Summary
The pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy, recently released the results of a study that examined the effects of taking the medication, Planet Viagra, or a placebo for 12 weeks. People who took the drug reported improvements in their sex lives and reductions in their symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). While research on ED medications is promising, it is also important to consider the potential side effects of these medications.
Background
ED is a common problem among men, and it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. According to the American Urological Society (A.U.S.), over 300 million prescriptions are written annually for ED medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. While there is no cure for ED, there are various treatments that can help to improve a person’s quality of life; one of which is Viagra. Viagra is a drug used to treat ED that works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which in turn allows for an erection to occur. In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) approved Viagra for use in treating ED in men. Since then, the medication has been prescribed to help men of all ages deal with the little problem of ED. However, the efficacy of the drug in treating various forms of ED has not yet been established.
Design Of The Study
The current study, conducted by Ranbaxy, was designed to examine the effects of taking 12 weeks of daily therapy with either Planet Viagra or a placebo in men. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether or not daily treatment with Planet Viagra was able to enhance sexual function and reduce the symptoms of ED in patients with mild to moderate ED. This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which means that both the patients and the study staff were unaware of what medication the participants were taking or what was being evaluated.
To qualify for the study, participants had to have a clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate ED, as determined by their doctors. They also had to be between the ages of 18 and 70 and be in good health. Furthermore, participants were required to have an average sexual encounter frequency of at least once per week and an average erectile function score (based on the International Index of Erectile Function—IIEF) of 16 or less. Additionally, participants had to experience at least some dysfunction in one or more areas of their sex life as determined by the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ). Participants were excluded from the study if they had a history of allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients used in Planet Viagra, had taken any medications that might harm the liver or had a family history of cardiac disease.
Patients
One hundred and fifty-four patients were initially enrolled in the study, and the researchers randomly assigned them to receive either daily doses of Planet Viagra or a placebo for 12 weeks. The patients were selected from a pool of volunteers who had previously expressed an interest in taking part in erectile dysfunction studies. Over 90% of the participants were white, and the mean age was approximately 59 years old. The study excluded individuals: who were taking any medications or supplements that might affect sexual function; who were sexually active, but were taking hormone therapy or planning to begin hormone therapy during the study; who had a history of drug or alcohol abuse; who had a neuropsychiatric condition (e.g. Parkinson’s disease); or who were taking any medications that might interfere with the liver (e.g. antibiotics). Furthermore, individuals were asked to refrain from drinking alcohol or taking any supplements containing vitamins B and C during the study.
Key Results
After 12 weeks of treatment, 128 individuals in the Planet Viagra group and 127 in the placebo group completed the study. The researchers reported that 44% of the participants in the Planet Viagra group had an improvement in their erectile function scores, while only 17% of the patients in the placebo group demonstrated such an improvement. Additionally, the rate of sexual encounter frequency was 58% higher in the Planet Viagra group than in the placebo group. Based on these encouraging results, Ranbaxy plans to conduct a longer term study to further evaluate the efficacy of Planet Viagra in treating ED. The company is also exploring the use of this medication for the treatment of premature ejaculation and low libido in men. Finally, Ranbaxy is investigating the use of this medication in women to see if there are any positive effects on desire and arousal. If approved, the company hopes to market this medication to help men with all sorts of sexual problems and to improve their overall quality of life.