Vardenafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take vardenafil. This is crucial because vardenafil can interact with various other medications and can affect your treatment plan significantly. If you find yourself in a situation where you need emergency medical care related to a heart issue, the attending physician must be informed about your recent use of vardenafil. Knowing the time since your last dose can influence the care you receive, especially in managing symptoms and avoiding potential complications.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using a nitrate medicine for angina or high blood pressure. Some examples of nitrate medicines include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, Nitrol® ointment, Nitrolingual® spray, Nitrostat®, and Transderm Nitro®. Additionally, certain recreational drugs often referred to as "poppers," which contain nitrates like amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate, can pose serious health risks when taken with vardenafil. Furthermore, if you are using riociguat (Adempas®), it is absolutely essential to avoid combining it with vardenafil, as this can lead to life-threatening consequences.
If you experience a prolonged or painful erection for 4 hours or more, contact your doctor right away. A prolonged erection, known medically as priapism, can cause irreversible damage to your penis if not addressed promptly. It is critical not to wait, as immediate medical intervention may be necessary to resolve the situation and protect your health and well-being.
If you have a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, contact your doctor right away. Sudden vision loss is a serious side effect and requires urgent evaluation to determine the cause and potential treatment options. Protecting your sight is paramount, and timely action can make a significant difference in the outcomes.
Check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing with dizziness or ringing in the ears. Such symptoms may indicate a rare but serious side effect that needs attention. Taking these signs seriously and discussing them with your healthcare provider can lead to better management and potential resolution of the issue.
If you already use medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension), vardenafil could make your blood pressure go too low. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, sweating, or unusual tiredness or weakness. These symptoms can indicate a drop in blood pressure that may require adjustments to your treatment regimen.
This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). Use protective measures and ask your doctor if you have any questions about this. Being informed about sexual health and safety is vital, and discussing any concerns with your doctor can lead to better preventive strategies.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about all substances you are taking to avoid potential interactions and ensure your safety while using vardenafil.