You have likely heard of Viagra, the popular men’s pills that can help with erectile dysfunction (ED). What you may not know is that the drug can also cause your legs to ache. In fact, it’s been associated with acute limb syndrome (ALSF), a rarer form of gout. So, does Viagra make your legs ache? Let’s learn more about this side effect and how you can best handle it.
Viagra And Acute Limb Syndrome
While the risk of adverse effects from Viagra is relatively low, it’s still a risk. One of the most serious side effects is ALSF. This form of gout, also known as acute intercritical gout, occurs mostly in men between the ages of 40 and 60 and typically affects the smaller limbs, such as the toes and fingers. It’s also been known to suddenly strike people without any previous signs of the condition.
ALSF is a very serious side effect and may require hospitalization. Luckily, the condition is relatively rare. According to the Journal of Rheumatology, only 2-5 cases per million people are reported each year. That makes it a fairly uncommon side effect. However, it’s still a side effect. If you’re concerned about this, Viagra may not be the right choice for you.
Other Causes Of Leg Ache
There are other causes of leg ache that you should be aware of. Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can be the root of many leg aches. If your legs are weak and shaky, especially at night, this may be a sign that you have the condition. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get up and walk around. Not only will this help you get rid of excess pounds, it may also help with your leg aches. Just be sure to speak to your doctor about ways to prevent this condition.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The length of time it takes for Viagra to have an effect varies from person to person. It can be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, or even longer for some people. So, if you’re planning on taking the drug, make sure you stay relaxed and comfortable until the effects kick in.
Are There Any Other Side Effects?
There are a number of other side effects that you need to be aware of when taking Viagra. For example, the drug may cause blood pressure to drop significantly in some people. So, if you have cardiovascular disease, you should speak with your doctor before you start taking the drug. In the same way, people with kidney disease should not take the medication, as it may harm their kidneys. And finally, if you have a history of stroke or heart failure, you should not take the drug without physician supervision.
Do I Need To Wait For Viagra To Take Effect Before I Get In The Shower?
If you’ve tried to use Viagra and have experienced unexpected delays in its effects, you may need to wait for it to take effect before you get in the shower. But that’s not always the case, so be sure to look at the packaging for the drug very carefully. Sometimes it may say to take the medication at least 15 minutes before sexual activity and other times it may say to take it 30 minutes to one hour before sexual activity. It’s usually better to be on the safe side and wait at least one hour before you get in the shower.
Now that you’re more familiar with Viagra and its potential side effects, you may want to switch to an equally effective but safer alternative. If you think that may be the case for you, check out our guide to the best ED treatments for more information!