Viagra Connect

Key Features:

• Effective within one hour.
• Lasts up to 3 hours.
• No prescription needed.
• UK registered pharmacy.
• Dosage Options: Viagra Connect is available in a 50 mg dose, which is the standard and recommended starting dose for most men.
• Mechanism of Action: Viagra Connect contains Sildenafil Citrate, a Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow during sexual arousal, thus facilitating an erection.
• Ease of Use: The medication is taken orally, typically about one hour before planned sexual activity, and can be taken with or without food. However, it may take longer to work if taken with a high-fat meal.
• Duration of Effectiveness: The effects of Viagra Connect can last up to 4 hours, though this can vary depending on individual factors.
• Accessibility: Available over-the-counter without a prescription, making it more accessible for men who may not wish to discuss erectile dysfunction with their doctor.
• Safety Profile: Generally well-tolerated with a well-established safety profile. Common side effects are usually mild and temporary.

What is Viagra Connect.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a sensitive issue for many men, often leading to reluctance in seeking medical advice or discussing treatment options. Viagra Connect presents a discreet and accessible solution to this problem. Available over-the-counter, it eliminates the need for a doctor’s prescription, thereby reducing the discomfort associated with discussing ED. Containing Sildenafil Citrate, the same active ingredient as in prescription Viagra, Viagra Connect works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to the penis, which is essential for achieving an erection when sexually aroused. This convenient option, available since 2017, ensures men have easier access to effective treatment while maintaining privacy. Additionally, it meets the UK’s stringent regulatory standards, offering a safe and regulated option for ED treatment. With the support of pharmacists, men can now access a broader range of treatment advice and options directly from pharmacies, making Viagra Connect a reliable and discreet solution for managing erectile dysfunction.

Summary of Viagra Connect

1. 1. Condition this medication is prescribed for: Erectile Dysfunction
   2. Class of drug: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors
   3. Active Ingredients: Sildenafil
   4. Available Strengths: 50mg
   5. Possible Side effects:

Viagra Connect, a widely used medication for erectile dysfunction, is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness, which are typically mild and temporary (for a comprehensive list please refer to the patient information leaflet).

How VIAGRA Connect works.

Viagra Connect, containing the active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate, is a highly effective medication for treating erectile dysfunction. Initially developed for hypertension, it was found to be more effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil Citrate, a Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, functions by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby enhancing blood flow. This increased blood flow leads to an erection when sexually stimulated. It’s important to note that Viagra Connect aids in achieving an erection only in the presence of sexual arousal and does not increase sexual desire.

Patient Information Leaflet.

For more information on this prescription medicine please refer to the Viagra Connect patient information leaflet.

(https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8725.pdf)

How do I use Viagra Connect?

Viagra Connect, an oral medication for erectile dysfunction, is most effective when taken about one hour before sexual activity. The standard dose is 50 mg, but it may vary as per individual needs prescribed by a healthcare provider. It’s important to adhere to the prescribed dosage and not exceed one tablet per day. While Viagra Connect can be taken with or without food, a high-fat meal might delay its onset. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as they can affect the medication’s effectiveness. Excessive alcohol consumption may also reduce the ability to achieve an erection. Remember, sexual stimulation is necessary for Viagra Connect to work. If you experience any discomfort like dizziness, nausea, or chest pain during sexual activity, seek immediate medical attention. Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Viagra Connect is designed for use as needed and should not be taken more than once in a 24-hour period. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Safety and Precautions.

Before taking Viagra Connect, it’s crucial to understand certain health and medication-related precautions. Do not use Viagra Connect if you don’t have erectile dysfunction, are taking nitrates for chest pain or heart failure, use recreational drugs like “poppers,” or are on medications like riociguat for lung hypertension, ritonavir for HIV, or if you have severe heart or liver problems, low blood pressure, a history of severe vision loss, a deformed penis, or if you’re a woman or under 18. It’s also important to avoid Viagra Connect if you’re allergic to sildenafil or any of its ingredients.

Consult your doctor before using Viagra Connect if you have cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or if sexual activity is advised against due to heart problems. Those with heart valve issues, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, or controlled high blood pressure should also seek medical advice. Additionally, discuss with your doctor if you’ve had priapism, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, liver disease, or severe kidney problems.

Inform your pharmacist or doctor about any other medications you’re taking, as some can interact with Viagra Connect, leading to side effects. This includes certain fungal infection treatments, antibiotics like erythromycin, heartburn medications like cimetidine, and alpha-blockers for urinary problems or high blood pressure. Avoid combining Viagra Connect with other erectile dysfunction treatments.

Always have a health check-up within the first six months of starting Viagra Connect to ensure no serious health conditions are causing erectile dysfunction. If you experience any sudden visual defects, stop taking Viagra Connect and contact your doctor immediately.

Common side effects.

Viagra Connect, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild to moderate and short-lived. However, immediate medical attention is required for serious side effects such as chest pains (especially during or after sexual activity), prolonged and painful erections lasting over 4 hours, sudden vision loss, allergic reactions (including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat), severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and seizures.

Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include headaches, nausea, indigestion, stuffy nose, dizziness, facial flushing, and vision changes like blurring or a color tinge. Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, may include vomiting, abdominal pain, acid reflux, skin rash, fatigue, eye irritation, rapid heartbeat, and blood pressure changes. Rare side effects, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people, can include fainting, nosebleeds, hearing loss, and heart-related issues like stroke or heart attack. (for a more comprehensive list of side effects please refer to the patient information leaflet).

If you experience any side effects, report them to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. You can also report them directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. Reporting helps gather more information on the safety of Viagra Connect.

When should VIAGRA Connect not be used.

When considering Viagra Connect for erectile dysfunction, it’s essential to be aware of its interactions with other medications. Avoid using Viagra Connect if you’re taking nitrates for chest pain or heart failure, or recreational drugs known as “poppers” (nitric oxide donors), as these can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. Similarly, avoid it if you’re on riociguat for lung hypertension or ritonavir for HIV treatment, due to the same risk of a dangerous fall in blood pressure.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Viagra Connect if you’re taking medications for fungal infections (like itraconazole or ketoconazole), antibiotics such as erythromycin, or heartburn treatments like cimetidine, as these can increase Viagra Connect’s concentration in the body, potentially leading to side effects. The combination of Viagra Connect with other erectile dysfunction treatments is not recommended due to unknown safety and efficacy. Caution is also advised if you’re on alpha-blockers for urinary problems or high blood pressure, or medicines containing sacubitril/valsartan for heart failure, as these can cause symptoms like dizziness and fainting due to low blood pressure.

Always discuss your current medications with a healthcare professional before starting Viagra Connect to ensure safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.