LONDON (AP) -- Viagra, the little blue pill that has revolutionized the sex lives of millions of men, has two potential rivals knocking at the door of the big U.S. market.
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Aug. 26, 2003
By Alice Chang, M.D.
Harvard Medical School
How does this article relate to me?
When you see and hear ads for the newest medications for impotence (erectile dysfunction), learn to see through the flash and promises. Cialis (tadalfil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are varieties of Viagra that may or may not offer you more. Their side effect profile will be the same, and people who are taking nitrates for heart disease (nitroglycerin or isordil) will have the same problems taking the new pills. In other words, if you couldnt take Viagra because of your medications or medical conditions, you wont be able to take these newer versions.
What is different is the potential timing of the medication how far in advance you have to take it and how long it may last. Levitra's effect might start a bit earlier. Cialis' effect will last longer. Instead of waiting 30 minutes, you might only wait 15 minutes with Levitra. Instead of having a four-hour window to have sexual intercourse after taking Viagra, you might have two or three days after taking Cialis.
So what are the down sides of the new medications? They will certainly cost more. If you have an insurance plan, you will probably be paying more or even full price for these medications. And there is no certainty that their effect will be any different for you than Viagra.
What changes do I need to make?
Regardless of which type of medication you might try, you should talk to your health-care provider if you have any symptoms of impotence. Viagra helped many men realize they should and could seek help from their health-care providers. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, make an appointment to see your health-care provider.
- In the past three months, have you had any problems having an erection?
- Have you had any problem maintaining your erection?
- Are you dissatisfied with your sex life?
If you have tried Viagra and it didn't help or you can't use Viagra because of your other medicines or medical conditions, make sure you also talk to a urology specialist about other treatment options.
Diagnosing impotence may not only improve your sex life but help save your life. It can raise flags about your risk of heart disease and stroke. A common cause for impotence is clogging of the arteries. Having impotence symptoms can signal to both you and your doctor that you should work hard to lower your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In fact, a recent study showed that men who exercise regularly had a lower risk for developing erectile dysfunction when they got older.
What can I expect in the future?
While Levitra has just been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Cialis will still need to receive approval before it can be prescribed in the United States. Uprima (apomorphine) is a new type of treatment that may be available soon. It is a pill that you put under your tongue and can work in about 15 minutes. It may not interact with the same medications as Viagra and its relatives.
Related Areas:
Impotence
Exercise And Your Sex Life
