Vardenafil

Description

What is Vardenafil?

 

 

Vardenafil is a prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It contains vardenafil, a clinically proven medicine that helps increase blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

Vardenafil is taken when needed before sexual activity and typically starts working within 25 to 60 minutes. It remains effective for up to 5 hours.

 

 

 

Available Strengths

 

 

Vardenafil 5mg

Vardenafil 5mg is the lowest available strength and may be suitable for men who are more sensitive to vardenafil or who have experienced side effects with higher doses. It may also be recommended depending on your medical history or other medications you take.

 

 

Vardenafil 10mg

Vardenafil 10mg is the usual recommended starting dose for most men with erectile dysfunction. It provides an effective balance between efficacy and tolerability and is often the first strength prescribed following an assessment.

 

 

Vardenafil 20mg

Vardenafil 20mg is the highest available strength and may be recommended for men who do not achieve satisfactory results with the 10mg dose. This strength should only be used when advised by a prescriber.

Our clinicians will recommend the most appropriate strength based on your medical history, current medications and response to treatment.

 

 

 

How Does Vardenafil Work?

Vardenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.

Vardenafil does not increase sexual desire and only works when sexual arousal is present.

 

 

 

Who Can Use Vardenafil?

 

 

Vardenafil may be suitable for:

• Men aged 18 years and over

• Men experiencing erectile dysfunction

• Men seeking a clinically proven ED treatment

• Men looking for a treatment that is taken only when needed

• Men who have not achieved satisfactory results with other ED treatments

 

 

Who Should Not Use Vardenafil?

 

 

Vardenafil may not be suitable if you:

• Take nitrate medicines for chest pain or heart conditions

• Use nitric oxide donors or recreational drugs known as “poppers”

• Have certain serious heart, liver or blood pressure conditions

• Have been advised to avoid sexual activity

• Have previously experienced an allergic reaction to vardenafil or any of the ingredients

Our prescribing team will assess your suitability before treatment is supplied.

 

 

 

How to Take Vardenafil

• Take one tablet approximately 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity

• Swallow the tablet whole with water

• Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period

• Follow the advice provided by your prescriber

Vardenafil can be taken with or without food, although very high-fat meals may delay its effects.

Excessive alcohol consumption may reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase the likelihood of side effects.

 

 

 

Benefits of Vardenafil

• Clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction

• Available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths

• Taken only when needed

• Effective for up to 5 hours

• Suitable for many men who have erectile dysfunction

• Available through our confidential online consultation service

 

 

 

 

Common side effects include:

• Headache

• Facial flushing

• Nasal congestion

• Dizziness

• Indigestion

• Nausea

Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before taking this medication.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Which vardenafil strength should I choose?

Most men begin treatment with vardenafil 10mg. Depending on how well the medication works and whether side effects occur, your prescriber may recommend reducing the dose to 5mg or increasing it to 20mg.

 

 

How long does vardenafil take to work?

Vardenafil usually starts working within 25 to 60 minutes. Sexual stimulation is required for the medicine to be effective.

 

 

How long does vardenafil last?

Vardenafil remains effective for up to 5 hours, although individual responses vary.

 

 

Can I take vardenafil with food?

Yes. Vardenafil can be taken with or without food. However, very high-fat meals may delay how quickly the medication starts working.

 

 

Can I drink alcohol while taking vardenafil?

Small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to cause problems. However, excessive alcohol consumption may make it more difficult to achieve an erection and can reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

 

 

Is vardenafil similar to Viagra®?

Yes. Vardenafil and Viagra® both belong to the PDE5 inhibitor class of medicines and work in a similar way to treat erectile dysfunction. However, they contain different active ingredients.

 

 

Do I need a GP prescription for vardenafil?

No. Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine but you do not need a GP prescription for it. Our prescribing clinicians can assess and prescribe vardenafil to eligible patients.

 

 

 

Online Erectile Dysfunction Consultation

Before treatment can be supplied, you will need to complete a short online medical questionnaire.

One of our qualified prescribing clinicians will review your information to ensure vardenafil is safe and appropriate for you.

If approved, your treatment will be dispensed by The Kingston Pharmacy team and delivered in discreet packaging directly to your door via Royal Mail. We also offer in-store collection.