Sildenafil Teva
From £3.99
Viagra (sildenafil) needs to be stored correctly to help maintain its quality and effectiveness. When people ask how long Viagra lasts, they may mean two different things: how long a dose can work in the body, or how long the tablets remain within their labelled shelf life. This guide covers both, along with how Viagra and generic sildenafil tablets may look and what to consider when travelling with your medicine.
Whether you are taking branded Viagra or generic sildenafil, following the storage instructions supplied with your medicine can help protect its quality. Tablets that have been damaged by heat, moisture or incorrect storage may not work as expected.
Key things to know
- Each dose of Viagra can be effective for up to around 4 hours, although the effect gradually reduces during this period and individual responses vary.
- Store tablets below 30°C and keep them in their original packaging, protected from moisture and direct light.
- Shelf life varies between products. Some Viagra and sildenafil products have a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years from manufacture, but always check the expiry date on your specific pack.
- Branded Viagra tablets are blue and diamond shaped. Generic sildenafil tablets can look different depending on the manufacturer, so appearance alone cannot confirm whether a tablet is genuine.
- Do not use tablets that are damaged, discoloured or past their expiry date.
How Long Does Viagra Work in Your System?
Sildenafil typically starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes of taking it. It works by helping increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.
The main effect can last for up to around 4 hours in many people, although individual responses vary. The effect does not remain at the same strength throughout this period and may gradually reduce as the medicine is cleared from the body.
Viagra does not cause a continuous erection during this time. Sexual stimulation is still needed for an erection to occur, and the medicine helps support an erection when you are sexually aroused.
The amount of sildenafil in your body gradually falls after you take a dose. Around half of the medicine is eliminated within approximately 3 to 5 hours, although this can vary between individuals and may be slower in older adults or people with certain kidney or liver problems.
Alcohol may also affect how well sildenafil works and can make it more difficult to get or maintain an erection.
Proper Storage Conditions for Maximum Effectiveness
Keep Viagra or sildenafil tablets in their original packaging and store them at room temperature below 30°C, unless the instructions for your specific product state otherwise.
Keep the tablets away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture. A bathroom may not be the best place to store them because changes in temperature and humidity can affect medicines over time. Keep your medicine somewhere out of reach of children.
Storage instructions can vary between sildenafil products and manufacturers. Your specific pack and patient information leaflet will provide the correct storage requirements for the medicine you have been supplied.
If you are unsure about how to store your tablets, ask your pharmacist rather than relying on general storage advice.
How Long Do Viagra Tablets Stay Effective? Shelf Life Explained
The shelf life of Viagra and sildenafil tablets varies between products and manufacturers. Some products have a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture, while others may have a different licensed shelf life.
The expiry date printed on your specific pack is the important date to follow. It indicates the period during which the manufacturer can support the medicine's quality, safety and effectiveness when it has been stored according to the recommended conditions.
Do not use Viagra or sildenafil after its labelled expiry date. Once the expiry date has passed, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee that the medicine will meet its required quality and stability standards.
Incorrect storage, particularly exposure to excessive heat or moisture, may also affect the quality of a medicine before its expiry date. If you think your tablets have been stored incorrectly, speak to a pharmacist before using them.
Signs Your Viagra or Sildenafil May Have Deteriorated
It is a good idea to check your tablets before taking them. Genuine branded Viagra tablets are blue and diamond shaped film coated tablets marked "VIAGRA" on one side. Generic sildenafil tablets can look different depending on the manufacturer. Many are white or off white and round, so the appearance of a generic tablet alone does not confirm whether it is genuine or suitable to use.
Do not use tablets that appear cracked, discoloured, unusually soft, sticky or damaged, or tablets that have become stuck together. These changes may indicate that the medicine has been exposed to unsuitable conditions such as moisture or heat.
You should also avoid any tablets that are past their expiry date. If you are unsure whether your Viagra or sildenafil looks as it should, speak to your pharmacist. They can check the product details against the information supplied for your specific medicine.
Choosing Between Viagra and Sildenafil
At EverydayMeds, you can choose between branded Viagra and generic sildenafil at checkout, where available. Both contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, and have broadly similar storage requirements. However, storage instructions and shelf life can vary between individual products, so always check the packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Generic sildenafil contains the same active ingredient as Viagra and must meet the required UK standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. It can therefore be a suitable option for many people who have been prescribed sildenafil.
Your clinical assessment will help determine which strength and treatment approach is appropriate for you. Sildenafil is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths, with 50mg commonly used as a starting dose for many adults. Your prescriber may recommend a different strength depending on your health, other medicines, response and any side effects.
Sildenafil is taken when needed for erectile dysfunction. It does not increase sexual desire and does not treat the underlying cause of ED.
Travelling with Viagra or Sildenafil
If you are travelling with Viagra or sildenafil, keep your tablets in their original packaging with the dispensing label visible. It is also sensible to carry a copy of your prescription or other proof that the medicine has been prescribed to you.
Avoid leaving your medicine in a parked car, particularly in warm weather, because temperatures inside a vehicle can rise significantly and may exceed the recommended storage conditions.
Tablets can generally be carried in hand luggage when travelling by air. However, rules about carrying prescription medicines can vary depending on your destination and the airline. If you are travelling abroad, check the latest requirements for the country you are visiting before you leave.
If you are travelling somewhere hot, keep your tablets away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. For longer trips or destinations with particularly high temperatures, check the storage instructions for your specific product and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to transport it safely.
For international travel, it is also worth checking the relevant GOV.UK foreign travel advice and the requirements of the destination country, as some countries have specific rules for carrying prescription medicines.
Available Treatments
| Treatment | Price from |
|---|---|
| Sildenafil | £3.99 |
| Cialis Together | £16.99 |
| Viagra Connect | £21.99 |
| Spedra | £22.99 |
| Viagra | £27.99 |
| Vardenafil | £27.99 |
| Levitra | £32.99 |
| Tadalafil | £34.99 |
| Cialis | £44.99 |
| Cialis Daily | £89.99 |
Prices update live and may change. Treatment choice and dose should follow prescribing advice, and you should not take more than one Viagra tablet in 24 hours. Do not combine Viagra with other erectile dysfunction medicines unless specifically advised to do so by a healthcare professional, as this may increase the risk of side effects .
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general information about how long Viagra and sildenafil remain effective and how to store them correctly. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always check the patient information leaflet for your specific product and follow the storage instructions provided. Never use tablets that are damaged, discoloured or past their expiry date.
Many side effects associated with Viagra are mild and temporary, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects can include headache and dizziness. If you are unsure whether your medication is still suitable to use, speak to your pharmacist. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop serious symptoms such as chest pain, sudden changes in vision or hearing, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
