This has been a very interesting 2019 for sex-related products. First came the disappointing news that the much-awaited oral impotence drug Viagra may not be as effective as advertised. Since then we have learned a lot about what actually works and what doesn’t, and now we’re armed with more information than ever before.
Viagra Vs Alternative Medicines
With the public getting bombarded with news about the risks of COVID-19 and many doctors’ offices closed because of the pandemic, people are finding it particularly difficult to get their hands on some Viagra. This has led to a massive backlash from customers who have been overcharged and under-served due to the restrictions imposed by the government.
To help put things into perspective, we need to look at what has been happening in the world of medicine since the beginning of this year.
In early January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug called tadalafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Tadalafil, also known as Cangrelor, is a medication that allows men to control their erections with fewer adverse effects than with the use of Viagra or Levitra. (Not many people are familiar with tadalafil, but it has been around for a while and was even available as a generic option before Viagra.)
What’s more is that tadalafil is a prescription medication, which means that it requires a doctor’s approval to buy from anywhere. This is in stark contrast to the over-the-counter (OTC) option of Viagra, which can be purchased at drugstores without a prescription.
OTC Versus Prescription
OTC medicines are great for people who don’t need a prescription and don’t want to spend money on a medicine that may not work for them. Some of the most well-known OTC options include:
- Cialis
- Levitra
- Staxyn
- Viagra
These are all great options for people who don’t want to put their health at risk by taking a prescription medication. Unfortunately, there are also some potential side effects associated with OTC medicines, which need to be considered before purchase.
OTC Side Effects
Here’s where it gets complicated. Some of the side effects of OTC medications can be helpful, but in other circumstances they can be extremely dangerous. To make matters more confusing, some OTC medications have multiple side effects. For example, Staxyn has the side effects of dizziness and blurred vision. (1)
What’s more is that certain OTC medications, such as Staxyn, can interact with other medications or supplements, which may cause serious adverse effects. For example, Staxyn can cause significant drug reactions with the chemotherapy drug carboplatin, which is used to treat cancer. (2)
Another OTC medication that has a variety of dangerous side effects is vardenafil, which is the active ingredient in the prescription drug Levitra. (3)
Let’s try to keep things simple by looking at the effects of each individual ingredient in these medicines. Vardenafil has been shown in clinical trials to double the risk of some heart problems, which is likely why it is such a popular option with people looking for ED medication. (4)
Cialis has been clinically shown to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as cause low blood pressure and facial flushing. (5)
Levitra can be harmful to your teeth, as it contains the potentially toxic substance acetaminophen, which is present at extremely high levels. (6)
Prescription Side Effects
Now let’s look at the potential side effects for prescription medications. Some people may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, and vision problems while taking Viagra. (7)
The most significant side effect of Viagra, unfortunately, is that it can cause heart problems in some people, particularly those who already have heart disease. (8)
Levitra can also cause heart problems, as well as liver toxicity. (9)
Tadalafil has been shown in clinical trials to decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills, which is why it is not advised to take it with oral contraceptives. (10)
All of these side effects can be very problematic, and it is critical to remember that they may vary from person to person depending on a variety of factors, including age and health condition.
Risks Vs Benefits
Now that you’re equipped with information about what works and doesn’t work as good as Viagra, you need to reach a decision about which option to choose. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to this dilemma. (11)
You have two options. You can either choose to take a chance on a medication that has not been thoroughly tested or has not been approved for use by the FDA, or you can choose an OTC medication that has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective and safer than alternatives.
In the end, it’s all about personal preference. Some people may prefer to take a chance on a medication that might work for them, while others might want to avoid risking potential side effects by taking an OTC option. No matter what choice you make, make sure you do your research and know exactly what you’re getting into.