Sildenafil Teva
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Sildenafil Citrate and Viagra Storage: A Complete UK Guide
Sildenafil, including branded Viagra, is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for erectile dysfunction in the UK. Like any medicine, storing it correctly helps maintain its quality and effectiveness.
This guide answers common questions about how to store sildenafil, the right storage temperature, how long it lasts, and what to do if your tablets have expired.
1. What Temperature Should Sildenafil Be Stored At?
Sildenafil and Viagra tablets should generally be stored below 30°C in a cool, dry place and kept in their original packaging. This is the storage advice provided in the patient information leaflet for most sildenafil products licensed in the UK. However, the exact wording may vary slightly between manufacturers, so it is always best to check the leaflet supplied with your medicine.
In most homes, normal room temperatures are suitable. The most important thing is to avoid places where tablets may be exposed to excessive heat or moisture, such as:
- Cars, especially during warm weather or when parked in direct sunlight, where temperatures can rise well above 30°C.
- Windowsills, near radiators, or conservatories, where heat can build up.
- Bathrooms, where moisture and steam may affect the tablets.
Good places to store sildenafil include a bedroom drawer, a hallway cupboard, or a kitchen cupboard away from the cooker and other sources of heat.
Sildenafil does not need to be stored in the fridge, and refrigeration is not usually recommended unless your patient information leaflet specifically advises it. Moving tablets between cold and warm temperatures may create condensation, which can affect the medicine.
2. How Long Does Sildenafil Last? Shelf Life Explained
The shelf life of sildenafil depends on the specific product and manufacturer. Many products remain stable for several years when stored correctly, but the exact expiry date can vary from one product to another.
For this reason, always check the expiry date printed on your medicine pack or pharmacy label rather than relying on a general estimate.
It is also worth knowing that different forms of sildenafil may have different shelf lives. For example, oral suspension products may have a shorter shelf life than tablets.
There is an important difference between the expiry date printed by the manufacturer and the date on a pharmacy dispensing label. The manufacturer's expiry date is based on stability testing of the sealed product. If your pharmacy has repackaged or relabelled your medicine, such as dispensing a smaller quantity from a larger pack, the pharmacy label may show a shorter use by date. This is normal practice and does not mean there is anything wrong with the medicine. It simply reflects how long the medicine should be used once it has been dispensed.
Quick answer for a rushed reader
- The shelf life of sildenafil varies depending on the product and manufacturer.
- Always follow the expiry date printed on your medicine pack or pharmacy dispensing label.
- A pharmacy dispensing label may show a shorter use by date than the manufacturer's original packaging.
- An unopened, sealed blister pack can usually be used until its printed expiry date, provided it has been stored correctly.
3. Does Sildenafil Expire, and Is It Safe to Take After It Has?
Yes. Like all medicines, sildenafil has an expiry date, and you should not take it after this date has passed.
After the expiry date, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee that the medicine will meet its expected quality, safety, or effectiveness. While an expired tablet may not always be harmful, there is no way to be certain that it will work as intended. For this reason, it is safest to use a new, in date supply.
If you are unsure whether your sildenafil is still within its expiry date, check the packaging or the pharmacy dispensing label. If the date is missing, damaged, or difficult to read, ask your pharmacist for advice before taking the medicine.
If you have expired or unused sildenafil tablets, return them to a UK pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not throw them in the bin or flush them down the toilet.
4. Generic Sildenafil vs Branded Viagra: Does Storage or Expiry Differ?
No. Licensed generic sildenafil and branded Viagra contain the same active ingredient and are required to meet the same UK standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness.
The storage advice is also the same. Keep both medicines below 30°C, in their original packaging, and away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Always check the expiry date printed on your medicine pack or pharmacy dispensing label, as this may vary slightly between manufacturers, even though the active ingredient is the same.
5. What About Levitra (Vardenafil)?
Vardenafil, which is sold under the brand name Levitra, is a different medicine from sildenafil, but the storage advice is very similar.
