In early 2009, a new drug hit the scene, and it was called “viagra”. While most people were on tjhe surface wondering what the big deal was, a few savvy online drug shoppers were looking for rare items, and they found it. This drug was initially prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but it soon became known as a “pro-bono” or “wonder drug”, which means it was being prescribed without any kind of charge to the patient.
The demand for this so-called “freebie” spiked, and it wasn’t long before shady online pharmacies popped up to satisfy the need. The best of these online pharmacies (mostly located in China) could get you high-quality, legal prescriptions for drugs like viagra, with little or no effort on your part. If you were looking for a bargain, there were other alternatives as well, like Mexican pharmacies, which typically charge a bit more for prescriptions but are still considered some of the best in the business.
Of course, as with any newly emerging drug, there were some dangerous side effects. Many people reported heart attacks and strokes after using viagra, which led to some very real concerns about the safety of this medication. It was banned in some countries (like Germany) and became so tightly controlled that it couldn’t be purchased over the counter in some others (like the U.S.).
While the FDA has tried to play it safe by limiting the amount of information they can provide about viagra because it’s still a new drug, they’ve also acknowledged that they’re aware of the various problems that the medication can cause. Specifically, the agency pointed to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke as among the potential side effects of taking the drug. They also warned that there’s an increased possibility of liver damage and heart failure with long-term use. These are all very real concerns, especially since we’re talking about medications that work by manipulating your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. There’s also the fact that some men (in particular, those with heart disease) shouldn’t even try to have sex on dangerous medications like this.
A Risky Business
Roughly two years after its initial approval, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now classified Viagra as a class IV drug, which means it’s highly addictive and very risky if you have a history of opioid or alcohol abuse. This rating is the same as for morphine and OxyContin, which is why the agency is so concerned about its potential for abuse. They also point out that while there’s limited information about the long-term effects of Viagra, there’s no evidence to suggest it’s safe for human use beyond six months.
A Risky Drug
Despite the risks, the FDA has maintained its approval for Viagra, along with sildenafil (a.k.a. vardenafil, tadalafil, and many others), because they consider the beneficial effects of these medications to outweigh the potential risks. These are mostly elderly men with ED, and they have a certain amount of pain with which they need to be treated. For years, physicians have prescribed these medications for erectile dysfunction, and thousands of men have now reportedly benefited from them. The good news is that, since Viagra’s approval, many other companies have developed ED medication, so if you’re looking for a treatment option, you have plenty to choose from.
However, these medications are still considered relatively new, and because they were initially developed for research purposes only, there’s not as much clinical data available about them as there is for older drugs. This is why the FDA, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), and the College of American Pharmacists (CAP) have all asked for more clinical trials to be conducted to determine the long-term effects of these medications (sildenafil and Viagra specifically). Additionally, since these medications increase blood flow to the penis, which can cause a flushing reaction in some users, there is also the potential for an allergic reaction, and this too must be monitored.
How Is Viagra Different From The Other Popular Erectile Dysfunction Drugs?
Viagra is different from all other ED medications because it naturally contains sildenafil, a substance that’s more effective than the other drugs and has fewer negative side effects. However, it’s important to note that while sildenafil is what makes Viagra special, it doesn’t guarantee positive results—you still need to follow the instructions that your physician gives you to take the medication as required. If you do, however, your chances of successfully engaging in sexual activity with your partner increase significantly.
Some of the other commonly prescribed erectile dysfunction medications also contain sildenafil (tadalafil and vardenafil), but they’re not specifically designed to boost blood flow to the penis. They can also be bought over the counter without a prescription in some countries like Mexico, so any man with ED can theoretically find the medication he needs without the need for a doctor’s recommendation.
More Than Just An ED Treatment
Since its approval in 1998, the medication Viagra has been prescribed for more than just erectile dysfunction, and the FDA has acknowledged it for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which blood vessels in the lungs become narrower, placing the patient at risk of heart attack or stroke. It’s also been used to help with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a form of the disease that has no specific treatment and is fatal in nature. The anti-thrombotic properties of the substance in Viagra prevent blood clots from forming in the lungs, which could then be excised, resulting in a cure for pulmonary hypertension.
Where Can I Buy Viagra?
In most cases, you’ll need to visit a physician to get a prescription for Viagra. While many countries will allow you to purchase it over the counter, you will need a prescription to get the desired dosage. If you do decide to purchase it without a prescription, be sure to consult your physician first to make sure it’s safe for you to do so.
What Does The Future Of Viagra Look Like?
After spending two years as a class IV medication, it’s clear that Viagra still has a lot of life left in it. The drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer, has now shifted their approach to marketing and research, launching a new website for the medication where they list the various conditions for which it’s approved and point out the medication’s various uses beyond erectile dysfunction. Additionally, they provide information about where you can buy the medication online without a prescription and various ways in which it can be beneficial to your health, not just your sex life.
This new approach could potentially lead to more men seeking a prescription for Viagra, especially since it has a somewhat different mechanism of action than most other ED medications. If you’re interested in trying out this medication for yourself or your partner, be sure to discuss it with your physician beforehand, as there’s a chance that it could be dangerous for some patients with certain health problems.