Viagra FAQ
Q: What is Viagra?
A: Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Viagra may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited. However, Viagra does not cure ED and does not increase a man's sexual desire. Viagra is only for men, not for women and children, and must be used only under a doctor's care. Viagra was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 27, 1998. Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
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 Viagra prevent pregnancy or the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
A: No. Viagra 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 Viagra?
A: In 2005, the FDA issued an alert for men using Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. 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 Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra 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.
Q: Who should not take Viagra?
A: You should not take Viagra if you take any medicines called "nitrates", use recreational drugs called "poppers", or have been told by your healthcare professional to not have sexual activity because of health problems
Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Viagra?
A: Viagra can cause blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if taken with certain other medicines such as nitrates and alpha-blockers, and recreational drugs that contain nitrates called "poppers." Sudden drops in blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke.
Q: What are the side effects associated with Viagra?
A: Uncommon side effects associated with Viagra use include an erection that will not go away (priapism), and vision changes. Common side effects associated with Viagra use include headache, flushing, upset stomach, stuffy or runny nose, urinary tract infection, and diarrhea.
Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional if I already take Viagra?
A: You should tell all your healthcare professionals that you take Viagra. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your healthcare professionals to know when you last took Viagra.
Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Viagra?
A: Before using Viagra, tell your healthcare professional if you have or had heart problems, have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled, have had a stroke, have liver problems, have kidney problems and require dialysis, have ever had severe vision loss, have retinitis pigmentosa (a rare genetic eye disease), have stomach ulcers, have a bleeding problem, have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease, have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours, take a medicine called a protease inhibitor for the treatment of HIV, or take any medicines called "alpha blockers."
Q: Can other medicines or food affect Viagra?
A: Viagra and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take - including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Viagra?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual conditions while taking Viagra, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Viagra use.