Levitra is a medicine taken by mouth (orally) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection.
Levitra may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited. Levitra must be used only under a doctor's care.
The drug’s effectiveness was assessed using a sexual function questionnaire. In addition, patients were asked to report if they were able to achieve an erection adequate for intercourse and whether the erection was maintained to allow completion of intercourse.
In all of the trials regarding usage of Levitra for erectile dysfunction, Levitra improved patients’ ability to achieve and maintain a penile erection.
The following 2 minute video clip explains how Levitra may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited. Levitra must be used only under a doctor's care.
To play the Levitra video click on arrow in the center of screen.
The recommended dose is 10 mg taken 1 hour before sexual activity. A higher dose of 20 mg is available for patients whose response to the 10 mg dose is not adequate. Two lower doses (2.5 mg and 5.0 mg) are also available and may be necessary for patients taking other medicines or have medical conditions that may decrease the body’s ability to metabolize vardenafil. Levitra should not be used more than once a day.
Levitra does not:
* cure ED
* increase a man's sexual desire
* protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Speak to your health care professional about ways to guard against sexually transmitted diseases.
* serve as a male form of birth control
Levitra is only for men with ED. Levitra is not for women or children. Levitra must be used only under a health care professional's care.
Before taking Levitra for erectile dysfunction, patients are advised to undergo a thorough medical history and physical examination to diagnose the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction and to identify appropriate treatment.
Who Should NOT Take Levitra For Erectile Dysfunction?
Do not take Levitra if you:
* take any medicines called "nitrates"
* use recreational drugs called "poppers" like amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate
* have been told by your health care professional to not have sexual activity because of health problems
Levitra For Erectile Dysfunction
What Are The Risks?
The following are the major risks and side effects of Levitra therapy. This list is not complete.
Levitra can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines such as nitrates and alpha-blockers, and recreational drugs that contain nitrates called "poppers."
A sudden drop in your blood pressure could cause you to become dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.
Tell all your healthcare professionals that you take Levitra. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your healthcare professionals to know when you last took Levitra.
Levitra may uncommonly cause:
* an erection that won't go away (priapism)
* vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green
Some common side effects when using Levitra for erectile dysfunction include:
* indigestion
* headache
* dizziness
* flushing
* stuffy or runny nose
* upset stomach
LEVITRA FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
What Should I Tell My Health care Professional
Tell your health care professional if you:
* have or had heart problems
* have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled
* have had a stroke
* or any known family members have a rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval (long QT syndrome)
* have liver problems
* have ever had severe vision loss
* have kidney problems and require dialysis
* have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
* have stomach ulcers
* have a bleeding problem
* have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease
* have had an erection that lasted more than four hours
* have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
* are taking medicines called alpha blockers (alpha blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure)
* have blood cell problems, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
Levitra For Erectile Dysfunction :
Can Other Medicines Or Food Affect Levitra?
Levitra and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your health care professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your health care professional.
This information reflects FDA's current analysis of data available to FDA concerning erectile dysfunction and Levitra. FDA intends to update this sheet when additional information or analyses become avilable.
Please visit the FDA website at: www.fda.gov to stay updated
about erectile dysfunction and Levitra