Vardenafil and Ertugliflozin: Can You Take Them Together?

Vardenafil and Ertugliflozin: Understanding the Interaction

Published: 30 October 2026

Many men taking ertugliflozin for type 2 diabetes wonder whether vardenafil and ertugliflozin can be used together safely. The good news is that no major direct interaction between vardenafil (a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction) and ertugliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor used to manage blood sugar) is commonly reported in clinical practice. However, both medicines can lower blood pressure, and diabetes itself increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, so your prescriber will carefully assess your overall health before prescribing vardenafil.

What is vardenafil and ertugliflozin used for?

Vardenafil is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when you are sexually stimulated. Vardenafil is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets and is usually taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. The effect can last for several hours, but you should not take it more than once in 24 hours [5].

Ertugliflozin is a prescription medicine used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes [12]. It is an SGLT2 inhibitor, which means it works by helping your kidneys remove excess glucose from your blood through your urine. Ertugliflozin is often prescribed alongside diet and exercise, and it may be combined with other diabetes medicines such as metformin or sitagliptin. Managing diabetes well is important for overall health, including sexual health, because high blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and nerves, contributing to erectile dysfunction [1].

How do vardenafil and ertugliflozin interact?

There is no major direct pharmacological interaction between vardenafil and ertugliflozin reported in standard UK prescribing references [3][5][12]. This means that ertugliflozin does not significantly affect how your body processes vardenafil, and vardenafil does not interfere with the blood-sugar-lowering action of ertugliflozin. Many men with type 2 diabetes successfully use PDE5 inhibitors like vardenafil to manage erectile dysfunction while continuing their diabetes treatment.

However, both medicines can have an effect on blood pressure. Vardenafil can cause a modest drop in blood pressure, particularly when you first stand up, which may lead to dizziness or light-headedness [5]. Ertugliflozin can also lower blood pressure slightly, especially in people who are already taking other blood-pressure medicines or diuretics. When two medicines that both lower blood pressure are used together, the combined effect may be more noticeable. This does not mean the combination is unsafe, but it does mean your prescriber will want to check your blood pressure, review all your current medicines, and ensure your cardiovascular health is stable before prescribing vardenafil [2].

Understanding the blood pressure effect

The blood-pressure-lowering effect of vardenafil is usually mild and well tolerated, but it becomes more important if you are taking other medicines that also affect blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics (water tablets) [5]. Ertugliflozin itself can cause a small reduction in blood pressure, and this effect is more pronounced in people who are dehydrated or on diuretics. Your prescriber will review your full medication list during the online consultation to ensure the combination is appropriate for you. If you experience persistent dizziness, fainting, or feel unwell after taking vardenafil, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.

What will my prescriber check before prescribing vardenafil and ertugliflozin?

When you request vardenafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, a UK-registered prescriber will review your medical history, current medicines, and overall health [2]. Because you are taking ertugliflozin, the prescriber will pay particular attention to your cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and diabetes control. They will ask about any history of heart disease, stroke, angina, or other circulatory problems, as erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, especially in men with diabetes [1][2].

The prescriber will also check whether you are taking any medicines that are not safe to combine with vardenafil. These include nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs known as 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites). Do not take vardenafil together with any of these medicines, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5]. You should also not take vardenafil if you are already using another PDE5 inhibitor (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or avanafil) on the same day. If you are on alpha-blockers for prostate symptoms (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin), your prescriber will usually start you on the lowest dose of vardenafil and ensure you are stable on the alpha-blocker first [5].

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is more common in men with diabetes, affecting around half of men with the condition at some point [1]. High blood sugar over time can damage the small blood vessels and nerves that control erections. Managing your diabetes well with medicines like ertugliflozin, alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking, can help protect your sexual health. If you have not already discussed erectile dysfunction with your GP, it is a good idea to do so, as it can sometimes be the first sign of other health issues such as heart disease or high cholesterol [2]. Your GP can also check for other causes of ED, such as low testosterone or side effects from other medicines.

Practical advice for taking vardenafil and ertugliflozin together

If your prescriber approves vardenafil for you, take it as directed, usually about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex [5]. Vardenafil will only work when you are sexually stimulated, so it is not an automatic trigger for an erection. You can take vardenafil with or without food, but a heavy, high-fat meal may delay how quickly it works. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, as this can make it harder to get an erection and may increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure when combined with vardenafil [5].

Continue taking ertugliflozin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day in the morning [12]. Ertugliflozin can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections (thrush), so maintain good personal hygiene and stay well hydrated. If you develop symptoms such as pain or burning when you urinate, unusual discharge, or itching, speak to your GP or pharmacist. Do not stop taking ertugliflozin or vardenafil without medical advice. If you experience dizziness or feel faint after taking vardenafil, sit or lie down until you feel better, and avoid driving or operating machinery until the symptoms pass.

Are there any warning signs to watch for with vardenafil and ertugliflozin?

Most men tolerate vardenafil well, but you should be aware of some important warning signs [5]. If you develop an erection that lasts longer than four hours (priapism), seek urgent medical help by attending A&E or calling 999, as this can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly. If you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, stop taking vardenafil immediately and seek urgent medical attention, as this may be a sign of a rare condition called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Similarly, if you notice sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears, stop taking vardenafil and contact your doctor straight away.

If you develop chest pain during or after sex, do not use nitrate medicines (such as GTN spray) to relieve it, as the combination with vardenafil can be dangerous [5]. Instead, seek urgent medical help and tell the healthcare professionals that you have taken vardenafil. While taking ertugliflozin, be alert for signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication), which can include feeling very thirsty, passing urine more often, feeling sick, vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, or a sweet smell on your breath. If you experience these symptoms, contact your GP or call 111 immediately, even if your blood sugar is not very high [12].

Managing side effects

Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing (redness of the face), indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness [5]. These are usually mild and short-lived. If they persist or become troublesome, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber, who may suggest a lower dose. Ertugliflozin commonly causes genital yeast infections (thrush) and urinary tract infections, particularly in the first few months of treatment [12]. Your pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter treatments for thrush, but if symptoms are severe or recurrent, see your GP. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of these infections.

Getting vardenafil and ertugliflozin safely from Cured Pharmacy

At Cured Pharmacy, all prescription medicines, including vardenafil, are supplied only after an online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. During the consultation, you will be asked about your medical history, current medicines (including ertugliflozin), and any other health conditions. The prescriber will assess whether vardenafil is safe and suitable for you, taking into account your diabetes and cardiovascular health. If approved, your medicine will be dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) and delivered discreetly to your door.

We offer a range of ED treatments, including vardenafil at £16.95 (first order with code Ednew: £13.56), as well as other PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil. Our pharmacists are available to answer any questions you may have about taking vardenafil alongside ertugliflozin or any other medicine. Remember, erectile dysfunction is common and treatable, and seeking help is an important step towards better sexual health and overall wellbeing [1]. If you have not already done so, consider discussing your ED with your GP, as it can sometimes be an early sign of other health conditions that benefit from early treatment [2].

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
4. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
5. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Summaries of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflets. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/ [accessed 30 October 2026]

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.