Viagra :: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:	What is ED?
A:	Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the medical term for impotence-the inability to get and/or keep an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.

Q:	How many men have ED?
A:	About 30 million men in the United States suffer from some degree of ED, including about half of all men aged 40 to 70 years.

Q:	Are erection difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), really a problem that's just in your head?
A:	Studies have shown that most ED is caused by health problems. These problems include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. ED can also be linked to smoking, drinking too much, or stress. VIAGRA can help with ED caused by these problems.

Q:	I don't have ED because the problem doesn't happen often. Does this mean that VIAGRA isn't for me?
A:	Even if it happens once in a while, it's still ED. Most men with ED have it just some of the time. VIAGRA is the #1 prescribed medicine for ED whether it is occasional or more frequent.

Q:

What is VIAGRA?

A:

VIAGRA?(sildenafil citrate) is a breakthrough treatment for male erectile dysfunction or ED, often called impotence. It is a convenient, discreet pill you take only when you want to have sex. VIAGRA can help many men who have ED get and keep an erection when they become sexually stimulated, either physically or visually. So with VIAGRA, a touch or a glance from your partner can again lead to something more.

Q:

How does VIAGRA work?

A:

VIAGRA enables many men with ED to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection. If the nerves or blood vessels associated with this process aren't working properly, a man may not be able to get an erection. VIAGRA increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually aroused, he can get and keep an erection. When the sexual encounter is over, the erection goes away.

Q:	How well does VIAGRA work?
A:	VIAGRA?(sildenafil citrate) improves erections in up to 4 of 5 men compared with 1 out of 4 who took sugar pills.

Q:	Will VIAGRA work as soon as I take it?
A:	VIAGRA is ready to work in your body in as little as 30 minutes and stays ready to work for up to 4 hours.

Q:	Does VIAGRA automatically cause an erection?
A:	No. With VIAGRA, you must be sexually aroused to get an erection. If you take VIAGRA and are not sexually stimulated, nothing will happen-you won't get an erection just by taking the pill. VIAGRA is not a hormone. It is not an aphrodisiac. It's a prescription medication that can improve the erectile function of most men with erection problems.

Q:

How much VIAGRA can I take?

A:

VIAGRA comes in different doses (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg). Like many medications, your healthcare provider may have to adjust your initial VIAGRA dose if it doesn't produce the desired results or you're bothered by side effects. Do not take more VIAGRA than your healthcare provider prescribes. VIAGRA can be used up to once a day as needed. If you are older than 65 years, have a serious liver or kidney problem, or are taking protease inhibitors, such as for the treatment of HIV, your healthcare provider may start you at the lowest (25-mg) dose of VIAGRA.

Q:	How often can I take VIAGRA?
A:	For most patients, VIAGRA should be taken once a day as needed. In patients taking certain protease inhibitors (such as for the treatment of HIV), it is recommended to not exceed a maximum single dose of 25 mg of VIAGRA in a 48-hour period.

Q:	Can I cut my pills in half?
A:	VIAGRA pills are not designed to be cut in half, so there is no way to know if half a pill is effective. Cutting pills in half is not recommended.

Q:

Who should not take VIAGRA?

A:

VIAGRA is only for patients with ED. VIAGRA is not for newborns, children, or women. Do not let anyone else take your VIAGRA. VIAGRA must be used only under a healthcare provider's supervision. Before you start any treatment with VIAGRA, be sure to ask your healthcare provider if your heart is healthy enough. If you're a man who uses nitrate drugs, like nitroglycerine, never take VIAGRA. The combination of VIAGRA and nitrates can make your blood pressure suddenly drop to unsafe levels. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke. Nitrates are found in many prescription medications that are used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as: Nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved in the mouth) Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (tablets that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved in the mouth) Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). If you are not sure if any of your medications contain nitrates, or if you do not understand what nitrates are, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Q:	What if VIAGRA doesn't work?
A:	While VIAGRA is effective in up to 4 of 5 men, it's not effective for everyone. If it doesn't work for you, contact your healthcare provider to discuss other treatment options.

Q:	Can I take VIAGRA with alcohol?
A:	Drinking alcohol can temporarily impair the ability to get an erection. To get the maximum benefit from your medication, you are advised not to drink large amounts of alcohol before taking VIAGRA.

Q:	Can I take VIAGRA after eating?
A:	Yes, but taking VIAGRA after a high-fat meal (such as a cheeseburger and french fries) may cause the medication to take a little longer to start working.

Q:

What are the side effects of VIAGRA?

A:

Like all medications, VIAGRA can cause some side effects. These are usually mild and don't last longer than a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses of VIAGRA. With VIAGRA, the most common side effects are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. VIAGRA may also briefly cause bluish or blurred vision or sensitivity to light. In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help.

Q:

Will VIAGRA make me have an erection for hours?

A:

VIAGRA works by helping you get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Once a man takes VIAGRA and has sex, his erection will go away after intercourse, just like it would normally. VIAGRA takes about 30 minutes before it's ready to work, and remains ready to work for about 4 hours after that. Take your time and go at your own pace. In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, see your doctor.

Q:	I tried VIAGRA once, but it didn't work. Does this mean it's not for me?
A:	For most men, VIAGRA works the first or second time they try it. VIAGRA may work better the third or fourth time you take it, so it's important to keep trying. Also, you should follow your doctor's instructions closely when taking VIAGRA.

Q:	What if I haven't had sex in a while?
A:	Because sexual activity can be demanding on the heart, doctors sometimes determine that for men with certain heart conditions, sex is not recommended, with or without medication for ED. Patients who are in poor cardiovascular health should talk to their doctor before engaging in any strenuous activity. If you are not sure of your cardiovascular health, talk to your doctor.