Vardenafil and Rosuvastatin: Can You Take Them Together?

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

Choose your treatment

Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.

Answer quick questions

Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.

Get it delivered fast

We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.

Vardenafil and Rosuvastatin: Understanding the Interaction

Published: 4 November 2026

Many men taking rosuvastatin for high cholesterol wonder whether vardenafil and rosuvastatin can be used together safely. The good news is that vardenafil, a prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), can generally be taken alongside rosuvastatin, a statin used to lower cholesterol. However, your prescriber will need to review your full medical history and current medications during your consultation to ensure this combination is appropriate for you.

What Is Vardenafil and How Does It Work?

Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which also includes sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Vardenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow into the area when you are sexually aroused [5].

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

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil requires a prescription in the UK. At Cured Pharmacy, an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber is required before vardenafil can be supplied, ensuring the treatment is safe and suitable for your individual circumstances.

What Is Rosuvastatin and Why Is It Prescribed?

Rosuvastatin is a statin medication prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Rosuvastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol, helping to reduce the amount of 'bad' LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising 'good' HDL cholesterol.

Statins like rosuvastatin are commonly prescribed alongside lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Many men with erectile dysfunction also have cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol, so it is not uncommon to be taking both a statin and an ED treatment [1][2].

Rosuvastatin is usually taken once daily, often in the evening. Common brand names include Crestor, though generic versions are widely available. Your GP or specialist will monitor your cholesterol levels and liver function while you are taking rosuvastatin to ensure the treatment is working effectively and safely.

Can You Take Vardenafil and Rosuvastatin Together?

Vardenafil and rosuvastatin can generally be taken together, and there is no absolute contraindication to using both medicines at the same time. However, there is a potential interaction that your prescriber will consider. Rosuvastatin is partly broken down by certain liver enzymes, and vardenafil can have a modest effect on these pathways, though the interaction is not usually considered clinically significant at standard doses.

The main concern when combining vardenafil with any other medication is the overall effect on your cardiovascular system. Both high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction can be signs of underlying heart or blood vessel problems [1][2]. Your prescriber will assess your heart health, blood pressure, and any other medications you take to ensure that vardenafil is safe for you.

During your consultation, you must declare all medicines you are taking, including rosuvastatin and any other prescription or over-the-counter treatments. Your prescriber will check for any interactions and may adjust the dose of vardenafil if necessary. Never stop taking rosuvastatin or any other prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor first, as this could increase your risk of serious cardiovascular events.

What Your Prescriber Will Check

When you request vardenafil, your prescriber will review your full medical history, including any heart conditions, blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, and all current medications. They will check that you are not taking any medicines that are contraindicated with vardenafil, such as nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or another PDE5 inhibitor [5]. If you are on rosuvastatin, this will be noted, but it does not usually prevent the safe use of vardenafil. Your prescriber may start you on a lower dose of vardenafil to minimise any risk, particularly if you are taking other medicines that affect your blood pressure or heart function.

How Vardenafil and Rosuvastatin Interact in the Body

Understanding how vardenafil and rosuvastatin interact requires a brief look at how each medicine is processed in the body. Vardenafil is broken down primarily by liver enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent CYP2C9 [5]. Rosuvastatin, on the other hand, is not extensively metabolised by CYP3A4; it is mainly cleared by the liver and kidneys without significant breakdown by the same enzyme pathways that affect vardenafil.

Because rosuvastatin does not strongly inhibit or induce the enzymes that break down vardenafil, the two medicines do not have a major pharmacokinetic interaction. This means that taking rosuvastatin is unlikely to significantly raise or lower the levels of vardenafil in your bloodstream. However, individual responses can vary, and your prescriber will take your overall health and medication list into account.

It is important to note that some other medicines can interact more significantly with vardenafil. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin, can raise vardenafil levels and increase the risk of side effects [5]. If you are taking any of these medicines, vardenafil may be contraindicated or require a dose adjustment. Always inform your prescriber of every medicine you take, including antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV treatments.

Practical Advice for Taking Vardenafil with Rosuvastatin

If your prescriber confirms that vardenafil is suitable for you, take it exactly as directed. Vardenafil is usually taken about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex, and you should not take more than one dose in 24 hours [5]. You can take vardenafil with or without food, though a very heavy or high-fat meal may delay how quickly it works.

Continue taking rosuvastatin as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change the dose of rosuvastatin without medical advice, as this could affect your cholesterol control and cardiovascular health. If you experience any unusual symptoms after starting vardenafil, such as dizziness, chest pain, or visual disturbances, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice promptly.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when using vardenafil, as alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure. Grapefruit juice can also raise the levels of some medicines broken down by the liver, so it is best to avoid it while taking vardenafil. If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber.

Lifestyle and ED Management

Erectile dysfunction is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking [1][2]. Taking rosuvastatin to manage your cholesterol is an important step in protecting your heart and blood vessels, which can also benefit erectile function over time. Alongside medication, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and stopping smoking can improve both your cardiovascular health and your ED [1][2]. Your GP can provide support and advice on making these changes.

When Vardenafil Should Not Be Used

Vardenafil is not suitable for everyone. Do not take vardenafil if you are using nitrates (such as GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs known as 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites) [5]. Combining vardenafil with any of these medicines can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Do not take vardenafil together with another PDE5 inhibitor, such as sildenafil or tadalafil.

Vardenafil is also not recommended if you have severe heart or liver problems, very low blood pressure, a recent heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, or certain inherited eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa [5]. If you have ever experienced sudden vision loss (non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, or NAION), you should not use vardenafil. Your prescriber will assess your suitability during the consultation.

If you are taking alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, or alfuzosin), vardenafil can be used, but you must be stable on the alpha-blocker and your prescriber will usually start you on the lowest dose of vardenafil to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. Always be honest and thorough when completing your medical questionnaire, as this ensures your safety.

Warning Signs and When to Seek Help

Most men tolerate vardenafil well, but side effects can occur. Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness [5]. These are usually mild and short-lived. However, you should seek urgent medical help if you experience an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain during sexual activity. If you feel dizzy or faint after taking vardenafil, sit or lie down and avoid driving or operating machinery. Contact your GP or pharmacist if side effects are troublesome or persistent.

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 4 November 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 4 November 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 4 November 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.