What is Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription drug used to erectile dysfunction (ED). Launched in 1998, Viagra has helped millions of men around the world rediscover their sex lives. Every second, nine Viagra pills are dispensed worldwide. No other erectile dysfunction therapy or prescription drug has undergone such rigorous testing as Viagra. To date, more than 600,000 physicians have chosen Viagra for their men suffering with ED.

If taken properly, Viagra will work for most men. Studies show that it works for up to 4 out of 5 men (versus 1 out of 4 on sugar pill). Viagra works no matter how long a patient has suffered from ED, or how even old they are. Viagra has been proven to work in clinical studies of thousands of men.

Common uses

This medicine is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to treat sexual function problems such as impotence or erectile dysfunction. In combination with sexual stimulation, this medicine works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. This medicine is not intended for use in women or children. This medicine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection. Use 'safe sex' practices such as latex condoms.

Before using Viagra:

Some medical conditions may interact with Viagra . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a deformed penis (eg, Peyronie disease, cavernosal fibrosis), blood problems (eg, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma), or any other condition that may increase the risk of a prolonged erection (eg, priapism)
• if you have a history of certain eye problems (eg, retinitis pigmentosa, sudden vision loss, optic neuropathy, macular degeneration)
• if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, high or low blood pressure, ulcers, bleeding problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, aortic stenosis, angina), or blood vessel problems
• if you have a history of heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening irregular heartbeat, especially within the past 6 months

Common Side Effects of Viagra

Viagra has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with over 3,700 people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to those that occur in another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Viagra (occurring in more than 2 percent of people) include:

• Headaches --in up to 16 percent of people
• Facial flushing -- up to 10 percent
• Indigestion, known as dyspepsia -- up to 7 percent
• Nasal congestion -- up to 4 percent
• Urinary tract infections (UTI) -- up to 3 percent
• Vision problems, including trouble telling the difference between blue and green, increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision -- up to 3 percent
• Diarrhea -- up to 3 percent
• Dizziness -- up to 2 percent
• Unexplained rash -- up to 2 percent.

Precaution:

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), any penis conditions such as fibrosis/scarring, history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), sickle cell anemia, blood system cancers (such as leukemia or myeloma), or Peyronie's disease, eye problems (retina diseases). kidney or liver disease, bleeding disorders or active stomach ulcers, heart diseases, stroke or severe high or low blood pressure. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate side effects of this drug. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, therefore caution is advised in this age group.

Viagra Interactions

Ritonavir and Other Protease Inhibitors. Taking both Viagra and ritonavir (a protease inhibitor) together can significantly increase the levels of Viagra in the body. Viagra should therefore be used with caution in people taking ritonavir. Viagra has no effects on the levels of ritonavir in the body.

While Viagra has not been studied with other protease inhibitors, a similar reaction is expected.

Viagra Storage

Viagra should be stored out of the reach of children. It should be kept in a place free of moisture and sunlight, and at room temperature. It??™s not a good idea to keep the medication near a sink or in the bathroom, since the pills may become moist. Throw away all expired medication.