Viagra Frequently Asked Questions - Viagra FAQ
What is sildenafil?
Sildenafil (brand name: Viagra) is a medicine that doctors prescribe to help men who have erectile dysfunction have sex.
What is Viagra used for?
Viagra is used to treat impotence in men. Viagra increases the body’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Who should not take Viagra?
Men who are currently using medicines that contain nitrates, such as nitroglycerin should not use Viagra because taken together they can lower the blood pressure too much. Viagra should not be used by women or children.
General Precautions with Viagra:
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You should have a complete medical history and exam to determine the cause of your impotence before taking Viagra. Men who have medical conditions that may cause a sustained erection such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia or multiple myeloma or who have an abnormally shaped penis may not be able to take Viagra.
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There are several medications that are known to interact with Viagra, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking including those you can get without a prescription.
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Viagra has not been studied with other treatments for impotence, so use in combination with other treatments is not recommended.
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How should I take Viagra?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe Viagra as one tablet once a day, about 1 hour before sexual activity. However, Viagra may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.
What are some possible side effects of Viagra?
This list is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Viagra. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects. Viagra is generally well tolerated. If any side effects are experienced, they are usually mild and temporary. The following is a listing of the most common side effects:
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Urinary tract infection
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Visual changes such as mild and temporary changes in blue/green colors or increased sensitivity to light.
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What is Viagra for?
Viagra is approved for the treatment of men who have difficulty having and maintaining an erection (impotence).
When will Viagra be available to pharmacies?
It is our understanding that Viagra will be available to pharmacies in approximately one month. FDA has no control over when products are available in pharmacies after FDA approval for marketing. The decision of availability is completely up to the company marketing the product. For further information contact your pharmacist or Pfizer, Inc. Directly.
How much will Viagra cost?
The FDA has no input into or legal control over the pricing of any drug product. At the present time, FDA is unaware of the price that Viagra will have when it is available in US pharmacies.
Will insurance cover the cost of Viagra?
The FDA has no input into or legal control over whether an insurance company does or does not cover the cost of drugs. Please call you insurance company if you have questions about whether your particular insurance provider will cover the cost of this product for you.
How does Viagra work?
An erection is the result of an increase in blood flow into certain internal areas of the penis. Viagra works by enhancing the effects of one of the chemicals the body normally releases into the penis during sexual arousal. This allows an increase of blood flow into the penis.
How do I take Viagra?
Viagra is taken orally as a once daily dose, one hour before sexual activity. For more detailed information consult with your health care provider.
How will Viagra be supplied?
Viagra will be available as oral tablets in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths.
Will Viagra be prescription or OTC?
Viagra will be available by prescription only.
Are there any side effects with Viagra?
As with any drug products, there are side effects of the product in some people. The most commonly reported side effects in patients treated with Viagra during the testing of the product were: headache, flushing, stomach ache, and mild and temporary visual changes (color perception changes, light perception changes, and blurred vision).
Can Viagra be used with other treatment for impotence?
The safety and effectiveness of Viagra when used with other treatment for impotence has not been studied. The use of such treatments in combination with Viagra is not recommended at present.
What if I am taking other drugs?
Always discuss with your health care practitioner ALL of the medications you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter). In that way, you can receive the best advice for your own situation. At present, Viagra is not recommended for people taking nitroglycerin because the combination may lower blood pressure.