Viagra is one of the most popular and best-selling brands of ED medication, with more than 25 million prescriptions written annually in the United States alone. Developed in the ‘90s, the drug was initially prescribed to treat angina and heart disease. However, as time went on, researchers discovered that this medication could be used for a variety of other conditions, including sexual dysfunction. Thus, making it an all-purpose solution for many men, including those who wouldn’t normally seek out medical help for their erectile difficulties.
The History Of Viagra
As alluded to above, although Pfizer marketed Viagra as a treatment for heart disease, the medication was actually approved by the FDA in February 1998 as a therapy for erectile dysfunction. The company did so after completing two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials which assessed the effectiveness of Viagra in around 450 patients with mild to moderate ED. The trials compared the drug to a placebo and each patient received either a 50 mg or a 100 mg dose of Viagra. Roughly 77% of those who took the medication reported some level of improvement in their erectile function (as compared to about 12% of those who received the placebo). Interestingly, although Viagra was originally developed to treat men with heart disease, the drug is actually recommended as a first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction in both the American and European guidelines.
Real-World Data On Viagra
The trials which led to Viagra’s FDA approval were also used to generate real-world data regarding the effectiveness of the drug. Specifically, researchers examined the medical records of the patients who participated in the trials and assessed whether or not they continued to experience benefits from the treatment. As it turned out, 71% of the men who received the medication for erectile dysfunction continued to experience improved erectile function as compared to 12% of those who took a placebo. Furthermore, researchers also noted that those who received a 100 mg dose of the drug had a better response than those who took a 50 mg dose, which suggests that a higher dose may be required for some men. In line with this, in both the American and European guidelines for erectile dysfunction, it is suggested that men with ED try a 50 mg daily dose of the medication, before increasing the dosage to a 100 mg, as a first-line therapy.
Dangers Of Taking Viagra
Although Viagra is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is still a medication, which like any other drug, has known and unknown risks. One of the most common side effects of the drug is headache, which occurs in around 30% of those who take it. More problematic is the fact that as pointed out by Dr. Sanjay Nathani, an associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine, individuals who take Viagra are likely to develop a resistance to its effects. In other words, once men have taken the drug, they will need to continue to take it (perhaps at higher dosages) in order to achieve the desired results. “This is why sometimes it takes a while to notice the effects of the drug,” says Dr. Nathani. “When this happens, men may incorrectly assume that the problem is with the medication and not themselves, because they think it should be working by now. Unfortunately, this can lead to severe problems down the road.”
Where Can I Buy Viagra Online?
Although Pfizer originally only approved the sale of the drug in select states, the company soon after, expanded the distribution of the medication to all 50 states as well as Canada and Mexico. However, as noted above, the medication is still considered investigational in all foreign countries. Currently, you can buy Viagra online from many different reputable vendors, including eBay, Amazon, and Walgreens. Just make sure that you are ordering through a reputable source, as otherwise you may end up with a counterfeit or low-quality product.
Final Takeaway
If you’re looking to buy Viagra online, you should probably go through a reputable vendor. However, keep in mind that although the medication is approved for use in the U.S., it is still considered investigational in other countries. Therefore, if you do decide to purchase the medication abroad, you will need to inform your health care provider of the nature of your travel plans, so that they can approve your travel medication waiver. For more information, you can contact the FDA’s Office of Drug Industry Affairs. And finally, if you have any further questions about the medication or its side effects, feel free to consult its product information sheet, which is available online.