What is Viagra?

Viagra or sildenafil citrate is an oral prescription medication used to treat penile erectile dysfunction (ED). A man is said to have ED if his penis does not erect fully as a result of sexual excitement, or if he cannot maintain an erection. Viagra is specifically designed for men and is not intended to be used by women and children. Impotence is known to affect millions of men in the United States.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra on March 27, 1998. The drug is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

What Viagra is NOT

It is worth noting that although Viagra helps a man with ED, it is not designed to cure it. Viagra is also not meant to increase his sexual desire, and it is not a protection from any form of STD. The drug is also not a form of male birth control

FDA Alert on Viagra

An alert was issued by the FDA in 2005 for men who use Viagra, Levitra or Cialis. There have been reports of a few men developing non-arteric anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or losing their sight in one eye after taking these medications. NAION is the sudden loss of eyesight due to the loss of blood circulation to the optic nerve.

The FDA is still not certain if the drugs mentioned actually cause NAION since NAION also occurs even in men who do not take these drugs.

People who are more susceptible to NAION are those who:

• Are over 50 years old
• Have certain eye problems
• Have diabetes
• Have heart disease
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high cholesterol
• Smoke

New labels for Viagra, Levitra and Cialis have been approved by the FDA to include information on the possibility of developing NAION from the use of these drugs. If you experience vision loss after taking any of these medicines, stop using them and get medical help as soon as possible.

Who Should Not Take Viagra?

Not all men could take Viagra. You should not take this drug if you take any nitrates, a form of medicine. Those who take recreational drugs called “poppers” such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate should also refrain from using Viagra. Viagra should also be avoided by those advised by their doctors to refrain from any sexual activity for health reasons.

Health Risks of Viagra

Viagra has been found to cause a lot of possible side effects—some minor, while others are more serious. Viagra may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure to such an extent that it may be very dangerous, especially if Viagra is taken with certain recreational drugs. The effect of the blood pressure drop may be dizziness or fainting and at times heart attack or stroke.

There are also some uncommon, but possible side effects of Viagra such as priapism or when an erection does not subside. It can also cause changes in the vision such as seeing a tinge of colors in certain objects where there shouldn’t be and color blindness.

Viagra’s most common side effects are:

• Diarrhea
• Flushing
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Upset stomach
• Urinary tract infection

What Should I Tell My Doctor?

All your doctors and healthcare professionals should know if you are taking Viagra.

You should tell your healthcare professional before taking Viagra if you:

• Are taking a medicine called a protease inhibitor for the treatment of HIV
• Are taking medicines called alpha blockers (alpha blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure)
• Have a bleeding problem
• Have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie’s disease
• Have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Have ever had severe vision loss
• Have had a stroke
• Have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
• Have kidney problems or require dialysis
• Have liver problems
• Have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled
• Have or had heart problems
• Have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
• Have stomach ulcers

Can Other Medicines or Food Affect Viagra?

There may be possible interactions between Viagra and other medicines. Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicine, whether prescription or over-the-counter, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Viagra – Get Legal Help

Even if most medicines are expected to have side effects, it is the duty of the manufacturer of these medicines to inform the medical community and the public of known risks associated with the drugs they produce. Failure to give adequate warning to the public and the medical community of the dangers of the drug makes the manufacturer liable for product liability for any injury that may be caused by their product.

If you or your loved one has suffered any of the dangerous symptoms or unusual reaction after taking Viagra, go to your doctor or the hospital as soon as possible. You may also consider consulting with an experienced attorney in order to get more information regarding your rights and possible remedies for the injuries you suffered because of the use of Viagra.