Vardenafil FAQs
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Vardenafil is primarily prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, which is also known as impotence. This condition refers to the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity. Vardenafil belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Its mechanism of action involves enhancing blood flow to the penis in response to sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow facilitates the attainment of an erection. Notably, vardenafil does not serve as a cure for erectile dysfunction, nor does it enhance sexual desire. Furthermore, it is important to understand that vardenafil does not provide protection against unintended pregnancies or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
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As a PDE5 inhibitor, vardenafil works effectively to boost blood flow to the genitals during sexual arousal. This enhanced blood flow is crucial for achieving an erection, making vardenafil a beneficial option for individuals experiencing erectile difficulties.
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The medication vardenafil typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to reach its peak effectiveness. It is recommended to take vardenafil around 60 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity to maximize its effects and ensure optimal results.
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Vardenafil is formulated for use only once within a 24-hour timeframe. Users can expect the effects of the medication to last for around four hours, allowing for a satisfying sexual experience during that period.2
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Generally, vardenafil should not be administered more than once in a 24-hour duration to ensure safety and effectiveness in its use.
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Vardenafil is available in both standard tablet form and as a rapidly disintegrating tablet that dissolves in the mouth without the need for water. It is usually taken as needed, with or without food, around one hour prior to sexual engagement. It is important to adhere to the established dosage recommendations and not exceed the prescribed frequency of use. Should you have certain medical conditions or be on specific medications, your healthcare provider may advise you to adjust your vardenafil intake frequency accordingly. Carefully follow the instructions provided on your prescription label, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or clarifications to your doctor or pharmacist about your dosage. It is vital to take vardenafil exactly as prescribed and avoid making any alterations to the dosage without consulting your healthcare professional.
For those opting for the rapidly disintegrating tablet, inspect the blister package prior to your initial dose. In the event that any blisters are damaged or do not contain the tablets, refrain from using that medication. Follow the package instructions for properly retrieving the tablets from the blister pack. It is essential not to force the tablet through the foil. Upon removal, place the tablet directly on your tongue and close your mouth to allow it to dissolve quickly. Do not ingest the rapidly disintegrating tablet with liquids.
Your healthcare provider will likely commence your treatment with a standard dose of vardenafil tablets and may adjust this based on your individual response to the therapy. If you are taking the rapidly disintegrating version, be aware that dosage adjustments are limited since these tablets only come in a singular strength. If a dose modification is necessary, your doctor may switch you to the standard tablets instead. Inform your doctor if you find that vardenafil is not adequately effective, or if you experience adverse effects.
It is crucial to understand that rapidly disintegrating vardenafil tablets cannot be interchanged with standard vardenafil tablets. Ensure that you receive the exact formulation prescribed by your healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for further information regarding the specific type of vardenafil you have obtained. -
Vardenafil is typically prescribed in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg, and it is intended for intake once a day, as required based on individual needs.3
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The cost of a prescription for vardenafil can be as low as $3 per tablet when you do not have insurance coverage, particularly through services like RedBox Rx.
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It is important to note that vardenafil is not obtainable over the counter; rather, it necessitates a prescription from a licensed medical professional. You can secure a prescription for vardenafil online, provided it is deemed appropriate by the prescribing doctor through RedBox Rx.
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Before initiating vardenafil treatment:
Disclose to your healthcare provider and pharmacist any known allergies to vardenafil, other medications, or any components present in vardenafil tablets. Consult your pharmacist for a comprehensive list of ingredients.
Avoid taking vardenafil if you are currently using or have recently taken riociguat (Adempas) or any nitrates, which include isosorbide dinitrate (dilatrate-SR, Isordil, found in BiDil), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), or nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitro-Dur, NitroMist, Nitrostat, among others). Nitrates can manifest in various forms, such as tablets, sublingual (under the tongue) tablets, sprays, patches, pastes, and ointments. If you are uncertain whether any of your medications contain nitrates, consult your doctor.
Refrain from using recreational drugs that contain nitrates, such as amyl nitrate or butyl nitrate (“poppers”) while you are undergoing treatment with vardenafil.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any other prescription or non-prescription medications, vitamins, or dietary supplements you are currently taking or plan to take. It’s essential to mention specific medications, including alpha blockers (e.g., alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), tamsulosin (Flomax, found in Jalyn), or terazosin), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), certain antifungals (such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral)), clarithromycin (Biaxin, found in Prevpac), disopyramide (Norpace), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), haloperidol (Haldol), HIV protease inhibitors (like atazanavir (Reyataz, found in Evotaz), indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir, found in Kaletra), or saquinavir (Invirase)); medications for hypertension or arrhythmias; or other treatments for erectile dysfunction. Your healthcare provider might need to adjust the dosages of your current medications or closely monitor you for any potential side effects. Be aware that many other medications can interact with vardenafil, so it’s crucial to disclose all medications you are taking, even those not listed here.
Discuss any herbal supplements you are using with your doctor, especially St. John's wort.
