WHAT IS VARDENAFIL (LEVITRA)?
Vardenafil (Levitra) is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Penile erection is a hemodynamic process initiated by the relaxation of smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum and its associated arterioles. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase resulting in increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum. The cGMP in turn triggers smooth muscle relaxation, allowing increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in erection. The tissue concentration of cGMP is regulated by both the rates of synthesis and degradation via phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The most abundant PDE in the human corpus cavernosum is the cGMPspecific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5); therefore, the inhibition of PDE5 enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP.
USE OF LEVITRA (VARDENAFIL)
Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Vardenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Vardenafil does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Vardenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
HOW SHOULD THIS MEDICINE BE USED?
Vardenafil comes as a tablet and a rapidly disintegrating (dissolves in the mouth and is swallowed without water) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken as needed, with or without food, 60 minutes before sexual activity. Vardenafil usually should not be taken more often than once every 24 hours. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take vardenafil less often. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take vardenafil exactly as directed.
If you are taking the rapidly disintegrating tablet, check the blister pack before you take your first dose. Do not use any of the medication from the pack if any of the blisters are torn, broken, or do not contain tablets. Follow the package directions to remove the tablet from the blister package. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil. After you remove the tablet from the blister package, immediately place it on your tongue and close your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve. Do not take the rapidly disintegrating tablet with water or other liquids.
Vardenafil rapidly disintegrating tablets cannot be substituted for vardenafil tablets. Be sure that you receive only the type of vardenafil that was prescribed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of vardenafil you were given.
BEFORE TAKING THE MEDICATION
You should not use LEVITRA (VARDENAFIL) if you are allergic to Levitra (Vardenafil), or if you take other medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as riociguat (Adempas). Levitra is not approved for men younger than 18 years old.
Do not take Levitra (Vardenafil) if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite (“poppers”). Taking Levitra with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart disease, heart rhythm problems; a heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure; long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); high or low blood pressure; seizures; liver disease, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia; a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; a stomach ulcer; hearing or vision problems, vision loss; an eye disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye); a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease); or if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.
SIDE EFFECTS
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Levitra (Vardenafil): hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Levitra and get emergency medical help if you have: heart attack symptoms – chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; vision changes or sudden vision loss; or erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis). Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss; irregular heartbeat; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer; or seizure (convulsions). Common Levitra side effects may include: flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); stuffy nose, sinus pain; headache, dizziness; upset stomach; or back pain.
POSSBILE QUESTIONS
WHAT DRUGS AND FOOD SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING LEVITRA (VARDENAFIL)?
Grapefruit may interact with LEVITRA (VARDENAFIL) and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of vardenafil. Do not use any other drug to treat impotence unless your doctor tells you to.
ARE THERE ANY DRUG INTERACTIONS IF I TAKE LEVITRA (VARDENAFIL)?
Using LEVITRA (VARDENAFIL) with some other drugs can lead to serious adverse effects. Possible reactions include: a potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure, or hypotension, dizziness, fainting. There is also a risk of stroke and heart attack.
STORAGE
Store LEVITRA at room temperature between 59° and 86° F (15° to 30° C).
LEVITRA (VARDENAFIL) is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). In combination with sexual stimulation, vardenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a man get and keep an erection. This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Buy Vardenafil (Levitra) online at www.usascripthelpers.com and start saving. USA Script Helpers offers the best price guaranteed for human medications and PetMeds. Place your order now with approved and affordable medications at USA Script Helpers.
