDA’s flush list for certain medicines. This means it does not need to be immediately flushed down the toilet and can be thrown in the trash.
The best way of disposing of expired medicines would be to take them to takeback locations.
But bringing them to take back locations might not always be possible. You can follow these steps at your home to dispose of Cialis.
1. Mix medicines with an unappealing substance
The FDA suggests mixing expired medicines with an unappealing substance such as dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter.
This will prevent others from using or accessing the medication. Do not crush the medicines if they are in tablet or capsule form.
2. Storing in a sealed container
Place the mixture of medications and coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter in a sealed container or plastic bag.
3. Dispose of the container
From here on, you can dispose of the sealed container like regular trash.
4. Scratch out
Remember to scratch or remove your personal details from the container of prescription medicines to make them unreadable.
They are set up to prevent the inappropriate disposal of medications, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the regular trash as these can harm the environment.
Does Cialis expire: Final outlook
The short answer is YES!
Like any other medicine, Cialis does expire.
The shelf life of Cialis is generally two years from the date of manufacture.
You should not use the medication beyond this period.
Using expired medicines may not give the desired effects and also increase the risk of side effects.
Properly storing Cialis or any other medication is important to maximize its shelf life. Keep the medicines in a cool and dry place out of the reach of children.
If you find expired medications, you should dispose of them properly instead of using them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cialis lose effectiveness over time?
Yes, Cialis can lose effectiveness over time.
It has a shelf life of 2 years and using it beyond its expiration date may result in reduced potency.
It is essential to check the expiration date on the packaging and avoid using expired medications for safety and efficacy reasons.
Is 3 year old Cialis still good?
Usually, the shelf life of Cialis is two years from the date of manufacture. This means that it will expire two years after the day of its manufacture.
So if you have a three-year-old Cialis, it might be expired. You should not use expired medicines due to safety and efficacy concerns.
What is the half-life for Cialis?
The half-life of Cialis is 17.5 hours. This means that it takes 17.5 hours for half of Cialis to start to leave the bloodstream.
However, the effects of Cialis can last much longer, up to 36 hours.
Does Cialis work better than Viagra?
The effects of Cialis last up to 36 hours, whereas Viagra usually last 4 to 6 hours from consumption. For this reason, many may prefer Cialis over Viagra.
But you should consult your doctor and discuss which Erectile Dysfunction pill is better for you.
Can I break Cialis in half?
Cialis comes in the form of oral tablets that you need to swallow as a whole. You should not cut or break the pill in half as it can affect its working or effectiveness.
If you are unable to swallow the tablet, consult your doctor on other ways you can take the medicine.
More Articles on Cialis
- Know all About Cialis: Uses, How it Works, Side Effects, and Interactions
- Is it safe to take Cialis and Alcohol together?
- Finasteride and Cialis: Uses, Interaction, and More
- A Guide on How to Get Maximum Effect from Cialis
- Cialis Side Effects: Warnings, Interactions, and Prevention
- Does Cialis Lower Blood Pressure and Interact with Blood Pressure Medicines?
- Lisinopril and Cialis: About, Interaction, and More
- How Long Does Cialis Last? How to Get the Best Results?
- What Does Cialis Do? 4 Things You Should Know About Cialis
- Is Cialis for women available?
- 6 Benefits of Cialis Daily You Should Know
- How does Cialis work, and what can you do if it doesn’t?
- Does Cialis Make You Last Longer?
- Is it safe to buy Cialis online?
- Cialis Dosage: What’s The Correct Cialis Dose?
- For How Many Years Can You Take Cialis?
- What is the Shelf Life of Cialis? Does it Expire?
- When to Take Cialis for Best Results? Answering All Your Questions
- Can Women Take Cialis? Know The Answer
- Understanding Does Cialis Make You Bigger
- How Long Does Cialis Stay in Your System? Facts You Might Have Missed
- What Could Be The Possible Reason for Cialis Not Working