17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Therefore, treatments for erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil, should not be generally used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying cardiovascular status. The evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following a complete medical assessment.Sildenafil has systemic vasodilatory properties that resulted in transient decreases in supine blood pressure in healthy volunteers (mean maximum decrease of 8.4/5.5 mmHg), [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. While this normally would be expected to be of little consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing sildenafil, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects, especially in combination with sexual activity.Use with caution in patients with the following underlying conditions which can be particularly sensitive to the actions of vasodilators including sildenafil – those with left ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g., aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) and those with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure.There are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil in the following groups; if prescribed, this should be done with caution.Patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the last 6 months;Patients with resting hypotension (BP <90/50 mmHg) or hypertension (BP >170/110 mmHg);Patients with cardiac failure or coronary artery disease causing unstable angina.5.2 Prolonged Erection and PriapismProlonged erection greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) have been reported infrequently since market approval of sildenafil. In the event of an erection that persists longer than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency could result.Sildenafil should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie’s disease), or in patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia). However, there are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil in patients with sickle cell or related anemias.5.3 Effects on the EyePhysicians should advise patients to stop use of all phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil, and seek medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.

Key takeaways

Therefore, treatments for erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil, should not be generally used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying cardiovascular status. The evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following a complete medical assessment.Sildenafil has systemic vasodilatory properties that resulted in transient decreases in supine blood pressure in healthy volunteers (mean maximum decrease of 8.4/5.5 mmHg), [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. While this normally would be expected to be of little consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing sildenafil, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects, especially in combination with sexual activity.Use with caution in patients with the following underlying conditions which can be particularly sensitive to the actions of vasodilators including sildenafil – those with left ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g., aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) and those with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure.There are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil in the following groups; if prescribed, this should be done with caution.Patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the last 6 months;Patients with resting hypotension (BP <90/50 mmHg) or hypertension (BP >170/110 mmHg);Patients with cardiac failure or coronary artery disease causing unstable angina.5.2 Prolonged Erection and PriapismProlonged erection greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) have been reported infrequently since market approval of sildenafil. In the event of an erection that persists longer than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency could result.Sildenafil should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie’s disease), or in patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia).

Regional issues

However, there are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil in patients with sickle cell or related anemias.5.3 Effects on the EyePhysicians should advise patients to stop use of all phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil, and seek medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Such an event may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition and a cause of decreased vision including permanent loss of vision, that has been reported rarely post-marketing in temporal association with the use of all PDE5 inhibitors. Based on published literature, the annual incidence of NAION is 2.5 to 11.8 cases per 100,000 in males aged ≥ 50. An observational case-crossover study evaluated the risk of NAION when PDE5 inhibitor use, as a class, occurred immediately before NAION onset (within 5 half-lives), compared to PDE5 inhibitor use in a prior time period. The results suggest an approximate 2-fold increase in the risk of NAION, with a risk estimate of 2.15 (95% CI 1.06, 4.34). Such an event may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition and a cause of decreased vision including permanent loss of vision, that has been reported rarely post-marketing in temporal association with the use of all PDE5 inhibitors. Based on published literature, the annual incidence of NAION is 2.5 to 11.8 cases per 100,000 in males aged ≥ 50. An observational case-crossover study evaluated the risk of NAION when PDE5 inhibitor use, as a class, occurred immediately before NAION onset (within 5 half-lives), compared to PDE5 inhibitor use in a prior time period.

• Sildenafil 100 mg does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• It is not recommended for women or children.
• The medication can sometimes cause back pain or muscle aches.
• Use sildenafil only as prescribed to minimize risks.
• Some users report facial flushing after taking the pill.
• Avoid excessive physical activity immediately after taking the drug.
• Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
• Do not share your medication with others.
• Sildenafil may cause nasal stuffiness or congestion.

The results suggest an approximate 2-fold increase in the risk of NAION, with a risk estimate of 2.15 (95% CI 1.06, 4.34). A similar study reported a consistent result, with a risk estimate of 2.27 (95% CI 0.99, 5.20). Other risk factors for NAION, such as the presence of “crowded” optic disc, may have contributed to the occurrence of NAION in these studies. Neither the rare post-marketing reports, nor the association of PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION in the observational studies, substantiate a causal relationship between PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].Physicians should consider whether their patients with underlying NAION risk factors could be adversely affected by use of PDE5 inhibitors. Individuals who have already experienced NAION are at increased risk of NAION recurrence. Therefore, PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, should be used with caution in these patients and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks.

