For many years, the only “medicinal” purpose that most people had for Viagra was to treat erectile dysfunction. However, as the years have gone by and more and more information about the drug has been revealed, the uses for which people are discovering Viagra far exceed the original intended purpose.
On December 17, 2019, the FDA mandated that all manufacturers of Viagra and similar drugs increase their labels’ drug information to include new warnings about the dangers of taking these medicines for unapproved uses.
In some cases, these drugs can cause harmful effects, including death. While the FDA is encouraging people to consult their doctors about potential alternatives for treating erectile dysfunction, those who have used Viagra for non-medical purposes are expressing frustration about the warning and the likelihood that they could be charged with unapproved drug use.
Is using Viagra for unapproved purposes a common occurrence, or is it just a fluke that this has happened with so many people? Is old Viagra really as dangerous as the FDA is making it out to be? Let’s take a look.
Too Much Information
On December 17, 2019, the FDA mandated that all manufacturers of Viagra and similar drugs increase their labels’ drug information to include new warnings about the dangers of taking these medicines for unapproved uses. The agency cited approving research that found “a definitive association” between using Viagra for non-medical purposes and a significantly increased risk of adverse effects, including heart attack, stroke, and death. The warnings extend to people taking the drugs for any purpose other than those for which they were intended, and even if the risks are low, the benefits might not be worth it.
It is important to note here that Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1998 and has been shown to be effective in multiple clinical trials for treating erectile dysfunction. At that time, the main purpose for which it was approved was to help men who were unable to maintain an erection sufficient for a successful sexual intercourse. This is usually the case when a man’s blood pressure is too high or when he is taking certain medications that lower his blood pressure, such as beta blockers or antidepressants.
However, the drug has been proven to be effective for a broad range of issues beyond erectile dysfunction. This is why the FDA included the following warnings:
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Rash or hives
- Unexplained nasal drainage
- Facial swelling
- Flu-like symptoms
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain
- Feeling low
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain in the back
- Temporary loss of vision or hearing
It is also important to point out that while Viagra has been shown to be safe and effective for people with erectile dysfunction, it is not recommended for those with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Those who have any of these medical conditions should discuss with their doctors the potential risks versus the benefits of taking Viagra.
Unapproved Uses
In some cases, individuals are taking Viagra for uses that have not yet been approved by the FDA. As mentioned above, Viagra has been approved for treating erectile dysfunction. However, there are many potential uses for which it can be helpful. Here are just a few.
- Women with sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, etc.)
- People with pulmonary hypertension
- People with adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
- Men with low testosterone
- People with HIV/AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
It is important to note here that the FDA did not require that these warnings appear on the labels of Viagra and similar drugs. However, the agency cited multiple scientific studies that support these concerns. In fact, some of the studies suggest that there is a definitive association between using these drugs for unapproved purposes and an increased risk of harm. The agency also noted that it is unethical for doctors to prescribe these drugs for uses other than those for which they were tested and approved. Finally, the FDA emphasized that it is the consumers’ responsibility to be aware of the risks versus the benefits of these medicines before using them.
Contraindications
Another important point to make here is that while Viagra is generally safe to consume, it can have certain contraindications or interactions with other drugs that people might want to avoid. One of the contraindications is alcohol. It is important to be aware of this when individuals are drinking alcohol or taking other drugs that contain alcohol. Here are some other drug-drug interactions to be on the lookout for:
- Cyclosporin with Viagra
- Famotidine with Viagra
- Ketoconazole with Viagra
- Atorvastatin with Viagra
- Lovastatin with Viagra
If someone is trying to avoid taking drugs or alcohol, there are alternatives that can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction. However, since Viagra has been shown to be so helpful for people with this issue, those who want to avoid using alcohol might end up trying to find alternatives to treat this problem. If this is the case, people might want to consider trying out the following natural remedies:
- Grapefruit
- Cissus Quadrangularis
- Epimedium Grandiforum
- Siberian Ginseng
- Yohimbe
- Vitamin E
It is important to remember here that while these natural remedies can be helpful, they are not a replacement for prescription medications, and people with certain health problems might want to avoid trying out these natural remedies without first consulting with their doctors.
The Risk Of Taking Older Drugs
Another important point to make is that while Viagra is one of the safer and more effective drugs when used for its approved purpose of treating erectile dysfunction, it is not a good idea to assume that all older drugs are safe. What’s more, some of these drugs might have more serious side effects than people realize. Here are just a few examples:
- Diltiazem
- Isotretinoin
- Amiodarone
- Tamsulosin
- Warfarin
- Atazanavir
It is important to remember here that the side effects of these and similar drugs vary from mild to severe. Some people have even died from overdosing on these medicines. For that reason, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying out these older drugs for any reason. It is also important to keep in mind that while these drugs might have helped you in the past, they might not be the best option for you now that you are older because your body is not as efficient at processing medicines as it was when you were younger. This is why it’s always a good idea to try and stay as natural as possible while still getting the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.
The bottom line is this: while many people are struggling to find a solution for erectile dysfunction, it is imperative to realize that not all “modern” medicine is created equal. Just because a drug was approved by the FDA a certain number of years ago does not mean that it is safe for everyone to consume or that it will solve all of your problems. In some cases, those who take these drugs for non-medical purposes might experience serious side effects that they did not expect, and it would be best if they did not try to self-diagnose and treat themselves with these drugs without first talking to their doctors. In other cases, older drugs might still be effective for people with certain medical conditions, but it is generally best to avoid them if possible.