Important Info about Viagra®
Important Safety Information for Viagra®:
What is Viagra®?
Viagra® (sildenafil) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It enhances blood flow to the penis, helping men achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
Viagra® is not intended for use by women or children and should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.
Who should not use Viagra®?
Do not use Viagra if:
- You are taking medications called nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) to treat chest pain. Combining Viagra® with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- You are using guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators like riociguat for pulmonary hypertension.
- You are allergic to sildenafil or any of the ingredients in Viagra®.
If you are unsure about your suitability for Viagra®, consult your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
How should I take Viagra®?
Viagra® should be taken exactly as prescribed:
- Take one tablet about 30–60 minutes before sexual activity. The effects last for up to 4–6 hours.
- Do not take more than one dose within 24 hours.
- For best results, take Viagra® on an empty stomach or after a light meal, as a heavy or fatty meal can delay its effects.
Avoid combining Viagra® with other erectile dysfunction medications or over-the-counter ED treatments.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Viagra®?
Before starting Viagra®, inform your doctor of your complete medical history, especially if you:
- Have a history of heart problems, such as angina, heart attack, or irregular heartbeat.
- Have low or high blood pressure.
- Experience prolonged or painful erections (priapism).
- Have kidney or liver disease, as this may require dose adjustments.
- Have vision problems, including retinitis pigmentosa or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
- Are taking alpha-blockers, antihypertensive medications, or other drugs that could interact with Viagra® and lower your blood pressure.
Providing accurate information helps your doctor determine if Viagra® is right for you.
What are the most serious side effects?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Prolonged erections: An erection lasting more than 4 hours can cause permanent damage to the penis.
- Vision problems: Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes may indicate NAION. Stop using Viagra® and consult your doctor immediately.
- Hearing loss: Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness, requires prompt medical evaluation.
- Heart-related symptoms: If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness during sexual activity, stop immediately and seek medical help.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Vision changes, such as sensitivity to light or a bluish tint in vision
These side effects are generally mild and temporary. Contact your doctor if they persist or worsen.
Additional safety information
Viagra® does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always use appropriate protection and practice safe sex. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it may decrease the effectiveness of Viagra® and increase the likelihood of side effects like dizziness or fainting.
If taking Viagra® for pulmonary hypertension (PAH), follow your doctor’s specific instructions. Never take more than prescribed.
Reporting side effects
To report side effects in the Philippines, contact the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through their Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Reporting System or call +63 2-8809-5596.
For full prescribing information and additional details, visit the Philippine FDA website.