Individuals with “crowded” optic disc are also considered at greater risk for NAION compared to the general population, however, evidence is insufficient to support screening of prospective users of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, for this uncommon condition.There are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (a minority of these patients have genetic disorders of retinal phosphodiesterases); if prescribed, this should be done with caution.5.4 Hearing LossPhysicians should advise patients to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing.

These events, which may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness, have been reported in temporal association to the intake of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil.

• Sildenafil’s effectiveness depends on sexual stimulation.
• It is not an aphrodisiac and requires arousal to work.
• Drinking large quantities of alcohol may impair its effectiveness.
• The drug can cause a prolonged erection if misused.
• Sildenafil may lead to sudden vision or hearing changes.
• Always discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor.
• Missing a dose should not be remedied by doubling the next dose.
• Use caution if you have a history of eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa.
• Consult your doctor before starting or stopping sildenafil treatment.

It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2) ].5.5 Hypotension when Co-administered with Alpha-blockers or Anti-hypertensivesAlpha-blockersCaution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors are co-administered with alpha-blockers.

• Sildenafil was originally developed to treat pulmonary hypertension.
• The 100 mg dosage is often prescribed when lower doses are ineffective.
• It can cause vision changes such as blurred vision or a blue tint.
• Alcohol consumption can enhance side effects and reduce effectiveness.
• Patients with heart conditions should consult a doctor before use.
• The medication is available by prescription only in many countries.
• Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment.
• Report any allergic reactions like rash or difficulty breathing immediately.
• Sildenafil may cause dizziness; avoid operating heavy machinery after intake.

PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are both vasodilators sildenafil citrate tablets 150 mg with blood pressure lowering effects.

Shipping & Delivery

In humans, sildenafil has no effect on bleeding time when taken alone or with aspirin. However, in vitrostudies with human platelets indicate that sildenafil potentiates the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor). In addition, the combination of heparin and sildenafil had an additive effect on bleeding time in the anesthetized rabbit, but this interaction has not been studied in humans.The safety of sildenafil is unknown in patients with bleeding disorders and patients with active peptic ulceration.5.9 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted DiseasesThe use of sildenafil offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Counseling of patients about the protective measures necessary to guard against sexually transmitted diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), may be considered. Sildenafil has systemic vasodilatory properties that resulted in transient decreases in supine blood pressure in healthy volunteers (mean maximum decrease of 8.4/5.5 mmHg), [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

How Sildenafil Works to Treat ED

While this normally would be expected to be of little consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing sildenafil, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects, especially in combination with sexual activity. When vasodilators are used in combination, an additive effect on blood pressure may occur. In some patients, concomitant use of these two drug classes can lower blood pressure significantly [ see Drug Interactions (7.2)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] leading to symptomatic hypotension (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting).Consideration should be given to the following:Patients who demonstrate hemodynamic instability on alpha-blocker therapy alone are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension with concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors.

What side effects can this medication cause?

What are the serious side effects of sildenafil?

Patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating a PDE5 inhibitor.In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, PDE5 inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest dose [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].In those patients already taking an optimized dose of a PDE5 inhibitor, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose. Stepwise increase in alpha-blocker dose may be associated with further lowering of blood pressure when taking a PDE5 inhibitor.Safety of combined use of PDE5 inhibitors and alpha-blockers may be affected by other variables, including intravascular volume depletion and other anti-hypertensive drugs.Anti-hypertensivesSildenafil has systemic vasodilatory properties and may further lower blood pressure in patients taking anti-hypertensive medications.In a separate drug interaction study, when amlodipine, 5 mg or 10 mg, and sildenafil, 100 mg were orally administered concomitantly to hypertensive patients mean additional blood pressure reduction of 8 mmHg systolic and 7 mmHg diastolic were noted [ see Drug Interactions (7.3)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].5.6 Adverse Reactions with the Concomitant Use of RitonavirThe concomitant administration of the protease inhibitor ritonavir substantially increases serum concentrations of sildenafil (11-fold increase in AUC). If sildenafil is prescribed to patients taking ritonavir, caution should be used. Data from subjects exposed to high systemic levels of sildenafil are limited. Decreased blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection were reported in some healthy volunteers exposed to high doses of sildenafil (200 to 800 mg).

• Sildenafil 100 mg tablets are primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction.
• The medication works by increasing blood flow to the penis.
• It is usually taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
• Do not take more than one tablet per 24 hours to avoid overdose.
• Common side effects include headache, flushing, and nasal congestion.
• Sildenafil 100 mg should be used only under medical supervision.
• Avoid consuming high-fat meals close to the time of intake.
• It may interact with nitrates, leading to dangerous blood pressure drops.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

To decrease the chance of adverse reactions in patients taking ritonavir, a decrease in sildenafil dosage is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.4),and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].5.7 Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction TherapiesThe safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other PDE5 Inhibitors, including REVATIO or other pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments containing sildenafil, or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied.

