Since its introduction in 1998, Viagra has become the world’s best-selling drug. But just like any other product that you may buy, whether at a drugstore or online, this popular drug isn’t exactly good for forever. That is why it is important to know when your product is due for expiration so that you can determine how long you can continue taking it, or if you should even continue taking it at all. In this article, we will discuss how to identify the expiration date of Viagra so that you can make the right decision for your needs.
Examine The Packaging
When you receive your Viagra, there will be a small packet of information in it. One of the items you will see listed on the front of the box is the expiration date. If you buy your Viagra at a reputable drugstore, this information will be printed on the box directly under the Drug Facts label. In most cases, this information is as follows:
- EXPIRES: August 2021
This is an important date to examine, as it gives you an idea of how long the product will remain effective. Remember that the product you are purchasing is not only beneficial, but it is also potentially harmful, so you should only take it for as long as needed. Sometimes, medicines have active ingredients that become ineffective after continued use, so you should discontinue use of the product if the inactive ingredients start causing adverse effects. But in most cases, simply knowing that the product you are purchasing is due for expiration in less than a year will give you all the information you need to make the right decision for your needs.
Check The Ingredients
Many times, companies that produce pharmaceutical products like Viagra will list the ingredients used in their products on the packaging, as well as online. You can use this information to determine if a particular ingredient in a drug is good for your health, or if it is simply there because of what it is that the drug is supposed to do. In most cases, the ingredients that are listed on the product’s packaging are perfectly safe and natural, but there are exceptions. For instance, nitroglycerin is a known heart drug that is used to treat angina. When taken in large doses, it can cause severe side effects. So if you are taking a product that contains this substance, then you should probably avoid doing so. Fortunately, most pharmaceutical products don’t contain these types of dangerous ingredients. Instead, most of them are made up of safe and natural substances. However, it is always a good idea to know what the main ingredients are in a product before you start taking it.
Check The Availability
Another important factor to consider before purchasing a drug is whether or not the product you want to buy is in fact available in your area. If you live in a remote area, or if there is some sort of drug shortage in your area, then it is probably a good idea to look for another solution. But if you live in an area where there is ample drug supply, then you can start saving your money to purchase the medication you need. Sometimes, drugstores will run out of a particular product, so in that case, it is better to know what other options you have rather than to wait until the drugstore gets more supply. If you are not from Canada, then remember that the cost of the drug often isn’t covered by insurance, so it is up to you to pay for it. But if you can find a coupon or some other type of discount, then it is definitely worth it.
Understand How The Product Works
Once you know how long the drug you are taking will remain effective, it is easy to determine how much you should be taking. Many times, drug manufacturers will give estimates on how long the product you are buying will last, so this is something you should definitely look into. A number of years ago, Viagra was only available in a 25 mg dose, and the recommended dose was 1 pill per day for most people. But in recent years, the dose has gone up to 50 mg, and the pill has become more available, as has the information about how long it will last. So now, if you are taking a product that is effective for 3 months, then you should be taking 1 pill per day, and if you are taking a product that is effective for 6 months, then you should be taking 2 pills per day. But if you are taking a product that is only effective for a year, then you may want to consider reducing your dose to 1 pill per week or less, depending on how you feel. It is better to be over-prescribed than under-prescribed when it comes to medication.
Follow The Directions
Another important thing to consider before starting any type of medication is whether or not you should follow the directions that come with the medication, or if you should instead do as you please. Sometimes, medications have strange or unpleasant side effects, and it is always better to know what these are before you start taking the drug. Some people have horrible reactions to aspirin, for example, so if you are going to be taking any type of medication, then it is important to listen to what your body is telling you, rather than just going by what the medication says. Some medications only work with certain diets or lifestyle habits, so it is better to find out what these are before you start.
Check The Side Effects
When you are first told about a medication, whether it is by a pharmacist or doctor, there will be a list of side effects that come with it. In most cases, these are very mild and acceptable, but in some cases, they can be very serious. For example, estrogen can cause blood clots, so if you are taking this type of medication, then you should know that you are at risk of getting clots in your blood. Sometimes, the combination of several medications can cause much more serious side effects than any of the individual compounds would. So if you are on multiple medications, then you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist, as well as look into any potential interactions between the medications. For example, if you are taking blood thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, then you should know that Viagra can cause your blood to become thicker, so you may need to adjust your medication schedule or dosage if you take both. But in most cases, the side effects of medications are acceptable, and in some cases, they can even be beneficial. Like with any drug, you should only take the recommended dose as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, and you should discontinue use of the drug if you experience any adverse effects. In some cases, these effects can be serious, so always discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or pharmacist.
Hopefully, you now know enough about Viagra’s expiration date to make the right decision for your needs. But if you are still curious, then you can also contact the company that makes the drug, or the pharmacy that you purchased it from, and find out when the product was last changed or re-labelled. In the meantime, if you found this article valuable, then please share it with your friends and family so that they can learn about alternative treatments and options that are available for erectile dysfunction and other conditions.