While the world is fighting for their lives to stop the spread of COVID-19, doctors are also trying to help those infected with the virus get back on their feet as quickly as possible. One of the most effective medications for treating erectile dysfunction is the blue pill called Viagra. Since the medication was first approved by the FDA in 1998, it has been shown to be more effective than other ED drugs, like Cialis and Levitra, in treating acute and chronic ED. Given the potential benefits of Viagra for COVID-19 patients, many are wondering if it’s time for them to try the drug to treat their sexual dysfunction. Is there evidence that taking Viagra after the Covid vaccine will be effective? Should the elderly try it first to recover from the effects of the pandemic? This blog post will discuss the issues surrounding taking Viagra after the Covid vaccine, including its effectiveness and safety.
What Is Viagra?
If you’re unfamiliar, Viagra is a blue pill that was first approved by the FDA in 1998. It was originally designed for use in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) but has since found other medical applications. It has the formula Sildenafil citrate, which is short for Sildenafil citrate. When it is diluted in blood, Sildenafil citrate is known to improve blood flow to the penis. In addition to ED treatment, Viagra is commonly used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition that causes high pressure in the arteries connecting the lungs and the heart. The World Health Organization lists it as a Grade A drug for potential Covid-19 treatment, as it is commonly used to treat ED and PAH.
Should I Take Viagra After COVID-19 Vaccine?
With the emergence of a vaccine to combat COVID-19, many are wondering if they should take Viagra after receiving the shot. Should the elderly try it first to recover from the effects of the pandemic? One major issue is whether or not the medication will interact with the Covid vaccine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are several potential drug interactions that physicians need to consider, such as:
- Is it safe to take the medication with the vaccine?
- Will the medication interfere with the function of the vaccine?
- Is it okay to take the medication after the vaccine, once the immune system has already started to recover?
- How long should I wait after receiving the vaccine before taking the medication?
In light of the continuing uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 and its potential to cause long-term damage, physicians are advising their patients to take the safest and the most effective medications available. As such, they are strongly encouraging the use of ED medication, like Viagra, to help patients afflicted with the virus get back on their feet and resume normal activities as soon as possible. The benefits of viagra for those with COVID-19, coupled with its relatively benign side effect profile, make it a popular choice among doctors for treating the disease, especially given the short half-life of the medication.
Viagra During Pregnancy?
Although there are currently no documented cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women, the possibility that it could be passed from mother to child during childbirth is a major concern. Since the FDA first approved the drug for use in 1998, there have been several reported cases of women miscarrying or giving birth to underweight or deformed babies after taking Viagra. There are also several cases of low-birthweight babies being born to mothers who consumed alcohol while on the medication. The most recent case reports detail how a 28-year-old woman in Chicago became infected with COVID-19 after experiencing a miscarriage and giving birth. She reportedly took the drug to treat the ED caused by her pregnancy, and within two days of starting the medication, she began experiencing symptoms of the disease. As a result of the mother’s infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now list her baby as being at high risk for COVID-19 due to close contact with the mother during childbirth. The CDC also stated that the infant was at risk for viral pneumonia and sepsis (bloodstream infection), which could be caused by COVID-19. In light of these new findings, physicians are now asking if it’s safe for pregnant women to take Viagra during the coronavirus pandemic. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has officially classified the drug as being Covid-19 contraindicated in pregnant women. However, as there are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women, it is unknown how the drug will react when administered during pregnancy. If you’re a pregnant woman and are concerned about whether or not to take Viagra during the pandemic, consult with your doctor first to discuss your options. In most cases, physicians will advise against taking the drug during pregnancy due to the potential for serious side effects. If you decide to go ahead with the medication anyway, do so only after carefully weighing the potential benefits against the risks.
Interactions With Other Medications
Like most medications, Viagra has the potential to interact with other medications, some of which could be dangerous if used together. Since its approval by the FDA, there have been several reported cases of patients experiencing serious adverse reactions after taking the medication alongside other drugs. One of the most serious of these interactions involves the use of protease inhibitors (PI) with the drug. PIs are substances that doctors commonly prescribe to patients to reduce the risk of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and Hepatitis C infection. PIs are also frequently used to treat patients with advanced cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. According to the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), when patients are concurrently taking Viagra and a PI, the risk of toxicity and severe adverse reactions, including sudden cardiac arrest and death, is significantly increased. The PDR lists the following drugs as being potentially dangerous when used in conjunction with Viagra:
- Darunavir (Protease inhibitor): The most commonly prescribed PI, used to treat HIV and Hepatitis C
- Maraviroc (Marquise): A drug used to treat HIV, which inhibits the replication of the virus in macrophages (cells that normally combat infection)
- Ritonavir (Ritonavir): Another commonly prescribed PI, which is used to treat HIV and Hepatitis C
- Saquinavir (Invirase): An antiviral drug used to treat HIV, which inhibits the replication of the virus in hepatocytes (liver cells)
- Tipranavir (TPV): Another antiviral drug used to treat HIV, which inhibits the replication of the virus in T cells (immune cells)
Is There Evidence That Viagra Is Effective In Treating COVID-19?
While there have been several clinical trials conducted on animals (primarily rabbits and rats) that have shown some promising results, there is no clinical trial data on humans yet. In light of this uncertainly, many are hesitant to recommend Viagra for use in treating COVID-19. However, as there have been several cases of ED associated with the disease and its potential for severe complications, it’s clear that Viagra could be a safer and more effective alternative for those patients. In fact, the FDA recently approved a drug called Revatio, a PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor, for use in treating patients with COVID-19. PDE5 inhibitors, like Viagra, prevent degradation of the second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which allows for increased blood flow to the penis and increases the strength of erections.
Safety Issues
One of the most concerning safety issues surrounding Viagra is the risk of liver toxicity the drug poses. The PDR reports that when patients taking the drug for ED stop taking it, they could experience liver toxicity that is serious, in some cases, leading to death. There have also been several cases of patients experiencing liver problems after taking Viagra. It is also worth noting that since the drug was approved by the FDA, several cases of low-birthweight babies have been reported, sometimes due to alcohol use by the mother during pregnancy. The ACOG also lists the following as potential side effects of Viagra: