Will 5 year old Viagra work? Efficacy, Safety, and Risks

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

While some studies show certain medications retain potency years after expiry, the FDA advises against using any drug past its expiration date. So, will 5 year old Viagra work? It will likely be less effective and poses potential health risks.

Quick Summary

Using Viagra five years past its expiration is not recommended. The medication's active ingredient, sildenafil, degrades over time, reducing its potency and effectiveness for treating ED.

Key Points

Reduced Potency: Will 5 year old Viagra work? Probably not well. Its active ingredient, sildenafil, degrades over time, significantly reducing its effectiveness.
Official Shelf Life: Viagra typically has a shelf life of two years from its manufacturing date. The 'use by' date on your prescription is often one year from the fill date.
Safety Risks: Taking expired Viagra can be risky due to potential chemical changes and the growth of bacteria or mold on the tablets.
Proper Storage is Key: Storing Viagra in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity helps maintain its stability until the expiration date.
Do Not Compensate Dosage: Taking more than the prescribed dose of expired Viagra to make up for lost potency is dangerous and increases the risk of side effects.
Safe Disposal: Never flush expired pills. Use a drug take-back program or mix them with an undesirable substance (like coffee grounds) in a sealed bag before putting them in the trash.
Consult a Professional: Always use medication within its expiration date. If your prescription is expired, talk to your doctor to get a new one.

Understanding Viagra's Shelf Life

All prescription medications, including Viagra (sildenafil citrate), come with an expiration date mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This date indicates the point until which the manufacturer guarantees the drug's full potency and safety. Typically, Viagra has a manufacturer's shelf life of about two years from the date it was made. The pharmacy label on your prescription bottle may list a "beyond-use" date that is one year from when it was filled.

The chemical stability of sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, diminishes over time. This breakdown process means the medication becomes less effective at producing its intended result. Factors like exposure to heat, humidity, and light can accelerate this degradation, which is why proper storage is crucial. Medications should be kept in their original container in a cool, dry place, not in a bathroom where humidity is high.

Efficacy of 5-Year-Old Viagra

So, will 5 year old Viagra work? While it might retain some level of its active ingredient, its effectiveness will likely be significantly reduced. The chemical compounds break down over time, meaning the pill may not be potent enough to successfully treat erectile dysfunction (ED). There are no specific studies that test the effectiveness of Viagra at a 5-year post-expiration mark, but the general scientific consensus is that potency declines. Taking a higher dose to compensate for the reduced efficacy is dangerous and not recommended as it can lead to an increased risk of side effects. Ultimately, relying on a 5-year-old pill for an important moment is a gamble that may lead to disappointment and frustration.

Safety Risks and Potential Side Effects

Beyond reduced effectiveness, taking expired medications carries safety risks. The FDA warns against using expired drugs for several key reasons. Firstly, as the chemical composition changes, the drug may not work as intended. Secondly, there's a risk of bacterial or mold growth on old pills, which could make you sick.

While taking expired Viagra isn't likely to cause unique side effects, the breakdown of ingredients could potentially increase the frequency or intensity of common side effects. These can include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea and indigestion
Vision changes
Muscle or back pain

It is unsafe to assume that a medication is safe and effective years after its expiration date. The most prudent action is to dispose of expired medication properly and obtain a new prescription.

Comparison of ED Medications' Shelf Life

Most oral ED medications have a similar manufacturer-guaranteed shelf life. It's important to always check the specific expiration date on your medication's packaging.


Medication	Active Ingredient	Typical Shelf Life (from manufacture)
Viagra	Sildenafil	~2 years
Cialis	Tadalafil	2-3 years
Levitra	Vardenafil	~2 years
Stendra	Avanafil	~2 years

Proper Storage and Disposal

To ensure your medication remains as effective as possible until its expiration date, proper storage is essential.

Storage Tips:

Store at room temperature, ideally between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
Keep in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Avoid storing in the bathroom due to humidity.
Keep medication in its original, tightly sealed container.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Disposal Methods: Never flush expired Viagra down the toilet, as this can harm the environment. The FDA recommends safe disposal methods:

Drug Take-Back Programs: This is the best option. Many pharmacies or local law enforcement agencies offer drop-off locations for unused medicines. The DEA also hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Days.
Household Trash: If a take-back program isn't available, you can throw the medication in the trash. First, mix the pills with an unappealing substance like used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. Then, place the mixture in a sealed container like a plastic bag before throwing it away.

Conclusion

While it may be tempting to use a 5-year-old Viagra pill, it is not advisable. The medication will have significantly reduced potency, making it unlikely to work effectively for treating erectile dysfunction. More importantly, using expired medication can expose you to potential health risks, including bacterial growth and unpredictable side effects. For both safety and efficacy, it is always best to use medication that is within its expiration date. Dispose of any expired Viagra properly and consult a healthcare provider for a new prescription.

For more information on medication disposal, you can visit the FDA's website on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, like all prescription medications, Viagra (sildenafil) has an expiration date, which is typically two years from the date of manufacture. After this date, its potency and safety are no longer guaranteed by the manufacturer.

No, it is not considered safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against taking any expired medication. The chemical composition can change, it may be less effective, and there is a risk of bacterial growth.

The most likely outcome is that the medication will be less effective or may not work at all for treating erectile dysfunction. There is also a risk of side effects and illness from potential bacterial growth on the old pills.

While the medication's primary effect weakens, it's possible that the breakdown of its chemical components could increase the frequency of common side effects. There is no guarantee of how your body will react to the altered chemicals.

There are no scientific studies to determine how long Viagra remains effective after its expiration date. For safety and efficacy, you should not use it past the date on the package and should get a new prescription.

Store Viagra in its original container at room temperature (around 77°F or 25°C), away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Do not store it in the bathroom, as the humidity can degrade the medication faster.

The best method is to use a drug take-back program. If that's not an option, mix the pills with dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds, place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag, and throw it in your household trash. Do not flush them.