The most common method to treating erectile dysfunction (ED) is through medication, and a popular choice is Cialis or tadalafil. If you plan on using one for your own problem, it’s important to be aware of the Cialis shelf life to prevent any malfunctions. First, let’s talk about what it even is.
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What Is Cialis?
You may have encountered the name Cialis while trying to look for medication to relieve your erectile dysfunction. It’s actually like a drug that works similar to Viagra, except this one has a longer duration. Viagra only lasts for a couple of hours, whereas Cialis can last for the entire day (1).
Also known as tadalafil, Cialis is categorized under phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, which makes it great for erectile dysfunction because it redirects blood flow to that area.
What Is the Shelf Life of Cialis?
For medication like these, it’s essential you monitor its expiration date because it directly affects its potency. Normally, they can last somewhere between six months to a couple of years after manufacturing. You can check on their containers when their expiration date should be.
As a general rule, it’s not ideal to take drugs and medication after their expiration. While studies have revealed that most of these medications actually still work even years after the printed expiration date, this a risky move as it does not apply to all of them.
How Does It Affect Efficacy?
When you take in expired medication, you run the risk of harmless side effects as well as your medication not working. A lot of the symptoms include headaches, nausea, muscle pains, short of breath, and many more. If you experience any sort of negative reaction after taking expired Cialis, you should definitely go see a doctor right away.
Compared to other treatments to ED like placebo and Viagra, Cialis is actually known to be significantly more effective at getting an erection. Studies revealed that it has a success rate of 58 to 68 percent when it comes to initiating during intercourse. It even says that Cialis can stay effective for as long as 36 hours for patients of all ages (2).
How to Properly Store Cialis
The best way to prolong the life of your Cialis is by properly storing them. In this case, you have to store them in a tightly sealed container, preferably in its original container. They also need to be stored away from direct heat and moisture.
That means you absolutely do not store them in the bathroom or near a sink. In addition, it is not advisable to store them in the refrigerator, as this can cause moisture when you take them out. Lastly, as a general rule, keep them in places out of reach of children and pets.
Possible Side Effects of Cialis
When done right, there should hardly be any side effects to Cialis other than its intended purposes. However, taking expired or incompatible pills is another issue. Nausea, diarrhea, flushing, stomachache, and coughing are the milder symptoms. The more severe symptoms are chest pains, rashes, prolonged erection (around four hours), and blurred vision.
There have been reports of men experiencing hearing loss when taking tadalafil and similar medication. Hearing loss appeared to continue even after they stopped taking their medication. Another case is temporary blurred vision. Experts have yet to explain it, but medical treatment has been known to take care of it. In both cases, you should immediately stop taking tadalafil and consult a doctor (3).
Knowing the shelf life of Cialis can very well save you from a life of difficulty and unforeseen disabilities. When in doubt, just replace your Cialis is for a fresher and newer one. You can normally go to the place you bought it and switch them for a new one if they’re a certified medical facility or you can ask someone in the medical field to help with disposal. Throwing them down the toilet is not advisable.