Safety Information Viagra

Important Safety Information: Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate)

Viagra is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra only works if you are sexually aroused.

Who can take Viagra

• Adults with erectile dysfunction who have been prescribed it after a clinical review.

• Viagra is not suitable for women, children, or adolescents under 18.

Who should not take Viagra

Do not take Viagra if you:

• are allergic to sildenafil or any of the tablet ingredients
• take medicines called nitrates (for chest pain) or nitric oxide donors such as “poppers” — this can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure
• are taking guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (for pulmonary hypertension)
• have severe heart or liver problems
• have very low blood pressure, or have recently had a heart attack or stroke
• have certain rare eye conditions (such as retinitis pigmentosa) or have ever lost vision due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

Warnings and precautions

Speak to your doctor before taking Viagra if you:

• have sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, multiple myeloma or other blood conditions that may increase the risk of priapism (prolonged erections)
• have a deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease)
• have heart or circulation problems — your doctor will check if sexual activity is safe for you
• have stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders (such as haemophilia)
• experience sudden loss of vision or hearing — stop taking Viagra and get medical help immediately

How to take Viagra

• Usual starting dose: 50 mg tablet, taken about one hour before sexual activity
• Your doctor may adjust the dose to 25 mg or 100 mg depending on how you respond
• Orodispersible tablets (50 mg) should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve before swallowing
• Do not take more than one dose per day
• Viagra can be taken with or without food, but a heavy meal may delay the effect
• Viagra only works with sexual stimulation

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Viagra can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10):

• Headache

Common (up to 1 in 10):

• Flushing, indigestion, dizziness
• Blocked or runny nose
• Visual changes (blurred vision, colour distortion)
• Nausea, hot flushes
• Uncommon (up to 1 in 100):
• Vomiting, rash, eye pain, pounding heartbeat, changes in blood pressure
• Sleepiness or tiredness, muscle pain

Rare (up to 1 in 1,000):

• Prolonged or painful erections (priapism) — seek immediate medical help if this lasts more than 4 hours
• Sudden vision or hearing loss
• Serious allergic or skin reactions (such as blistering or peeling)

If you experience chest pain during or after sex, sit upright and try to relax. Do not take nitrates to treat the chest pain and seek medical help.

Alcohol, food and other medicines

• Avoid drinking excessive alcohol, as it can reduce your ability to get an erection
• Grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects
• Some medicines (such as certain for HIV, blood pressure or prostate problems) may interact with Viagra — always tell your clinician about other medicines you take

Storing Viagra

• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Store below 30°C
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the pack

Important notes

• Viagra will only help you get an erection if you are sexually aroused.
• It is not an aphrodisiac and will not increase sexual desire.
• Never share this medicine with others — it has been prescribed for you only.

For further advice, always read the patient leaflet provided with your medicine and consult your prescriber or pharmacist.