Viagra, named after its main active ingredient, is often referred to as the “little blue pill” due to its distinctive packaging. Introduced to the U.S. market in 1998, Viagra was originally approved by the FDA as a treatment for elevated blood pressure. Since then, it has gained popularity as a treatment for angina, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction (ED). As a result, sales have increased from $1.7 billion in 2004 to approximately $3.5 billion in 2017.
Despite its popularity, the use of Viagra is not without controversy. Withdrawn from the market in 2012 by its manufacturer, Pfizer, over 150 lawsuits were filed in the following three years, alleging that the company falsely advertised Viagra and misled consumers about its safety and effectiveness. On June 25, 2019, a $20 million jury verdict was returned in favor of the plaintiffs, finding that Pfizer had indeed misled consumers about the safety and efficacy of its drug, causing them to suffer from sexual dysfunction.
While the lawsuits against Pfizer have ceased, the fallout from the jury’s decision continues. The company recently settled with the U.S. Justice Department for $10 million, admitting to falsely promoting the drug for unapproved uses and failing to report adverse reactions. Moreover, in a bid to make amends, Pfizer has agreed to donate $20 million to non-profit organizations that combat sexual dysfunction, specifically male depression and erectile dysfunction.
Whether or not you’re involved in a lawsuit against Pfizer, it’s imperative to examine the truth about Viagra and its effects. To this end, we interviewed Dr. A.J. Mathew, board-certified internist and sexual medicine specialist, about the wonders of this popular ED treatment. Here, we answer five common questions about Viagra.
Is Viagra Just an ED Drug?
While ED and cardiovascular disease go hand-in-hand, there is more than one type of ED. About 18% of men suffer from premature ejaculation, which can make them feel frustrated and distressed. This type of ED has a distinct difference from other varieties, in that it is not caused by a physical issue like diabetes or high blood pressure. Instead, it is a result of psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety. If you have this type of ED and aren’t comfortable talking to your healthcare provider about it, then Viagra is probably not the right medication for you.
On the flip side, there are some men whose ED is a result of physical causes, like diabetes or high blood pressure. In these cases, treatment with Viagra is an essential part of the regimen. This includes both immediate treatment for the acute episode and long-term management to prevent future complications.
How Effective Is Viagra in Treating ED?
In the limited setting of properly conducted clinical trials, which we will discuss later in this article, Viagra has been proven to be highly effective in treating erectile dysfunction, with or without diabetes. In these trials, approximately 70% of the men who were administered Viagra reported improvement in their erections. In a recent analysis of data from 76 clinical trials, involving a total of 29,116 men, the drug was shown to be slightly more effective than other ED treatments, such as oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) and intra-cavernosal injection (ICI).
In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that the drug may be more effective than other oral ED treatments, such as vardenafil and tadalafil. This is certainly good news for men who suffer from ED, as the effectiveness of Viagra makes it a far more practical option than previously believed. Now, if only the side effects were minimal.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
Since its introduction, Viagra has been available only in a tablet form, but it is now available in a variety of forms, including a gel that is designed to be more effective when applied directly to the penis. This new formulation, known as Viagra Soft, is supposed to increase the concentration of sildenafil in the blood, resulting in more effective erections. However, because it is not absorbed very well by the stomach, it is best used for external application, like to the penis, rather than taken orally.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work For The First Time?
In most men, Viagra will begin to have an effect within 30 minutes of ingestion. However, since it takes time for the drug molecule to make its way to its target site, it is usually best to plan on spending at least half an hour before having sexual intercourse, in order to maximize its effect.
Can Viagra Be Discontinued Once It Has Been Started?
According to the latest clinical research, men who have been taking Viagra for more than a year may stop ingesting the medication without experiencing any serious repercussions. However, if you have less than a year of experienced, you should continue taking the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Otherwise, you may begin to experience various side effects, ranging from headache to dizziness and nausea.
It is often overlooked that Viagra can and often has unpleasant side effects, ranging from headache to dizziness and nausea. These side effects are caused by the drug’s metabolite, which remains in the body for years after the initial treatment has been administered. While the benefits of Viagra far outweigh the risks in most cases, it is still a drug with a dark side. One should always bear in mind that it is not without side effects, especially if it is taken too frequently or for too long. Like all medications, there is a chance that it could cause serious harm if used incorrectly or in excess.
An important note about these side effects: they tend to go away as soon as the drug is discontinued. In most cases, this means that the patient will experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea for a few days before these symptoms subside. In rare cases, these side effects can lead to permanent damage.
The above information should put to rest any doubts you may have about whether or not to take Viagra. While it has many advantages, and perhaps even save lives, in the right setting, it still has the potential to cause harm. This is why it is always a good idea to consult with your physician about whether or not the drug is right for you.