Recently, the FDA issued a warning about the risks of taking Viagra. According to the warning, men taking the drug are at risk of heart attack and heart damage. The agency has also recommended that men with heart disease or who are on heart medication, avoid taking Viagra.
The statement from the FDA comes at a time when many people are rediscovering the wonders of natural remedies and alternative therapies, including dietary changes, exercise, and supplements. While there’s still no denying the dangers of opioid medications and the harmful effects of alcohol, many people are discovering that there’s more than one way to approach health problems.
The warning from the FDA is serious, but is it true that Viagra poses a health risk to men? Let’s take a look.
Key Facts About Viagra
Viagra, short for “vardenafil”, is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is marketed in the US as ED pill 1. It is also the active ingredient in the medications Kamagra and Avignon, which are also used to treat erectile dysfunction. It was originally approved by the FDA in April 1998.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the erection. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). Inhibiting this enzyme allows more blood to flow into the penis and results in an erection which can be both sustained and improved upon sexual stimulation. PDE5 inhibitors are a type of drug called “phosphodiesterase inhibitors” or “PDEIs” for short.
What Are the Risks Associated with Viagra?
According to the Viagra drug label, there is a potential for serious side effects, including heart attack and stroke. The rate of these side effects is very low, however, and the FDA has concluded that it is likely underreported. Only one in a million men taking the drug will experience a heart attack, while one in 10,000 will have a stroke. These are extremely rare, but possible side effects. There is also the possibility of fainting, headache, and liver toxicity.
The most serious risk associated with Viagra is sudden unexpected death. This is when a patient taking Viagra dies either from a heart attack or stroke, unrelated to any previous heart disease. The FDA has concluded that this is due to undiagnosed cardiovascular disease and that the drug should not be prescribed for patients with a history of heart disease. The exact cause of these deaths is unknown, but there is some evidence that they may be linked to abnormal heart rhythms. It is also possible that some of these deaths are due to sudden internal hemorrhaging caused by an enlarged prostate or a blood vessel in the penis rupturing. This would be very painful and frightening, but not lethal.
In light of these risks, the FDA has issued a warning about the potential dangers of taking Viagra. There is no denying that drug is effective in combating erectile dysfunction and the risks are relatively low. If taken advantage of, however, men with heart disease or those who are on heart medication could be at risk. In these cases, alternative treatments or supplements, such as exercise, proper nutrition, and possibly even cannabis or kratom, may be a better option. It depends on the man and his unique situation whether or not Viagra is the right choice for him. For those who are concerned about the risks, the answer may be simpler than you think – just don’t take it.