Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Essential Insights Before Taking Viagra

Notice: The content here is for informational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any health-related questions, consult a medical professional.

When Not to Use Viagra

Avoid Viagra® or its generic versions under these conditions:

• If you are using nitrates-based medication, like nitroglycerin.
• If you use recreational drugs referred to as "poppers", such as amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate.
• If you take any medications known as guanylate cyclase stimulators, for example, riociguat (Adempas).
• If you have allergies to sildenafil or any other components in Viagra® and Revatio.

Discuss with Your Doctor Before Using Viagra®

Ensure the safety of Viagra® for your use by informing your doctor about the following:

• Any history of heart issues, such as heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, or heart surgery within the past six months.
• If you have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
• Any past experiences of stroke.
• Cases of low or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• If you have a penis deformation.
• Any instances of prolonged erections lasting over four hours.
• Conditions affecting your blood cells, like sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma.
• A family history of retinitis pigmentosa or severe vision loss, including NAION.
• Any bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers.
• Liver or kidney issues, including those requiring dialysis.
• Any other significant medical conditions.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements.

Interaction between Viagra® and other drugs can affect how either works, potentially leading to adverse effects.

Drug Interactions with Viagra

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following, as they can interact with Viagra®:

• Any nitrates-containing medicines.
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators like Adempas® (riociguat).
• Alpha-blockers like Hytrin® (terazosin HCl), Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl), and others, often used for prostate problems or high blood pressure.
• HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir (Norvir®), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan®), and others.
• Oral antifungal drugs, like ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and itraconazole (Sporanox®).
• Certain antibiotics, including clarithromycin (Biaxin®), telithromycin (Ketek®), and erythromycin.
• Other medications used for treating high blood pressure or erectile dysfunction.
• Note: Sildenafil is present in Viagra® and in Revatio®, a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Do not use them concurrently.

Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure about your medication list.

It is crucial to be aware of the medicines you take. Keep a record to share with your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

Potential Side Effects of Viagra

Possible Adverse Reactions to Viagra® and Its Generics

While Viagra® can cause serious side effects, these are relatively rare. Some of the infrequent side effects include:

• Priapism, a persistent and painful erection. Immediate medical attention is necessary if the erection lasts more than 4 hours.
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, a symptom of a serious eye condition known as NAION.
• Rapid decrease in hearing or hearing loss, occasionally accompanied by tinnitus or dizziness. Stop using Viagra® immediately and seek medical help in these cases.

Common Side Effects of Viagra®

• Headaches and facial flushing.
• Upset stomach.
• Vision changes, such as a blue tint or blurred vision.
• Nasal congestion.
• Back pain and muscle aches.
• Nausea and dizziness.
• Rash.

Additionally, heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heart rhythms have been reported, though these are rare. Most of these cases occurred in men with pre-existing heart conditions.

Always report any bothersome or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider.

This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects of Viagra®. For more detailed information, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your doctor or report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Key Points to Consider Before Using Cialis

Health Advisory: This page's content is solely for educational purposes and is not a replacement for expert medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any health inquiries or concerns.

Usage Limitations

Avoid Cialis® or its generics in the following situations:

• When using nitrate-based drugs like nitroglycerin.
• If consuming recreational drugs known as "poppers", such as amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate.
• If taking medications known as guanylate cyclase stimulators, for example, riociguat (Adempas).
• If allergic to sildenafil or other components found in Cialis® and Revatio.

Pre-Usage Discussions with Your Healthcare Provider

Before starting Cialis®, it's important to inform your healthcare provider of the following:

• Any history of heart-related issues, including heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, or recent heart surgery.
• A diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
• Previous experiences with strokes.
• Issues with blood pressure, whether low or uncontrolled high.
• Penile deformities.
• Cases of prolonged erections.
• Blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma.
• Genetic eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa or severe vision loss incidents, including NAION.
• Any bleeding disorders or a history of stomach ulcers.
• Liver or kidney conditions, especially requiring dialysis.
• Any other significant health conditions.

Share with your doctor a comprehensive list of all medications you're taking.

Cialis® and its generic counterparts might interact with other drugs, affecting how each works and potentially causing adverse reactions.

Interactions with Other Medications

Discuss the following medications with your healthcare provider, as they might interact with Cialis®:

• Nitrates-based drugs.
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas® (riociguat).
• Alpha-blockers prescribed for prostate or blood pressure issues.
• HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir (Norvir®) and others.
• Oral antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and itraconazole (Sporanox®).
• Certain antibiotics, including clarithromycin (Biaxin®), telithromycin (Ketek®), and erythromycin.
• Other medications for high blood pressure or erectile dysfunction.
• Note: Both Cialis® and its generic versions contain sildenafil, also found in Revatio®. Avoid concurrent usage with PAH treatments containing sildenafil.

For clarity on medication compatibility, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

It's essential to be aware of and maintain a list of medications you use for reference with healthcare providers.

Possible Side Effects of Cialis

Understanding the Side Effects of Cialis® and Its Generics

While serious side effects of Cialis® are rare, they can occur. Some less common side effects are:

• Priapism, or an erection that persists longer than normal. Seek immediate medical assistance for erections lasting over four hours.
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, potentially signaling a serious condition like NAION.
• Rapid decline in hearing or actual hearing loss, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus or dizziness. Cease use of Cialis® immediately in these cases.

Common Side Effects

• Headaches and facial flushing.
• Digestive discomfort.
• Changes in vision, such as blue-tinted vision or blurred sight.
• Nasal congestion.
• Back pain and muscle aches.
• Feelings of nausea or dizziness.
• Skin rashes.

Note: There have been rare instances of heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heart rhythms in men taking Cialis®.

Always inform your healthcare provider of any side effect that concerns you or doesn't resolve.

This information doesn't cover all potential side effects of Cialis®. For more comprehensive details, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice on side effects or report them to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.