Q: What is Levitra?
A: Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Levitra may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited. However, Levitra does not cure ED and does not increase a man's sexual desire. Levitra is only for men, not for women and children, and must be used only under a doctor's care. Levitra was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. Levitra is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, and distributed and marketed by Schering Corporation.

Q: What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
A: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection.

Q: Does Levitra prevent pregnancy or the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
A: No. Levitra neither serves as a male form of birth control nor does it protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Levitra?
A: In 2005, the FDA issued an alert for men using Levitra, Cialis, or Viagra. A small number of men have lost eyesight in one eye sometime after taking these drugs. This type of vision loss is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The FDA still does not know if these drugs cause NAION, since this condition also occurs in men who do not take these medicines.

The FDA has approved new labels for Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra to include information on possible eyesight loss (NAION). If you experience a loss in your eyesight, stop using these medicines, and get medical help right away.