The use of sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) can potentially pose certain health risks, especially for specific groups. If you have concerns, it’s crucial to have a conversation with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about alternative options and the following risk factors:

Risk Warning: Heart Problems

• Risk factors include having an existing heart condition, recent heart attack or stroke within the past 6 months, and high or low blood pressure.
• Individuals with heart-related conditions, particularly severe heart failure, are discouraged from engaging in sexual activity involving these medications. Additionally, sildenafil (Viagra) hasn’t been studied extensively in people with recent heart attacks or strokes. If you have a heart condition, consult your healthcare provider to determine if sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) is safe for you.

Risk Warning: Low Blood Pressure

• Risk factors comprise the use of alpha blockers, medications for high blood pressure, or ritonavir (Norvir).
• When combined with specific medications, such as alpha blockers, blood pressure medications, or ritonavir (Norvir), sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. If you are taking any of these medications, consult your healthcare provider to assess the safety of using these ED drugs. Your provider might recommend regular blood pressure monitoring. Be cautious when changing positions (sitting to standing), as it can cause dizziness. Never use sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) while taking nitrate medication for chest pain (angina) as it can cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Risk Warning: Prolonged or Painful Erection (Priapism)

• Risk factors include medical conditions affecting the penis, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia.
• Priapism, a rare side effect characterized by prolonged and painful erections lasting more than four hours, has been reported in some users of these medications. Untreated priapism can lead to permanent penis damage. Those with existing conditions affecting the penis or with medical conditions such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia are at higher risk for this side effect. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a prolonged, painful erection.

Risk Warning: Vision Changes

• Risk factors involve age 50 years or older, a “crowded” optic disc, and blood vessel problems in the eye.
• While rare, sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) may cause permanent eye damage, leading to changes in vision. Individuals with a “crowded” optic disc are at higher risk for vision changes. If you notice sudden vision changes in one or both eyes, contact your healthcare provider or visit the emergency room. It is essential to disclose your full medical history to your provider before taking these medications.

Risk Warning: Hearing Loss

• Some users have reported experiencing hearing loss, which may also be accompanied by ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you notice changes in your hearing in one or both ears.

Risk Warning: Interactions with Other Medications

• Risk factors include age 65 years or older, liver problems, kidney problems, taking nitrate medications, taking blood pressure medications, taking alpha blockers, and using certain antifungals or antivirals.
• Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) can interact with various medications, leading to serious side effects. Inform your provider about all medications you are taking. For instance, combining these ED medications with nitrate medications can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you are using other blood pressure medications, your provider may delay the use of these drugs until your blood pressure is well-controlled. Combining these medications with oral azole antifungals and ritonavir (Norvir) can increase the risk of side effects like headaches, flushing, and vision changes. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider to ensure safe usage when using these ED medications alongside other medications.