When it was introduced in the United States, it triggered patient demand that had never been seen before. In the first six months alone, more than five million prescriptions were written. This is more than most prescriptions get in their first two years. The ‘little blue pill’ (there are many less delicate nicknames for this medication!) even has celebrity status, appearing on the covers of Maclean’s and Time magazines. With all the talk about Viagra™, the myths and legends surrounding it are not surprising. Let’s examine some of the common myths and realities about this exciting medication.

Erectile Dysfunction Facts

Fifty-two percent of men aged 40 to 70 suffer from ED.
As many as 3 million men in Canada suffer from ED.
ED is associated with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, depression and prostate surgery.
Smoking is a risk factor for the development of ED.
ED often causes men to have personal anguish, and stress in relationships.

Viagra™ facts – the history of the compound

Initially developed by Pfizer researchers in England for treating angina.
Clinical trials to study its effect on ED started in 1993.
More than 500 Canadians at 29 sites across the country have participated in clinical trials of Viagra™ since 1996.
Canada is one of the last major countries in the world to approve the sale of Viagra™
In the first two months on the market in the United States, 1.8 million prescriptions were written for Viagra™. This is 10 times higher than the previously most successful drug launch.
In its first eight months on the U.S. market (to November 1998), 6.5 million prescriptions were written for Viagra™.

Viagra™ facts – how is it used?

Taken only when needed for sexual activity by men with erection problems
Must be taken 30 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity
Restores natural sexual function; erections occur only if there is sexual stimulation or
sexual context
Usual dose is 50 or 100 mg
Effect will usually last until orgasm

Is Viagra™ an aphrodisiac?

No. An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire (libido). Viagra™ does not have this effect. It enhances the effect of a naturally occurring substance in the penis to promote erections. Desire is the outcome of a complex interaction among hormones, emotions, experiences and expectations. Viagra™ does not directly affect any of these.

Is Viagra™ a breakthrough drug?

Yes. Viagra™ is the first highly effective and safe oral medication available for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), the term now used for what used to be called impotence. While other effective medications and treatments exist for ED, many men prefer the convenience and ease of taking a pill. Other treatments available in Canada require a man to inject medication into his penis or to insert a pellet into the opening of his penis.

Does Viagra™ cause heart attacks?

No. This drug was fully researched before it was introduced and it has been monitored carefully since. There has been no evidence of an increased risk of heart attack, sudden death or angina. Placebo-controlled trials were done before the release of this drug. They showed no increase in heart complications even in patients who already had heart problems.

Sexual intercourse is physically active. Anyone who takes the drug and resumes having intercourse may suddenly be more active than usual. As this could cause some difficulty for the heart, a thorough check-up from a doctor is advisable before using Viagra™. This is especially true for anyone who is out of shape, or has high blood pressure or angina. There is, however, no evidence that Viagra™ causes heart problems directly. Later in this article we will discuss an important interaction between a common heart medication and Viagra™.

Will Viagra™ enable 70-year-olds to perform like men in their twenties?

No. Viagra™ will not create erections that are not appropriate for a man’s age. The medication will simply restore the ability of men to have erections similar to other men of that age group. It is a natural result of aging for men to have less firm erections and for erections to take longer to occur. Viagra™ will not change this. It will help men who have erection difficulty due to common diseases to have ‘natural’ erection functions for their age.

Is Viagra™ effective for most cases of ED?

Yes. Viagra™ is generally about 70 per cent effective. Depending on the cause of the erection difficulty, effectiveness may be as high as 80 per cent or less than 50 per cent. Each person’s needs are different and your family doctor can advise you about your potential for benefit.

Is Viagra™ effective for many sexual problems that men have?

No. Viagra™ is only effective for men who have poor or inadequate firmness to their erections. It does not help men with rapid ejaculation, low sexual interest or pain when having an erection. Rapid ejaculation – the most common of male sexual problems – can be treated with other medications and with sexual counselling.

Can women benefit from using Viagra™?

No. Although clinical trials are in progress, there is no current evidence that supports the use of Viagra™ by women.

Was Viagra™ developed first for a different purpose?

Yes. Viagra™ was initially studied by the company that developed it, Pfizer, as a heart medication. The unexpected positive ‘side effect’ of the drug resulted in development in another direction!

Can men who take nitroglycerin use Viagra™?

No. As Viagra™ intensifies the effect of nitroglycerin (a common heart medication used by patients with cardiac problems and angina), it is essential that these drugs not be taken together. Even patients with stable heart conditions who carry nitroglycerin or have ever been prescribed nitroglycerin should not use Viagra™. There are other acceptable treatments for these men who suffer ED.

Medications used to treat high blood pressure do not cause the same problems for Viagra™ users as does nitrogylcerine. Viagra™ has been tested and found safe for men taking all the different classes of high blood pressure medication. Anyone thinking about using Viagra™ should seek the advice of a doctor or pharmacist about whether they could suffer a bad effect by taking Viagra™ with their medication.

Is Viagra™ a 'lifestyle' product that just helps men have a good time?

No. Erectile dysfunction is a medical disorder that can have profound effects on the lives of men and their partners. The disorder can disrupt relationships, cause emotional problems and shatter self-esteem.

ED usually results from other disorders including diabetes, depression, multiple sclerosis, prostate surgery, spinal cord injury or cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or coronary artery disease. Many men with these conditions can be helped to overcome the serious impact ED has on the quality of life.

Is your family doctor the best person to consult if you think you could benefit from Viagra™?

Yes. Family doctors have learned a great deal about ED over the past year. Most will feel comfortable in deciding whether this medication is an appropriate treatment for you. You will have a thorough examination to identify health problems that may exist. If needed, you may be referred to a urologist or sexual medicine specialist for some of your treatment.

Viagra™ is an important and effective treatment for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. For the informed male patient, having accurate information on this medication is essential to obtaining good treatment. Your family doctor and pharmacist are excellent resources for you to understand whether Viagra™ is an appropriate and safe treatment option for you.

What does an evaluation of ED include?

Your doctor will first investigate your erection complaint by taking a thorough sexual history. A physical exam and assessment of your general health is often part of the evaluation process. Laboratory investigations are usually few and non-intrusive – often no more than a blood test. It is critical for a man with ED to consider involving his partner in discussions regarding this treatment and the results of using Viagra™. Most doctors encourage the partner’s involvement in treatment decisions and attendance at one visit.

Viagra Questions, answers and facts

Viagra™ (sildenafil) may be the most talked-about drug in the history of modern medicine! Its release in Canada was preceded by media hype, talk show banter, internet jokes and folklore.