Warnings & Recalls for Levitra
As of November 2011, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported
several cases of sudden loss of vision or hearing in patients taking Levitra. Follow-ups on these patients have been difficult to track; the FDA is still unsure whether these serious side effects are caused by the medicine, or the patient's condition of erectile dysfunction. Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation
has modified the label on Levitra to warn patients of these
possible risks.
Do not take Levitra if you:
- Are taking nitrates used to control chest aching or angina, or if you are taking "poppers" such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. Levitra in combination with these drugs may cause extremely low blood pressure. If you are not sure if you have taken or are taking nitrates, ask your doctor before using Levitra.
- Take other erectile dysfunction medications such as Cialis or Viagra.
- Are a female, especially if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you are a woman and have taken Levitra, contact your doctor immediately.
- Have heart disease, as sexual activity may put a strain on your hearts ability to function
WARNING: Do not take Levitra while drinking
grapefruit juice or
eating grapefruit; this may cause an intensification of symptoms or cause you to faint. If you have
coronary artery disease, this combination may increase your chance for a
heart attack.
Levitra Treatment and Use
Levitra | Vardenafil Hydrochloride is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor tablet manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation implemented to treat erectile dysfunction (the inability to keep an erection) in men.
This medication does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire and does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
How Does Levitra Work?
Levitra works by preventing phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the body from breaking down chemicals which may cause erections. Blocking PDE5 relaxes muscles in the penis, allowing more blood and other erection-causing molecules to flow into the penis during sexual activity, resulting in an erection. Levitra works only with sexual stimilation.
Levitra Dosage Information
Levitra is taken orally as a tablet or a dissolving tablet available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20 mg. Ask your doctor which amount is right for you, as dosage varies among patients. This medication may be taken as necessary with or without food one hour before sexual activity.
Levitra should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. Healthcare professionals may suggest waiting a period of 72 hours before taking another dose for some patients.
Before taking Levitra, let your doctor know if you:
- Are having surgery, including dental procedures
- Are taking or have been taking any herbal products such as St. Johns wort, commonly used to treat depression
- Take any other prescription medicines or vitamins
- Have heart disease or high/low blood pressure
- Smoke or have a history of smoking
- Have ever had an erection lasting over 4 hours
- Have a bleeding disorder or stomach ulcers
- Have kidney problems
- Have Peyronie’s disease or a deformed penis
How Do Levitra and Grapefruit Interact?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice interfere with intestinal enzyme cytochrome
P450 isoform CYP3A4, which may lead to an increase in drug levels in the blood making Levitra toxic to the body. Consuming any form of grapefruit while taking Levitra may be extremely hazardous to your health. See our “Warnings” tab for more information.
