Q: What is Levitra?

A: Levitra, from the classification of vardenafil hydrochloride, is a prescription medicine which is orally taken for treatment of erectile dysfunction or ED in men. Levitra may assist a man with ED obtain and keep an erection when he is sexually excited. But Levitra cannot cure ED and cannot increase the sexual desires of man. Levitra is developed for men only and not for women and children, and must be taken under the physician’s supervision. Levitra was granted an approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2003. Levitra is developed and produced by Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation and was marketed by the GlaxoSmithKline, and distributed and marketed by Schering Corporation.

Q: What is Erectile Dysfunction or ED?

A: Erectile Dysfunction or ED is a medical condition where the penis does not harden and expand when the man is excited sexually or when he cannot keep an erection.

Q: Does Levitra stop pregnancy or the spread of Sexually Transmitted Disease?

A: No. Levitra does not act as male form of birth control. It does not safeguard a man or his partner from sexually transmitted illnesses including HIV.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Levitra?

A: US FDA has released an announcement in 2005 to warn men who are using Levitra, Viagra or Cialis. There were small number of men who have lost their vision in one eye sometime after taking Levitra and other similar drugs. This kind of vision loss is called as non- arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION. FDA still does not know if these drugs can cause NAION, because the condition also happens in men who do not take these drugs.

US FDA approved the new labels for Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis to put information on the potential loss of vision or NAION). If you are experiencing a loss of vision, discontinue using the medicines, and then get medical assistance immediately.

Q: Who should not take Levitra?

A: You should avoid taking Levitra if you are taking other medicines called “nitrates,” or if you are using recreational drugs known as “poppers.” or if you have been informed by your healthcare provider not to have any sexual activity due to health problems.

Q: Is there any severe health risks related with Levitra?

A: Levitra can reduce blood pressure abruptly to an unsafe level, if it is taken with some other medicines like nitrates and alpha blockers, and recreational medicines that have nitrates which are called as “poppers.” Abrupt drop of the blood pressure can result to dizziness, heart attack, stroke, or fainting.

Q: What are the side effects of Levitra?

A: Rare side effects associated with the use of Levitra are erection that will not go away or priapism, and changes in vision. Common side effects are upset stomach, headache, indigestion, flushing, dizziness, stuffy or runny nose.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare provider if I already have taken Levitra?

A: Inform your healthcare provider that you already taken Levitra. If you will need an emergency medical attention for heart problem, it will be very essential for your healthcare provider to know when you have last taken Levitra.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare provider before he/she prescribed Levitra?

A: Before using Levitra, inform your healthcare provider if you have or any of your family members have

• Uncommon heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval or long QT syndrome
• Have or history of heart problems
• Low blood pressure or high blood pressure that is not regulated
• Have or had stroke
• Have liver and kidney problems and needed dialysis
• Have or had serious loss of vision
• Have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye problem
• Stomach ulcers
• Bleeding problems
• Deformed penis-shape or Payronie’s illness
• Had erection that lasted for more than 4 hours
• Take or took medications called “alpha blockers”
• Blood cell problems or sickle cell anemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Leukemia

Q: Can other medicines or food affect Levitra?

A: Levitra and other medicines can interact with one another. Inform your healthcare provider about all the prescription and nonprescription, vitamins and herbal supplements that you have.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a consequence of taking Levitra?

A: If you or any of your family members suffered from any of the harmful symptoms or rare medical condition while taking Levitra, you must contact first your healthcare provider or your doctor. Then, you may look for an experienced lawyer who can discuss your options and safeguard your legal rights to remedy for any injury caused by using Levitra.