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