Generic Levitra - vardenafil - is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It is a drug recommended by FDA for those withr High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. 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 causes erections only during sexual excitement. It does not work in the absence of arousal and does not increase sexual desire. Vardenafil may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited.

Levitra, researched and discovered by Bayer AG, is marketed by Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) through a worldwide co-promotion and co-development agreement. Levitra was approved on 6 March 2003 by the European Commission based on the quality, safety and efficacy data submitted. These data included results from more than 3,750 men representing a broad patient population. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Levitra for the treatment of ED on 19 August 2003.


 

FAQ

How does Levitra work?
When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal physical response is to increase blood flow to his penis. This results in an erection. LEVITRA helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis decreases, and his erection goes away.

Comparison of Cialis, Levitra and Viagra

Cialis - Works faster about 15 minutes; Effects longer up to 36 hrs; Ideal choice for men who are very sexual active.
Levitra - Works faster than Viagra; Takes 60 minutes before sexual activity; More potent module; Works faster on a full stomach; Works better at hard-to-treat cases in men whose impotence is caused by diabetes.
Viagra - Widely used by 20 million men worldwide; It takes 30 to 120 minutes; Effects last up to 4 hrs approx.; Effects last up to 4 hrs approx.; 98% of total prescriptions for impotence.

These drugs might work for some but each male individual's body is unique and there are times when one drug is more effective than another. There are precautions and other considerations such as side effects on choosing the right drug for you. In brief, efficacy is approximately 70% with all 3 drugs. The side effect profile is similar among the 3 drugs, except that blue discoloration of vision (overlap with PDE-6 in the retina) is seen only with Viagra (<0.5%) and muscle aches only with Cialis (~5%). Otherwise, vasodilatory side effects (headaches, nasal congestion, flushing) are common with all, but are mild, and only rarely cause men to drop out of clinical trials (2-3% quit rate). All 3 will carry a contra-indication in men using organic nitrates. Otherwise, the long half-life of Cialis (17.5 hours) is noteworthy, earning this drug the nickname ‘weekender,’ as a single dose taken on Friday would still be exerting an effect Sunday (or even Monday).

Aside from the long half-life of Cialis, and the excellent track record of Viagra, the differences between the 3 drugs are not great. All appear to be effective and safe, provided concomitant nitrates are avoided. A potential for serious hypotension exists should an organic nitrate be used along with any of these three PDE-5 inhibitors.

Do not take Levitra if
• take any medicines called nitrates. Nitrates are commonly used to treat angina. Angina is a symptom of heart disease and can cause pain in your chest, jaw, or down your arm.
Medicines called nitrates include nitroglycerin that is found in tablets, sprays, ointments, pastes, or patches. Nitrates can also be found in other medicines such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate. Some recreational drugs called poppers also contain nitrates, such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. Do not use LEVITRA if you are using these drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if any of your medicines are nitrates.
• you have been told by your healthcare provider to not have sexual activity because of health
problems. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already
weak from a heart attack or heart disease.
• are allergic to LEVITRA or any of its ingredients. The active ingredient in LEVITRA is called vardenafil.

How to take Levitra
The starting dose of Levitra is 10 mg taken no more than once per day. Your doctor will decide the dose that is right for you. In patients taking alpha blockers, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Vardenafil. In patients taking certain medications such as ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin and clarithromycin, lower doses of Levitra are recommended, and time between doses of Levitra may need to be extended. Doses should be taken at least 24 hours apart.

• If you are older than 65 or have liver problems, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Levitra.
• If you have prostate problems or high blood pressure, for which you take medicines called alpha-blockers, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Levitra.
• If you are taking certain other medicines your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose and limit you to one dose of Levitra in a 72-hour (3 days) period.
Take 1 Levitra tablet about 1 hour (60 minutes) before sexual activity. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with Levitra. Levitra may be taken with or without meals..

What are the side effects of Levitra?
Like all medicines, Levitra can have side effects. These effects are normally mild to moderate in nature. The most common side effects are headache, flushing, Stuffy or runny nose.
LEVITRA may uncommonly cause:
• An erection that won't go away (priapism). If you get an erection that lasts more than four hours, get medical help right away. Priapism must be treated as soon as possible or lasting damage can happen to your penis, including the inability to have erections
• Vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green.

In rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral erectile dysfunction medicines, including Levitra) reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these medicines, to other factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or to a combination of these. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including Levitra, and call a doctor right away.

Shelf life of Levitra: 30 months
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister.


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Levitra is not for everyone. Tell your doctor about your medical conditions and all medications, and ask if you're healthy enough for sexual activity. Don't take vardenafil if you take nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, as this may cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure. Don't drink alcohol in excess (to a level of intoxication) with vardenafil, as this may increase your chances of getting dizzy or lowering your blood pressure. Vardenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.