When you get Viagra from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle.
This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.
Storage
How long a medication remains good (also called shelf-life) can depend on many factors. These factors include how and where you store the medication.
Viagra tablets should be stored at room temperature between 68oF and 77°F (20oC and 25°C). It should be kept in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as in bathrooms.
Disposal
If you no longer need to take Viagra and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.
Viagra is approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. But you may have questions about whether Viagra can be used in women. Or you may be wondering if there’s a drug similar to Viagra that can help women with sexual dysfunction.
Can women take Viagra?
No, Viagra isn’t approved for use in women. And there isn’t enough evidence to show that Viagra works for treating sexual problems in women.
One review of studies showed that current research has conflicting results on how Viagra affects women.
For example, in women with female sexual arousal disorder, the review showed the following findings:
In one study, some women who’d gone through menopause were given Viagra. These women had improved arousal, vaginal lubrication, and orgasm when they took the drug.
In another study, both women who’d gone through menopause and those who hadn’t were given Viagra. These women reported no significant positive effects from taking the drug.
In men, Viagra improves blood flow to their penis by blocking the action of a chemical called PDE5. This chemical is also found in the vagina and the clitoris of women. So in theory, if a woman takes Viagra, it could increase blood flow to her genitals.
But in reality, there’s less PDE5 in a female’s genitals than there is in a male’s penis. This could explain why Viagra has less of a physical effect in women than it does in men.
And keep in mind that sexual problems in women often have a lot to do with reduced sexual desire and arousal. Viagra is unlikely to address these issues.
viagra for men
Viagra (Sildenafil) is Primarily Prescribed for Men
Viagra (sildenafil) is primarily prescribed for men to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in women. However, there has been some interest and research into its potential effects and uses in women, particularly for conditions such as female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). Here’s what is currently understood about Viagra’s use in women:
Research and Potential Uses in Women
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD):
Some studies have explored the use of sildenafil for FSAD, which involves difficulty with sexual arousal and lubrication. The results have been mixed, and there is no conclusive evidence to support its routine use for this condition.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):
Sildenafil is approved for the treatment of PAH in both men and women under the brand name Revatio. It helps relax blood vessels in the lungs to improve blood flow.
Potential Effects and Considerations
Mechanism of Action:
Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow, which can theoretically improve sexual arousal and response. In women, this could potentially enhance blood flow to the genital area, increasing sensitivity and lubrication.
Limited Evidence:
Research on the effectiveness and safety of Viagra in women is limited and inconclusive. Some studies have shown minimal improvement in sexual arousal, while others have found no significant benefits.
Side Effects:
Women may experience similar side effects to men, including headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and vision changes. Additionally, the impact on female physiology is not fully understood, which could lead to unknown risks.
Current Recommendations
Not FDA-Approved for Women:
Viagra is not approved for use in women for sexual dysfunction. The FDA has not sanctioned its use for this purpose due to insufficient evidence of safety and efficacy.
Consult Healthcare Provider:
Women interested in exploring treatment options for sexual dysfunction should consult their healthcare provider. There are other medications and therapies specifically studied and approved for women, such as flibanserin (Addyi) for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Off-Label Use:
In some cases, healthcare providers may consider off-label use of sildenafil for conditions like FSAD, but this should be done with caution and under strict medical supervision.
