Vardenafil (By Mouth)

Vardenafil (var-DEN-a-fil)

Helps a man have an erection or have a better erection of his penis during sex. Trouble having an erection is called erectile dysfunction.

Brand Name(s):

Levitra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vardenafil. Do not use this medicine if you are also using a nitrate medicine (such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-bid®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-dur®) or an alpha blocker medicine (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, Cardura®, Flomax®). Nitrate medicines are often used to treat angina (chest pain). Alpha blocker medicines are often used to treat high blood pressure or prostate problems. Some illegal ("street") drugs called "poppers" contain nitrates.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.The usual schedule is to take this medicine about 60 minutes (1 hour) before having sex.
• This medicine will not increase a man's sexual desire or make a normal erection last longer. This medicine should be used only to treat erectile dysfunction.
• Do not use this medicine more than one time a day. Always allow at least 24 hours between doses. In some cases, your doctor might tell you not to use this medicine more than once every three days (72 hours).
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as ritonavir, indinavir, Crixivan®, Kaletra®, Norvir®), medicine to treat fungus infections (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, Nizoral®, Sporanox®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, Betapace®, Cardioquin®, Cordarone®, Procanbid®, Quinaglute®), or an antibiotic (such as erythromycin, EES®, Erytab®).
• Your doctor needs to know if you are using any other medicine that might cause low blood pressure, because Levitra® might also lower your blood pressure. If your blood pressure gets too low, you might faint or have other health problems.
• Tell your doctor about all other treatments you are using for erectile dysfunction.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcer, bleeding problems, or problems with the retina in your eyes (retinitis pigmentosa). Your doctor needs to know if you have heart disease or any problems related to your heart or blood, such as valve problems, uneven heart beats, high or low blood pressure, angina (chest pain), heart failure, sickle cell anemia, or cancer of the blood (leukemia or multiple myeloma). Tell your doctor if you have recently had a stroke or heart attack. Make sure your doctor knows if your penis has an abnormal shape.
• Make sure any health care provider who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• This medicine should not be used by women or children.
• If you do not have an erection or if you are unhappy with your erection after taking this medicine, tell your doctor. This medicine will not cause an erection unless you are sexually stimulated.
• This medicine will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). This medicine will not prevent pregnancy. If this is a concern for you or your partner, talk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
• Erection that hurts or lasts more than 4 hours.
• Fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain.
• Unusual back pain or muscle pain.
• Vision problems, trouble seeing, or changes in how you see colors (especially blue or green).

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache.
• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Upset stomach, nausea.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.