Notify your healthcare provider if you smoke or have previously experienced an erection lasting more than four hours. Also, inform them of any past medical history involving penile shape abnormalities, such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie’s disease; diabetes; cholesterol-related issues; abnormalities in blood pressure, whether elevated or reduced; irregular heartbeat; prior heart attacks; episodes of angina (chest pain); strokes; digestive ulcers; bleeding disorders; blood cell conditions like sickle cell anemia (a blood disorder), multiple myeloma (a type of cancer affecting plasma cells), or leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells); seizures; or any disease affecting the liver, kidney, or heart. Additionally, disclosing if you or family members have had long QT syndrome (a heart-related condition) or retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye disorder) is essential, particularly if you have ever suffered severe vision loss, particularly if that loss was attributed to impaired blood flow to vision-related nerves. It’s also important to inform your doctor if you've been advised by any medical professional to abstain from sexual activity for any medical reasons.
Please be aware that vardenafil is exclusively prescribed for male patients. Women, particularly those who are pregnant or could become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding, should not take vardenafil. Should a pregnant individual ingest vardenafil, they should reach out to their healthcare provider without delay.
If you are scheduled for surgery, including any dental procedures, make sure to inform your surgeon or dentist that you are currently taking vardenafil.
It is important to recognize that engaging in sexual activity may place an added strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition. If you encounter chest pain during sexual activity, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately and abstain from any sexual activities until you receive further guidance and clearance from your doctor.
Inform all your healthcare providers that you are on vardenafil. In case you require emergency medical assistance for a cardiovascular issue, the medical staff treating you must be aware of when you last ingested vardenafil.
For individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder necessitating a particular diet to stave off brain damage leading to cognitive disabilities, it is vital to note that the rapidly dissolving tablets contain aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
Patients suffering from fructose intolerance (a genetic condition resulting from the body's inability to metabolize fructose) should understand that the rapidly disintegrating tablets are sweetened with sorbitol, a fruit sugar. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about any fructose intolerance issues you have.
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Discuss with your physician any consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as they may interact with its efficacy.
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Vardenafil may give rise to various side effects. Notify your healthcare professional if any of these symptoms are severe or do not subside:
Headaches.
Gastrointestinal upset.
Heartburn.
Flushing of the skin.
Congestion or runny nose.
Symptoms resembling the flu.
Additionally, several side effects may be serious and warrant immediate medical attention. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away:
An erection that persists for more than four hours.
Sudden, severe vision loss (more information available below).
Blurred vision.
Alterations in color vision (such as seeing a blue hue on certain objects, difficulty distinguishing between blue and green, or challenges with low-light vision).
Dizziness.
Rapid decrease or loss of hearing capabilities.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower extremities.
Hoarseness in voice.
Challenges in breathing or swallowing.
Instances of fainting.
Hives or skin rash.
Vardenafil may lead to other uncommon side effects. If you experience any unusual reactions while on this medication, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
There have been reports of patients experiencing sudden vision loss either partially or completely after using vardenafil or similar medications. In some instances, this loss was irreversible. The correlation between the medication and vision loss remains unclear. If sudden vision loss occurs while taking vardenafil, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid taking additional doses of vardenafil or other similar medications, like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis), until you consult your healthcare provider.
Some individuals have reported sudden hearing loss after taking vardenafil or similar drugs. This typically affects only one ear and may not improve. The cause of this hearing loss is not definitively linked to the medication. If you experience sudden hearing loss, often accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness, contact your doctor promptly. As with vision loss, refrain from taking further doses of vardenafil or similar drugs until you speak with your healthcare provider.
In the event of experiencing a severe adverse reaction, you or your healthcare professional may consider filing a report with the Food and Drug Administration via their MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
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It is advisable to keep this medication in its original container, securely closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and never in the bathroom. If you have a liquid suspension, it should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but not frozen. Discard any remaining suspension after 60 days.
It is crucial to ensure that all medications are kept out of the reach and sight of children, as many pill containers—including those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers—may not be child-resistant. To protect young children from accidental poisoning, always secure safety caps and immediately store medications in a location that is out of their line of sight and reach.
Unused medications should be disposed of in a manner that ensures pets, children, and other individuals cannot ingest them. However, do not flush vardenafil down the toilet. The optimal disposal method is to utilize a medication take-back program. Consult your pharmacist or local waste management office to find out about available take-back programs in your area. For more guidance on proper medication disposal, please refer to the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p).
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In case of overdose, please reach out to the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Further information is accessible online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If someone has collapsed, has had a seizure, is experiencing respiratory distress, or appears unresponsive, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms indicative of an overdose may include:
Back pain or muscular discomfort.
Blurred vision.
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Under no circumstances should anyone else consume your prescribed medication. For any queries regarding refilling your prescription, do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist.
It is beneficial to maintain a written record of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements. Bring this list during every visit to your healthcare provider or when you are admitted to a hospital. Having this information handy is essential, particularly in emergency situations.
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