Such combinations may further lower blood pressure. Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended.5.8 Effects on BleedingThere have been postmarketing reports of bleeding events in patients who have taken sildenafil. A causal relationship between sildenafil and these events has not been established. In humans, sildenafil has no effect on bleeding time when taken alone or with aspirin.

8.2 Lactation

In some patients, concomitant use of these two drug classes can lower blood pressure significantly [ see Drug Interactions (7.2)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] leading to symptomatic hypotension (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting).Consideration should be given to the following:Patients who demonstrate hemodynamic instability on alpha-blocker therapy alone are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension with concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors. Patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating a PDE5 inhibitor.In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, PDE5 inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest dose [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].In those patients already taking an optimized dose of a PDE5 inhibitor, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose. Stepwise increase in alpha-blocker dose may be associated with further lowering of blood pressure when taking a PDE5 inhibitor.Safety of combined use of PDE5 inhibitors and alpha-blockers may be affected by other variables, including intravascular volume depletion and other anti-hypertensive drugs.Anti-hypertensivesSildenafil has systemic vasodilatory properties and may further lower blood pressure in patients taking anti-hypertensive medications.In a separate drug interaction study, when amlodipine, 5 mg or 10 mg, and sildenafil, 100 mg were orally administered concomitantly to hypertensive patients mean additional blood pressure reduction of 8 mmHg systolic and 7 mmHg diastolic were noted [ see Drug Interactions (7.3)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].5.6 Adverse Reactions with the Concomitant Use of RitonavirThe concomitant administration of the protease inhibitor ritonavir substantially increases serum concentrations of sildenafil (11-fold increase in AUC). If sildenafil is prescribed to patients taking ritonavir, caution should be used. Data from subjects exposed to high systemic levels of sildenafil are limited.

Revatio Injection

Decreased blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection were reported in some healthy volunteers exposed to high doses of sildenafil (200 to 800 mg). To decrease the chance of adverse reactions in patients taking ritonavir, a decrease in sildenafil dosage is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.4),and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].5.7 Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction TherapiesThe safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other PDE5 Inhibitors, including REVATIO or other pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments containing sildenafil, or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Such combinations may further lower blood pressure. Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended.5.8 Effects on BleedingThere have been postmarketing reports of bleeding events in patients who have taken sildenafil. A causal relationship between sildenafil and these events has not been established. However, in vitrostudies with human platelets indicate that sildenafil potentiates the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor).

In addition, the combination of heparin and sildenafil had an additive effect on bleeding time in the anesthetized rabbit, but this interaction has not been studied in humans.The safety of sildenafil is unknown in patients with bleeding disorders and patients with active peptic ulceration.5.9 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted DiseasesThe use of sildenafil offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Counseling of patients about the protective measures necessary to guard against sexually transmitted diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), may be considered.

5.4 Hearing Loss

A similar study reported a consistent result, with a risk estimate of 2.27 (95% CI 0.99, 5.20). Other risk factors for NAION, such as the presence of “crowded” optic disc, may have contributed to the occurrence of NAION in these studies. Neither the rare post-marketing reports, nor the association of PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION in the observational studies, substantiate a causal relationship between PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].Physicians should consider whether their patients with underlying NAION risk factors could be adversely affected by use of PDE5 inhibitors. Individuals who have already experienced NAION are at increased risk of NAION recurrence. Therefore, PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, should be used with caution in these patients and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks.

How is sildenafil supplied (dosage forms)?

Individuals with “crowded” optic disc are also considered at greater risk for NAION compared to the general population, however, evidence is insufficient to support screening of prospective users of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, for this uncommon condition.There are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (a minority of these patients have genetic disorders of retinal phosphodiesterases); if prescribed, this should be done with caution.5.4 Hearing LossPhysicians should advise patients to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. These events, which may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness, have been reported in temporal association to the intake of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2) ].5.5 Hypotension when Co-administered with Alpha-blockers or Anti-hypertensivesAlpha-blockersCaution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors are co-administered with alpha-blockers. PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are both vasodilators sildenafil citrate tablets 150 mg with blood pressure lowering effects. When vasodilators are used in combination, an additive effect on blood pressure may occur. Sildenafil has systemic vasodilatory properties that resulted in transient decreases in supine blood pressure in healthy volunteers (mean maximum decrease of 8.4/5.5 mmHg), [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. While this normally would be expected to be of little consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing sildenafil, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects, especially in combination with sexual activity.

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