Vardenafil Patient Information Leaflet Explained

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At a glance

What is vardenafil and what is it used for?

Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra and is a type of medicine called a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor [5]. It is licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity. Vardenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you are sexually aroused. It does not work without sexual stimulation and will not increase your sex drive.

The medicine is available in three strengths: 5mg, 10mg and 20mg film-coated tablets. Your prescriber will recommend the dose that is right for you based on your medical history, other medicines you take, and how well the treatment works [5]. Vardenafil is taken on demand, meaning you take a tablet when you plan to have sexual activity, rather than every day. At Cured Pharmacy, vardenafil is available after an online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber.

How to take vardenafil: dosage and timing from the patient information leaflet

The vardenafil patient information leaflet states that the usual starting dose is 10mg, taken approximately 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity [5]. Depending on how well it works and whether you experience side effects, your prescriber may adjust your dose to 5mg (if you need a lower dose) or 20mg (if 10mg is not effective enough). You should take vardenafil only when you need it and no more than once in any 24-hour period.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You can take vardenafil with or without food, but be aware that a high-fat meal may delay how quickly the medicine starts to work [5]. Sexual stimulation is required for vardenafil to be effective; it will not cause an erection on its own. If you accidentally take more than your prescribed dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice, as higher doses increase the risk of side effects.

What if vardenafil does not work?

If vardenafil does not work the first time, do not increase the dose yourself. The medicine may take a few attempts to work effectively, and factors such as anxiety, tiredness or alcohol can affect its performance. Speak to your prescriber, who may adjust your dose or suggest trying a different PDE5 inhibitor such as sildenafil or tadalafil. It is also important to address any underlying causes of ED, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or lifestyle factors, as treating these can improve your response to treatment [1][2].

Common and serious side effects listed in the vardenafil patient information leaflet

Like all medicines, vardenafil can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 men, include headache, flushing (redness of the face), nasal congestion, indigestion and dizziness [5]. These are usually mild and short-lived. Less common side effects include back pain, muscle aches, increased tear production, changes in colour vision, and a faster heartbeat.

Serious side effects are rare but require urgent medical attention. Stop taking vardenafil and seek immediate help if you experience an erection that lasts longer than four hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing [5]. Chest pain during or after sex should also be treated as an emergency: do not take nitrates such as GTN spray, as the combination with vardenafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Instead, call 999 immediately. Allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing) are very rare but need emergency treatment.

What you need to know

• Vardenafil is taken 25 to 60 minutes before sex, maximum once daily.
• Common side effects include headache, flushing and nasal congestion.
• Never take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil or poppers.
• An erection lasting over four hours needs urgent medical help.
• Every pack includes an official patient information leaflet you should read.

Important warnings and contraindications in the vardenafil patient information leaflet

The vardenafil patient information leaflet contains critical safety warnings that you must read before taking the medicine. Do not take vardenafil if you are using nitrate medicines for chest pain (such as glyceryl trinitrate spray, isosorbide mononitrate or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites) [5]. The combination can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening fall in blood pressure. You must also not take vardenafil if you have severe heart or liver problems, low blood pressure, have recently had a stroke or heart attack, or have certain inherited eye conditions.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including those bought without a prescription. Vardenafil can interact with alpha-blockers used for prostate problems or high blood pressure (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin), which may cause dizziness or fainting [5]. If you are taking potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, cobicistat, ketoconazole, itraconazole or clarithromycin, vardenafil may be contraindicated or require a dose adjustment; your prescriber will check this during your consultation. Grapefruit juice can increase vardenafil levels in your blood and should be avoided. Heavy alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness.

Can I take vardenafil with other blood pressure medicines?

Vardenafil can lower blood pressure slightly, so if you are already taking medicines for high blood pressure, there is a risk of an added blood-pressure-lowering effect, which may cause dizziness or light-headedness [5]. This does not mean you cannot take vardenafil, but you must declare all your current medicines during the online consultation so the prescriber can assess whether it is safe for you. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your doctor's advice.

Storing vardenafil and checking the patient information leaflet in your pack

Store vardenafil tablets in the original blister pack in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children. Keep them at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight [5]. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you have any unused or expired tablets, return them to your pharmacist for safe disposal; do not throw them in the bin or flush them down the toilet.

Every pack of vardenafil dispensed in the UK must include a patient information leaflet. This leaflet is the official, up-to-date source of information approved by the UK medicines regulator and is tailored to the specific brand and strength you have been prescribed [12]. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine, as it may contain additional details or updates not covered in general online summaries. If you have any questions about the information in your leaflet, contact your pharmacist or prescriber for clarification.

When to get urgent help

• Erection lasting more than four hours (priapism)
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
• Chest pain during or after sexual activity (call 999; do not take nitrates)
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing

Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.

Vardenafil patient information leaflet: when to seek medical advice

If you experience side effects that are troublesome or do not go away, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber. You can report side effects directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by searching for 'Yellow Card' in the Google Play or Apple App Store [12]. Reporting side effects helps improve the safety information available for all users.

Seek urgent medical help if you develop an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden vision or hearing loss, or chest pain during sex [5]. If you feel unwell after taking vardenafil and are unsure whether it is serious, contact NHS 111 for advice or see your GP. Remember that erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease or diabetes, so if you are experiencing ED for the first time, it is important to see your GP for a full health check [1][2]. At Cured Pharmacy, our online consultation includes a review by a UK prescriber, but it does not replace a face-to-face assessment with your doctor, especially if you have new or worsening symptoms.

Where can I get vardenafil and how does the online consultation work?

Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine, so you cannot buy it over the counter. At Cured Pharmacy, you complete a short online health questionnaire that is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. If the treatment is suitable and safe for you, a prescription is issued and your medicine is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy and delivered discreetly to your door. Vardenafil is available from £16.95, or £13.56 for first orders with code Ednew. All consultations are confidential, and you can contact our pharmacist team if you have questions about your treatment.

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