Levitra Information

Data Sheet:

• Brand Name: Levitra®
• Active Ingredient: vardenafil
• Strength: 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg
• Company: Bayer Pharmaceuticals
• Availability: Prescription
• Date Approved by FDA: August 19, 2003

• What is Levitra used for?

  Levitra is a medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) (impotence) in men. ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. Levitra may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited. Levitra must be used only under a doctor's care.

• How does Levitra work?

  This medicine is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to treat sexual function problems such as impotence or erectile dysfunction. In combination with sexual stimulation, this medicine works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. This medicine is not intended for use in women or children. This medicine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection. Use "safe sex" practices such as latex condoms. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

• Directions for taking Levitra

  Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth as needed 1 hour before sexual activity or as directed by your doctor. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE more often than once daily as needed. If you are taking certain other medicines you may only be able to take this medicine one time every three days. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. However, taking this medicine with a high-fat meal may reduce the amount of medicine that your body absorbs. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while being treated with this medicine unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. STORE THIS MEDIICNE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.

• Special Warnings with Levitra

  Levitra can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines such as nitrates and alpha-blockers, and recreational drugs that contain nitrates called "poppers". A sudden drop in your blood pressure could cause you to become dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.

• Who should not take Levitra?

  Do not take Levitra if you:
  
  -take any medicines called ?nitrates.? Medicines called nitrates include nitroglycerin and are commonly used to treat angina. Nitrates can also be found in other medicines such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate. Some recreational drugs called "poppers" also contain nitrates, such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate.
  
  -take any medicines called ?alpha blockers.? Alpha blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure.
  
  -have been told by your health care provider not to have sexual activity because you have health problems. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease.
  
  -are allergic to Levitra or any of its ingredients.

• What should I tell my health care provider?

  Tell your health care provider if you:
  
  -have or had heart problems
  
  -have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled
  
  -have had a stroke or any family members have a rare heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval (long QT syndrome)
  
  -have liver problems
  
  -have kidney problems and require dialysis
  
  -have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease
  
  -have stomach ulcers
  
  -have a bleeding problem
  
  -have a deformed penis shape or Pyroine?s disease
  
  -have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
  
  -have blood cell problems, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
  
  -about all the medicines you take, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  
  
  Levitra and other medicines may affect each other. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any medicines. Especially tell your health care provider if you take:
  o medicines called ?nitrates? medicines called ?alpha blockers. Examples of alpha blockers include Terazosin (Hytrin®), tamsulosin (Flomax®), doxazosin (Cardura®), prazosin (Minipress®), or alfuzosin (Uroxatral®)
  
  o medicines that treat abnormal heartbeat (quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotolol)
  
  o ritonavir (Norvir®) or indinavir (Crixivan®)
  
  o ketoconazole or itraconazole (such as Nizoral® or Sporanox®)
  
  o erythromycin
  
  o other medicines or treatments for ED
  
  

• What are some possible side effects of Levitra?

  Some common side effects with Levitra include:
  
  -headache
  
  -flushing
  
  -stuffy or runny nose
  
  -indigestion
  
  -upset stomach
  
  -dizziness
  
  Levitra may uncommonly cause:
  -an erection that won?t go away (priapism). Priapism must be treated as soon as possible or lasting damage can happen to your penis including the inability to have erections.
  
  -vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green