VIAGRA (Generic Viagra Prices - click here)


Sildenafil citrate, sold under the names Viagra, Revatio (treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension - PAH) and Caverta (in the Indian subcontinent at least), is a drug used to treat male erectile dysfunction (impotence) and PAH, developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Viagra pills, intended to treat impotence, are blue with the words "Pfizer" on one side and "VGR xx" (with xx being either 25, 50 or 100 as the dose of that pill in milligrams) on the other.

The drug was patented in 1996, approved for use in erectile dysfunction by the FDA on March 27, 1998, becoming the first pill approved to treat erectile dysfunction in the United States, and offered for sale in the United States later that year. On Sept. 16, 1998 the European Commission approved Pfizer Inc.’s oral therapy Viagra (sildenafil citrate) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Europe.

Pfizer's worldwide patents on sildenafil citrate will expire in 2011–2013, However, the UK patent held by Pfizer on the use of PDE5 inhibitors as treatment of impotence has been invalidated in 2000 because of obviousness; this decision was upheld on appeal in 2002. Read more here - Big Pharmas Suffer Setbacks in February (2005)


VIAGRA TREATMENT

Unlike previously approved treatments for impotence, Viagra does not directly cause penile erections, but affects the response to sexual stimulation. The drug acts by enhancing the smooth muscle relaxant effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that is normally released in response to sexual stimulation. This smooth muscle relaxation allows increased blood flow into certain areas of the penis leading to an erection.

What Types of Erectile Dysfunction Are Most Easily Treated With Sildenafil?
Men whose erectile dysfunction is psychologically based fare best. Among that group, 91% were able to have sex one or more times during treatment. Close behind were men with vascular disease (88%) and those suffering from depression (86%). The remaining categories include men with hypertension (75%), diabetes (70%), ischemic heart disease (69%) and those who've had their prostate removed (47%).


VIAGRA FDA ALERT [07/2005]

A small number of men have lost eyesight in one eye some time after taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. This type of vision loss is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve.

We do not know at this time if Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra causes NAION. NAION also happens in men who do not take these medicines. People who have a higher chance for NAION include those who:

     •  have heart disease
     •  are over 50 years old
     •  have diabetes
     •  have high blood pressure
     •  have high cholesterol
     •  smoke
     •  have certain eye problems

FDA has approved new labels for Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra to include information on possible eyesight loss (NAION).
Stop using Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra if you have a loss in your eyesight. Get medical help right away.