Vardenafil and Inclisiran: Can You Take Them Together?

Vardenafil and Inclisiran: Understanding the Interaction

Published: 31 October 2026

Many men wonder whether vardenafil and inclisiran can be taken together safely. The good news is that no major interaction is commonly reported between vardenafil (a medicine for erectile dysfunction) and inclisiran (an injection used to lower cholesterol). However, every medicine you take must be declared during your consultation so your prescriber can check your full medical history and ensure the combination is right for you.

What is vardenafil and how does it work?

Vardenafil is the generic name for Levitra, a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis. This allows more blood to flow into the penis when you are sexually aroused, helping you to get and keep an erection suitable for sex.

Vardenafil is usually taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and its effects can last for several hours [5]. It comes in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. The medicine only works when you are sexually stimulated—it will not cause an erection on its own. You should take vardenafil no more than once a day.

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil can lower blood pressure slightly. This is usually not a problem for most men, but it means your prescriber needs to check your heart health and any other medicines you take, especially those that also affect blood pressure.

What is inclisiran and why is it prescribed?

Inclisiran is a prescription medicine given by injection to lower cholesterol levels in adults. It is used alongside a healthy diet and, often, statin tablets to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, sometimes called 'bad cholesterol'). Inclisiran works by helping the liver remove more cholesterol from the blood.

The injection is usually given by a healthcare professional twice a year after the first two doses. Inclisiran is prescribed for people with high cholesterol who need extra help to reach their target levels, particularly those at high risk of heart disease or stroke.

Because inclisiran does not directly affect blood pressure or the enzymes that break down vardenafil, no major interaction between vardenafil and inclisiran is commonly reported. However, both medicines are used in people who may have cardiovascular risk factors, so your prescriber will want to review your overall heart health before prescribing vardenafil.

How inclisiran fits into your overall treatment

If you are taking inclisiran, it is likely you are managing high cholesterol as part of a plan to protect your heart and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease [1][2], so it is important to see your GP if you have new or worsening ED. Your doctor can check whether your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar are well controlled, and whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are needed.

Can you take vardenafil and inclisiran together?

Yes, vardenafil and inclisiran are not known to interact with each other in a way that would make the combination unsafe. Inclisiran does not affect the liver enzymes (CYP3A4) that break down vardenafil, and it does not directly lower blood pressure, so the two medicines can usually be taken together without dose adjustment.

However, it is essential to declare all your current medicines—including inclisiran, any statins, blood pressure tablets and over-the-counter products—when you request vardenafil. Your prescriber needs the full picture to check that vardenafil is suitable for you, especially if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Remember that vardenafil must never be taken with nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, riociguat or recreational drugs called 'poppers' [5]. These combinations can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you take any of these medicines, you must not use vardenafil.

What your prescriber checks before approving vardenafil

When you complete an online consultation for vardenafil at Cured Pharmacy, a UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers to ensure the medicine is safe and appropriate for you. They will check your current medicines (including inclisiran), your medical history, and any conditions that might make vardenafil unsuitable.

The prescriber will look for contraindications such as recent heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, severe heart failure, very low blood pressure, or medicines that interact dangerously with vardenafil [5]. They will also check whether you take alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin) for prostate symptoms, as these can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of vardenafil. If you do, you may need to start on a lower dose.

If you take medicines that strongly inhibit the liver enzyme CYP3A4—such as ritonavir, ketoconazole or clarithromycin—vardenafil may not be suitable, or your dose may need to be adjusted [5]. The prescriber will also ask about grapefruit juice and alcohol, as both can affect how vardenafil works.

Why your full medicine list matters

Even if inclisiran itself does not interact with vardenafil, you may be taking other medicines for your heart, blood pressure or cholesterol that do need careful checking. For example, if you also take amlodipine or ramipril for blood pressure, the prescriber will consider the combined blood-pressure-lowering effect. Always list every medicine, supplement and herbal remedy you use, including those bought without a prescription.

Practical advice for taking vardenafil with inclisiran

If your prescriber approves vardenafil, take it as directed—usually about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex [5]. Swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take it with or without food, though a very heavy or fatty meal may slow down how quickly it works.

Continue your inclisiran injections and any other cholesterol or blood pressure medicines exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop or change any medicine without advice. If you feel dizzy or light-headed after taking vardenafil, sit or lie down until the feeling passes. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel unwell.

Limit alcohol when using vardenafil, as heavy drinking can make erectile dysfunction worse and add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect [5]. Avoid grapefruit juice, which can raise vardenafil levels in your blood. If vardenafil does not work well for you, speak to your prescriber—do not take more than one dose in 24 hours or combine it with another ED medicine.

Warning signs and when to seek urgent help

Most men tolerate vardenafil well, but you should know the warning signs that need urgent medical attention. If you develop an erection that lasts longer than four hours (priapism), go to A&E immediately. Priapism can damage the penis if not treated quickly [5].

Seek urgent help if you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness) [5]. These are rare but serious side effects. If you develop chest pain during or after sex, stop sexual activity and seek medical advice straight away—do not take nitrate medicines such as GTN spray, as this combination is dangerous.

Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, indigestion and a stuffy nose [5]. These are usually mild and go away on their own. If side effects are troublesome or persistent, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for advice. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Reporting side effects

If you experience any side effect that concerns you, whether or not it is listed in the patient information leaflet, you can report it via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by searching for 'MHRA Yellow Card' in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting helps improve the safety information available for all patients.

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 31 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 31 October 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 31 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.