Viagra, the iconic drug that helps men achieve erections and have sex, is now being prescribed to treat COVID-19. While taking the drug doesn’t guarantee that a person will not get sick or that they will recover faster than in the absence of the drug, it does make them less likely to develop complications. Some doctors have also suggested that since Pfizer owns the patent for Viagra, it may be able to negotiate reduced prices for its product in the fight against COVID-19.
What Is COVID-19?
Put simply, COVID-19 is the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Since its discovery in late 2019, the pandemic has infected thousands and killed hundreds. Cases have been reported in practically every country around the world, though most cases and deaths have occurred in mainland China. Most people who get sick with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms and are able to recover with rest and supportive care.
How Is Viagra Being Prescribed For COVID-19?
Since early February, doctors in Wuhan, China, where the pandemic first emerged, have started prescribing Viagra to treat patients with COVID-19. The rationale there is that since Viagra helps men achieve erections, it may be able to increase the likelihood of successful sexual intercourse and thus prevent the contraction of the virus. Other researchers have suggested that since SARS and MERS, two other viruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome and middle-east respiratory syndrome, respectively, are known to be linked to severe cardiovascular complications, that taking Viagra may also prevent or ameliorate some of the problems associated with COVID-19. Most recently, a team of scientists from the UK and Canada found that Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors are a group of drugs that include sildenafil and tadalafil) may be able to treat COVID-19 by inhibiting the activity of the COVID-19 main protease (the main protease is an enzyme that helps viruses reproduce).
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
According to the package insert for Viagra, the drug takes effect within 30 minutes and lasts for about 4 hours. However, recent studies have indicated that the drug may not work as quickly as once thought and that it may take several days for its full effects to be felt. While some patients have reported feeling an improvement as soon as the first day of treatment, many others have not experienced any changes for up to a week. The exact mechanism by which Viagra inhibits the growth of COVID-19 is still unclear.
What Side Effects Does Viagra Have?
In general, the side effects of Viagra are mild and transient. The most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about 10% of patients. Other side effects that have been reported include upset stomach, flushing, dizziness, and nasal congestion. The most serious side effect is high blood pressure, which occurs in about 1% of patients. This is especially concerning since older adults and people with medical conditions, such as heart disease, are more susceptible to the side effects of high blood pressure. However, other researchers have not reported any serious side effects to date.
Is It Safe To Take Viagra While Pregnant?
As mentioned above, the most dangerous side effect of Viagra is elevated blood pressure. Since the risk of this side effect increases with increasing age, it is best to avoid pregnancy until a person is no longer susceptible to the effects of elevated blood pressure. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both suggest that, due to its potential to cause birth defects, pregnant women should avoid taking Viagra or any medications that contain sildenafil (another popular PDE5 inhibitor) and instead opt for natural remedies or alternatives. If a woman is already pregnant and taking or has taken Viagra, she should consult with her obstetrician or gynecologist immediately.
Does Viagra Work On Animals?
While there is not yet any scientific proof that Viagra works on animals, there is some anecdotal evidence that it may help dogs with erectile dysfunction. Many veterinarians and pet store owners have reported success treating dogs with low blood pressure (known as “pacing”) by prescribing Viagra. However, since there was no control group, it is difficult to know for sure whether or not the drug helped. Further studies are needed to determine if and to what extent Viagra improves the quality of life for animals with cardiovascular diseases.
How Does Viagra Fit In With The Rest Of The Covid-19 Medications?
Although some physicians may choose to prescribe Viagra as a singular treatment in the fight against COVID-19, many others see it as an addition to other medications, particularly since it is not yet known what the long-term effects of the drug will be. For example, since SARS and MERS are known to be linked to severe cardiovascular complications, some doctors may choose to prescribe Viagra along with either an ACE inhibitor or ARB. This is an example of what is known as a “combination therapy” and is designed to maximize the treatment effect while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Currently, there is no cure for COVID-19, but thanks to advanced technology and an ever-evolving knowledge base, clinicians are making great strides in finding treatments and a vaccine. With more people experiencing success with treatment protocols that include Viagra, one can only hope that the pandemic will soon be over.