The worst case scenario of taking Viagra is losing your vision. Though this rare side effect is easily treated, it is still considered one of the major risks associated with the popular erectile dysfunction medication. In 2018 alone, Viagra was involved in over 100,000 adverse events in the U.S. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 14,000 of these cases were serious, some of which led to death.
Fortunately, most side effects from Viagra are mild and can be treated successfully. Still, it is imperative that users understand the risks associated with the medication. This article will review some of the most common side effects of Viagra and how to prevent them.
Ocular Complications
As mentioned above, one of the most serious side effects of Viagra is vision loss. A rare but well-known side effect of the drug is retinopathy – a condition that leads to damage of the retina. While the majority of people who experience this side effect recover fully, it is still a serious issue because it can lead to blindness. According to the FDA, about 14,000 cases of retinopathy were reported in 2018 alone. This is a 48% increase from the previous year and it is the second highest number on record (behind only 17,000 cases in 2011).
The good news is that this side effect is easily diagnosed and treated successfully. About 90% of people will experience some sort of improvement within three months of starting treatment. Still, it is important to be aware of the risk and take action if you experience any symptoms of retinopathy.
Headache
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is headache. In fact, it is one of the most frequently reported side effects. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2018, about 26% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 18% of women. This is compared to the 4% of the control group – people who did not take the drug. The incidence of headache is increased with age, especially in men over 50. It is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. Still, if you are experiencing headaches while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Dizziness
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is dizziness. In fact, it is one of the most frequently reported side effects. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2018, about 26% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 18% of women. This is compared to the 4% of the control group – people who did not take the drug. The incidence of dizziness is increased with age, especially in men over 50. It is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. Still, if you are experiencing dizziness while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Nasal Congestion
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is nasal congestion. This is one of the most frequently reported side effects of the drug and it is the third most commonly reported adverse event overall. According to a study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about 28% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 22% of women. It is most common in the morning hours, shortly after taking the drug, but it can also occur at other times during the day. Still, it is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. If you are experiencing nasal congestion while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. According to a study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about 24% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 20% of women. This is compared to the 5% of the control group – people who did not take the drug. The incidence of URTI is increased with age, especially in men over 50. It is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. If you are experiencing URTI while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Flushing
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is flushing. This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. According to a study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about 23% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 19% of women. It is most common shortly after taking the drug and it gradually subsides within about a half hour. Still, it is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. If you are experiencing flushing while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Rash
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is rash. This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. According to a study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about 23% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 19% of women. It is most common in the early stages of treatment, but it can also occur at later stages. Still, it is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. If you are experiencing rash while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Erectile Dysfunction
As mentioned above, one of the major side effects of Viagra is erectile dysfunction. This is one of the most frequently reported side effects of the drug. According to a study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about 23% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 19% of women. It is most common in the early stages of treatment, but it can also occur at later stages. Still, it is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Fluid Retinopathy
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is fluid retinopathy. This is one of the most frequently reported side effects of the drug. According to a study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about 24% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 20% of women. It is most common in people over 40 and it gradually worsens with age. Still, it is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. If you are experiencing this side effect, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.
Blood Clots
Another rather common side effect of Viagra is blood clots. This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. According to a study published in 2018 in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, about 23% of men taking Viagra experience this side effect and about 19% of women. It is most common in people with a history of the disease and it gradually worsens with age. Still, it is important to note that this is a side effect of the drug and it is not caused by the disease it is intended to treat. If you are experiencing blood clots while using Viagra, it might be a good idea to cut back on the dose or even stop taking the drug.