Viagra is a prescription medication formulated to help men combat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is the brand name for sildenafil from the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. These medicaments work by stimulating more blood to flow to the penis during sexual activity and making erections stronger and harder.
Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals though it was initially intended for treating cardiovascular disease and hypertension. But researchers revealed that the medication could cause erections.
In 1998, the product was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first drug for relieving impotence or erectile dysfunction in men.
Viagra has also been prescribed to combat Raynaud’s disease, where small arteries supplying blood to the skin narrow and reduce blood circulation to the affected areas. If combined with doxorubicin, it can treat prostate cancer.
In 2005, sildenafil – under the brand name Revatio – was approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Since then it has been prescribed for men and women to reduce shortness of breath and improve exercising ability.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a prescription drug designed for men to fight impotence. However, this medication helps in getting and maintaining erections only when a man is sexually stimulated.
Viagra is not recommended for use by women and children. There is no evidence whether it is safe for them.
How does VIAGRA act?
Viagra helps men combat erectile dysfunction by stimulating higher blood flow to the penis. This allows men to get and maintain hard and firm erections for a prolonged period. The medication starts working within 30 to 60 minutes only if a man is sexually aroused. You should take the prescribed dose when you need it – no schedules.
When does VIAGRA start working?
It takes 30 to 60 minutes for the medication to start working. You should take Viagra only when you need – with or without food. If you take the drug after a high-fat meal, including french fries and burgers, you should wait a bit longer than usual for the product to act.
How often can VIAGRA be taken?
You are not recommended taking Viagra more than once per day. You may use the medication up to four hours before your sexual encounter. Your healthcare provider will consult you on how many pills you should take not to feel discomfort.
Can Viagra fail to work?
If you have taken Viagra and received no results, you should contact your healthcare provider for advice. He/she can adjust your dose to improve your sensations. Viagra at doses of 50 mg or 100 mg helps 4 out of 5 men to get and maintain erections. So, there is room for failure.
Here are Viagra results:
- 75% of men have achieved erections on 25 mg;
- 80% of men have achieved erections on 50 mg;
- 85% of men have achieved erections on 100 mg.
You should take into account that results may vary as our bodies are different.
Can VIAGRA be combined with other medicines?
You should tell your doctor what medication you are taking (including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs). Otherwise, they may interact with Viagra reducing the effectiveness of both or any of the medications. This may also cause side effects.
What side effects does Viagra cause?
You should carefully use Viagra as it can lead to serious side effects. The most common aftereffects include headaches, upset stomach, flushing, abnormal vision (including changes in color vision and blurred vision), back pain, stuffy or a runny nose, muscle pain, dizziness, nausea, and rash.
Some men may report the following reactions:
- Erections that do not fade away (priapism): if you experience an erection for more than four hours, you should get immediate medical aid. Otherwise, this condition can damage the penis permanently;
- Sudden loss of vision in eyes (one or both): such a situation can furtherly cause a serious problem with eyes – non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). You should immediately stop using Viagra and visit your health care provider for professional advice;
- Sudden decrease in or loss of hearing: some men may experience dizziness or tinnitus (ringing in ears). If you have noticed the symptoms, you should immediately stop using Viagra and visit your health care provider.
Some men report that they have had a heart attack, stroke, or irregular heartbeat when taking Viagra. However, most of them suffered from heart problems beforehand. In such a case, this may lead even to death. There is no evidence whether Viagra can cause heart problems.
Does herbal VIAGRA exist?
A lot of manufacturers natural supplements claim that they produce herbal Viagra. You may find them at local pharmacies or online stores. But you should remember that none of them is similar to Viagra. There is only one Viagra, and it is sildenafil, and only doctors may prescribe it.
The FDA has never approved any erection enhancement supplement (the so-called herbal Viagra) to treat erectile dysfunction. Most of them have appeared to be fake and are recalled.
Does a generic brand of Viagra exist?
If you have ever heard that any company sells generic Viagra for treating erectile dysfunction, you should know that it is a fake claim. The FDA has never approved any generic Viagra. They may cause adverse reactions and significant harm to your health.
Where can I buy Viagra?
Please remember that only your healthcare provider can diagnose whether you have impotence and tell whether Viagra can help you. You should receive a prescription and then make your purchase.
The safest place to buy Viagra is a reputable pharmacy, which you know well. You may go to a store that is approved by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites® (VIPPS®)-accredited pharmacy list.*).
You may also order Viagra from the official website (VIAGRA home delivery.).
You should avoid purchasing the medication from online stores, which are not accredited or licensed in the country of your residence. This may lead to serious side effects.
What is VIAGRA price?
Viagra is included in different insurance coverages, prescription coverage with oral ED treatments in particular. You may ask your insurer or doctor to learn the information.
If you have no prescription drug coverage, you may find Viagra in your local pharmacy and get the price there.
If you’re afraid to take Viagra, you can first try herbal male enhancement pills like Roplex.