Don’t take expired Cialis. Taking expired medication carries several potential health risks.
Reduced Effectiveness
The most obvious risk is simply that the medication may not work as intended. Cialis’s active ingredient, tadalafil, degrades over time, leading to a lower concentration of the effective compound. This means you might experience weaker or no effects at all, leading to disappointment and potentially unsafe attempts to compensate.
Unexpected Side Effects
- Expired Cialis may cause a greater incidence of side effects. The degradation process can create byproducts that your body might react to differently than the intended active ingredient. These side effects can range from mild (headache, flushing) to more serious (vision changes, hearing loss). The severity and type of side effects may vary depending on the extent of degradation and your individual sensitivity.
Contamination
As the drug ages, it’s more susceptible to contamination from bacteria, moisture, or other environmental factors. This contamination can lead to infections or allergic reactions.
Dosage Inaccuracy
The potency of expired Cialis is unpredictable. You may inadvertently take a lower or higher dose than prescribed, further increasing the risk of ineffectiveness or adverse reactions. Never attempt to adjust the dose yourself to compensate for potentially reduced effectiveness.
What to Do with Expired Cialis
Check your local pharmacy’s guidelines for safe disposal of expired medications. Many pharmacies offer drug take-back programs for safe and responsible disposal. Never flush medication down the toilet unless explicitly instructed by your pharmacist.
Seeking Medical Advice
If you have taken expired Cialis and experienced any unusual side effects, consult a doctor immediately. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you have any concerns about medication safety.