Viagra
DESCRIPTION Viagra
Drug Uses Viagra
23 million men have used Viagra since 1988, including 900,000 in the UK.
Although few serious side effects have been seen, recent reports (2005) suggest
a possible risk of blindness from non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy. This
is a rare condition in which blood supply is reduced to the optic nerve causing
permanent nerve damage, and research workers at the University of Minnesota believe
they have detected a cluster of cases of blindness from this cause in men who have
taken Viagra.
The US Food and Drug Administration has also identified 50 men with blindness
who have taken Viagra, but who also had diabetes and heart disease. However
these problems with blindness need to be seen in the context of 23 million users,
most of which have experienced significant benefit to their sex lives, and the
fact that blindness is a known risk in those with both diabetes and cardiovascular
disease.
Drug monograph "Viagra"
Drug Uses Viagra
Viagra is used to treat impotence in men. Viagra increases the body's ability
to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra does
not protect you from getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
How Taken Viagra
Viagra comes as a tablet to take it orally. It should be taken as needed about
1 hour before sexual activity. However, Viagra can be taken anytime
from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Viagra should not
be taken more than once a day. Do not take more or less of it or take
it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions Viagra
Before taking Viagra, tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack, stroke, or
life-threatening irregular heartbeats within the last six months; have a history
of heart failure; have coronary artery disease; have angina; have high or low
blood pressure; have liver problems; have kidney problems; have ever had blood
problems, including sickle cell anemia or leukemia; have a bleeding disorder; have
a stomach ulcer; have retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
have a physical deformity of the penis such as Peyronie's disease; have a condition
that could lead to prolonged and painful erections, such as a tumor of the bone
marrow, sickle cell anemia, or leukemia; or are taking another medicine to treat
impotence. You may not be able to take Viagra, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above. Although Viagra is not indicated for use by women, it is in the
FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Viagra is not expected to be harmful
to an unborn baby. Women should not take Viagra. It is not known whether Viagra
passes into breast milk. If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely
to experience side effects from Viagra. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose
of this medication.
Missed Dose Viagra
Viagra is used as needed, so you are not likely to miss a dose.
Possible Side Effects Viagra
Like all medicines, Viagra can cause some side effects. These effects are usually
mild to moderate and usually don't last longer than a few hours. Some of these side
effects are more likely to occur with higher doses. The most common side effects of
Viagra are headache, flushing of the face, and upset stomach. Less common
side effects that may occur are temporary changes in color vision
(such as trouble telling the difference between blue and green objects or having
a blue color tinge to them), eyes being more sensitive to light, or blurred
vision. In rare instances, men have reported an erection that lasts many hours.
You should call a doctor immediately if you ever have an erection that lasts more
than 4 hours. If not treated right away, permanent damage to your penis could
occur. Heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and death have been reported
rarely in men taking Viagra. Most, but not all, of these men had heart problems
before taking this medicine. It is not possible to determine whether these events
were directly related to Viagra.
Storage Viagra
Keep Viagra out of the reach of children. Keep Viagra in its original container.
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Overdose Viagra
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Viagra overdose are not known,
but are likely to include chest pain, dizziness, an irregular heartbeat,
and swelling of the ankles or legs.
More Information Viagra
If you take any medicines that contain nitrates – either regularly or as needed
– you should never take Viagra. If you take Viagra with any nitrate medicine or
recreational drug containing nitrates, your blood pressure could suddenly drop
to an unsafe level. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack
or stroke. Nitrates are found in many prescription medicines that are used
to treat angina. Viagra is only for patients with erectile dysfunction. Viagra
is not for newborns, children, or women. Do not let anyone else take your Viagra.
Viagra must be used only under a doctor's supervision.
Disclaimer Viagra
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended
that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions,
or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should
not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific
instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the
accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from
the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or
property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed
or implied, is made in regards to this information.
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