Viagra, the popular erectile dysfunction drug, has been around for almost 20 years, and has helped men all over the world live their best life. Despite its success, the drug still has something to prove. That something is the warning label on the bottle. Why is it required to have a warning label? Let’s explore.
The Challenge Of Drug Manufacturing
Let’s start with the basics: what is Viagra? It’s a drug manufactured by Pfizer, which happens to be one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. That basically means it inhibits an enzyme that would normally break down a chemical in the blood called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When cGMP builds up in the blood, it has the potential to boost nitric oxide levels, which, in turn, lead to an erection. While the mechanism of action is relatively simple, it’s crucial to remember that there are numerous substances that could potentially interact with Viagra, rendering it ineffective. And that’s why the label.
Watch Out For These Interactions
While the potential for adverse effects due to drug interactions is always a major consideration with every medication, it’s particularly crucial when it comes to Viagra. As mentioned above, Viagra is very susceptible to chemical interactions. In fact, it has so many points of vulnerability that pharmaceutical chemist Peter Jahrhage has dubbed it the ‘cheese cube’ due to its shape.
Thankfully, Viagra is a highly efficient medication. However, that efficiency translates into a fairly high risk of toxicity. And it doesn’t take a genius to notice that chemical interactions aren’t what you want when it comes to your health. Keep that in mind when considering any supplements or other medications you might be taking, especially if they’re not prescribed to you by a physician.
Viagra’s Chemical Structure Makes It Vulnerable To Inactivation
As we mentioned above, when Viagra is utilized, it has the potential to increase nitric oxide levels in the body. That, in turn, could lead to a number of therapeutic effects. However, as with any drug, there are potentially dangerous side effects. One of the biggest issues with Viagra is that it’s very susceptible to photolytic inactivation. That means it can be destroyed by light and heat, which makes it pretty much useless. The good news is that this issue can be easily mitigated.
To prevent photolytic inactivation, Pfizer includes a provision in the bottle to keep it dark and cool. This is crucial, because if you remember back to high school biology, light and heat are both known to be harmful to living organisms. As the bottle is not equipped with a dark-proof coating, it’s very prone to being destroyed by light and heat. This is why Viagra is required to have a warning label.
A One-of-a-Kind Medication
Let’s explore the other issues that make Viagra unique. It’s a blue-ribbon medication that has won numerous awards, and it’s deserved every bit of recognition it’s received. However, the medication is not without its challenges. As mentioned above, it is very susceptible to being destroyed by light and heat. Another issue is that it has to be stored strictly in a cool dark place.
As a result of these challenges, it is estimated that Viagra saves the lives of only about 1 in 20 men who use it. And that’s really all it’s ever needed to be considered a success. Despite its flaws, many people have found it to be a priceless medication, and Pfizer continues to manufacture it, because they know that one day, it could be that last medication a man needs.
So, while this may seem like an issue that only pertains to Viagra, keep in mind that it could potentially affect any medication, including your daily vitamins or supplements. You should certainly consult your physician before starting any new medications or supplements, especially if you’re not sure what they are or if you’re taking them for the first time.
At the end of the day, Viagra is a remarkable medication, but until Pfizer can figure out a way to protect it from being destroyed by light and heat, it still has a long way to go. And that’s why the warning label is still necessary.