It should generally be stored below 30°C, in its original packaging, and protected from moisture and direct sunlight. As with any medicine, always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your product and follow the storage instructions provided.
6. Protecting Your Medication from Moisture and Light
Keeping sildenafil in its original blister packaging helps protect it from moisture until you are ready to take it. The blister pack is designed to help maintain the quality of the tablets during storage.
For this reason, it is best to remove a tablet only when you are ready to take it. Leaving tablets loose in a pill organiser or another container for long periods may reduce their protection from moisture and the environment.
It is also a good idea to keep your medicine away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light. Storing it in a closed drawer or cupboard can help protect it from heat, light, and changes in temperature that may affect the medicine over time.
7. Keeping Sildenafil Secure
Sildenafil is a prescription medicine and should be stored safely, out of the sight and reach of children and anyone it has not been prescribed for.
A high cupboard, a lockable medicine box, or a dedicated medicine cabinet are all suitable places to store it. If you have children or teenagers at home, a lockable storage option may provide extra peace of mind.
8. Travelling with Sildenafil
If you are travelling, keep sildenafil in its original packaging and carry it in your hand luggage where possible. This helps protect it from extreme temperatures and means your medicine stays with you if checked luggage is delayed or lost.
If you are travelling to a hot climate, avoid leaving your tablets in places that can become very warm, such as a parked car, beach bag, or windowsill. Keep them in the coolest practical place available.
If you are travelling internationally, carrying a copy of your prescription or a copy of your clinic or pharmacy details may also be helpful.
9. What to Do with Expired or Unused Sildenafil
If your sildenafil or Viagra tablets have expired or you no longer need them, do not throw them in the household bin or flush them down the toilet. This can be harmful to the environment.
Instead, return any expired or unused tablets to a UK pharmacy, where they can be disposed of safely. Most pharmacies will accept unwanted medicines, regardless of where they were originally supplied.
If you still need treatment, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist about obtaining a new supply rather than using expired tablets.
10. Comparing ED Treatment Options
If sildenafil is not suitable for you, there are several other treatment options available for erectile dysfunction.
Each medicine works slightly differently and may vary in how long it lasts, its possible side effects, and how it interacts with other medicines. The most suitable option depends on your medical history, current medicines, and individual needs.
A clinical assessment with a qualified prescriber can help determine which treatment is most appropriate for you.
| Treatment | Active Ingredient | Typical Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil / Viagra | Sildenafil citrate | Below 30°C, original packaging |
| Viagra Connect | Sildenafil citrate | Below 30°C, original packaging |
| Levitra / Vardenafil | Vardenafil | Below 30°C, original packaging |
| Cialis / Tadalafil | Tadalafil | Below 30°C, original packaging |
| Spedra | Avanafil | Below 30°C, original packaging |
These ED treatments work by improving blood flow, which supports erectile function and can improve sexual performance when they are suitable for the patient. Tadalafil is often chosen because its longer duration can help some men maintain erections more spontaneously. Several factors affect how well ED medicines work for an individual, including general health and other medications.
Current Indicative Pricing
Prices update live and may change. The live pricing shown during your consultation always takes precedence over this table.
| Product | From |
|---|---|
| Sildenafil (Generic) | £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 |
Key Takeaways
- Store sildenafil and Viagra below 30°C, in their original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
- The shelf life varies depending on the product and manufacturer, so always check the expiry date printed on your medicine pack or pharmacy dispensing label.
- A pharmacy dispensing label may show a shorter use by date than the manufacturer's original packaging. This is normal and should always be followed.
- Do not use sildenafil or Viagra after the expiry date. Once a medicine has expired, its quality and effectiveness can no longer be guaranteed, so it is best to use a new, in date supply.
- If you have expired or unused tablets, return them to any UK pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not throw them in the bin or flush them down the toilet.
