The latest scare to hit the general public regarding sexual health is related to the popular drug Viagra. Since the advent of social media, people have been tweeting, blogging, and sharing about their experiences with the drug. Many health authorities have been quick to respond by issuing warnings about the potential serious side effects that may occur from taking too much of the medication. A recent study from the United Kingdom found that out of 4,000 women who took part in the research trial, 28 of them reported serious side effects that were possibly linked to Viagra. Some of these cases were even life-threatening.
While many of the reported reactions were mild, some men have had severe allergic reactions after taking Viagra. The drug was originally intended to treat erectile dysfunction, but it has been discovered that it can aggravate other health issues. According to the FDA, “[t]he risk of serious adverse reactions is increased in patients who are already taking medications for other medical conditions.” There are various conditions that Viagra is known to aggravate, including seizures, strokes, heart attacks, and deaths. The drug is also known to interact with certain medications, such as those for Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. People who take these medications are at increased risk of suffering from serious adverse reactions.
Is 20mg Viagra Daily Safe?
Men who are already taking or who are being treated for other conditions, as mentioned above, are among the groups at increased risk of suffering from a serious adverse reaction if they take or are given Viagra. The same goes for people who are allergic to any medication in any form, especially those that contain soy.
The question is: is 20mg Viagra Daily Safe for everyone? The short answer is: it depends. There are some risks associated with taking Viagra, but they are generally mild and uncommon. However, for men who are already on medications for other health problems or who are allergic to medications in any form, there is a greater risk of suffering serious adverse reactions if they take or are given Viagra. It’s always important to weigh the risks and benefits of any medication, and in this case, the risks far outweigh the benefits.
The Risks Of Viagra
Like other medications, Viagra has a risk of side effects. While these are generally mild and infrequent, they do happen, especially in a small percentage of users. Some of the risks that have been documented by the FDA include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nascent Angioedema (tiny red bumps on the face that may be confused with allergies)
- Dry mouth
- Muscle aches/weakness
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Fainting/heart attack (if heart problems exist)
- A reaction that causes hives (raised red welts on the skin)
- Mouth ulcers
- Joint pain
- Rash
- Possible liver damage
- Sinusitis
Is 20mg Daily Safe For Everyone?
The above list of risks is not meant to discourage anyone from taking or using Viagra. It is meant to convey the serious nature of the medication and the fact that there are some individuals who may be at risk of suffering from an adverse reaction. While the above list includes risks associated with taking Viagra daily, they are generally mild and infrequent. The risks are generally the same as those associated with the medication when it is given as needed for erectile dysfunction, with the exception of hives and liver problems, which are more common when taken daily.
What Caused The Recent Increase In Publicity?
Most people who have taken or are taking part in clinical studies of Viagra have, for the most part, had positive experiences. However, as always, there are exceptions. Anecdotes and information about individuals who have suffered adverse reactions after being given or who have taken the medication are now floating around cyberspace because of social media and other online platforms. The FDA, in response to this increase in public awareness, recently issued a warning about Viagra. While the drug is relatively safe for the most part, people who are already taking medications for other health problems or who are allergic to medications in any form should avoid it. Women who are experiencing menstrual irregularity or who are at risk of developing endometrial cancer should also refrain from taking the medication, as should people with a history of heart disease. Those who are taking the medication should be monitored for signs of liver damage, as this can be present with long-term use. Diabetics should also be monitored for blood sugar fluctuations, as these can become very serious if left untreated.
The bottom line is that just because a medication is effective in treating or preventing a certain illness, condition, or ailment does not mean that it is appropriate for everyone. Just because a medication is approved by the FDA does not mean that it is safe for everyone. Each person needs to evaluate their own health history and determine whether or not they are at risk of suffering from an adverse reaction or interaction with any medication. As with any medication, the risks must be weighed against the benefits, and in this case, the risks far outweigh the benefits.