Viagra Basics: What The FDA Has To Say About Viagra

The FDA and Viagra

Te FDA approved Viagra for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) some time ago, but it is necessary to regularly check the various side effects associated with the drug. If they come up with any side effect during research, they make it public. Viagra has attained near universal acceptance, but over time some negative reports have come out, especially from the FDA.

Blindness when using Viagra

FDA officials are analyzing reports of varying degrees of blindness among a small number of men using Viagra. The FDA has come up with 50 cases of the condition which can occur in men suffering with heart disease or diabetes. The FDA has publicly said, though, that it has not found any evidence that Viagra is to blame for the condition.

More than 20 million men worldwide have used the drug since its launch in 1998 which is why, if something untoward were to happen, it would have a far reaching effect. Pfizer, the company that makes the drug, is seriously considering changing its warning on the drug label.

The type of blindness is commonly known as NAION, or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. This condition can arise in men who are diabetic or have heart issues, the identical conditions that can lead to impotence, and subsequently, Viagra use.

Drug Label for the Viagra Trademark

The FDA is working overtime in collaboration with Pfizer to judge what facts and figures about the condition should be added to the drug's label. Men with heart issues, patients taking drugs that consist of nitrates have been warned that they should not use Viagra due to the possibility of a sudden, unsafe dip in blood pressure.

Viagra’s label also warns of painful erections lasting more than six hours, headache, flushed skin and vision problems. People usually do not read drug labels because they are written awkwardly and in a small font. The FDA is planning to increase the font size on the drug label because people using the drug need to be aware of the side effects.

New Initiative by Pfizer

Companies such as Pfizer, Lilly Icos and Bayer who make drugs like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra have welcomed the new initiative from the FDA regarding a new course of action for the regulation of the advertising their Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medicines.

Under the new set of rules, it will become mandatory for the drug companies to pay a larger fee to the FDA annually for their licenses. At the same time, they will have a far superior system for dealing with the FDA which will mean that companies will no longer get warning letters or have to change advertisement campaigns.