Vardenafil Consumer Information

vardenafil

Generic Name: vardenafil (var DEH na fil)
Brand Names: Levitra

What is vardenafil?

Vardenafil relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.

Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Vardenafil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about vardenafil?

Vardenafil can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking vardenafil, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether vardenafil is the actual cause of vision loss.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vardenafil?

Before taking vardenafil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or you have:

• heart disease or heart rhythm problems;

• a recent history (in the past 6 months) of a heart attack, angina (chest pain), or congestive heart failure;

• a recent history of stroke or blood clots;

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";

• high or low blood pressure;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;

• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;

• a stomach ulcer;

• retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);

• a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); or

• if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take vardenafil.

Vardenafil can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking vardenafil, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether vardenafil is the actual cause of vision loss.Stop using vardenafil and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.

How should I take vardenafil?

Take vardenafil exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Vardenafil can be taken with or without food.

Vardenafil is usually taken only when needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity. The medication can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since vardenafil is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include back pain, muscle pain, or vision problems.

What should I avoid while taking vardenafil?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with vardenafil. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Vardenafil side effects

Stop using vardenafil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden vision loss;

• ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• irregular heartbeat;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• shortness of breath;

• vision changes;

• feeling light-headed, fainting; or

• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious side effects may include:

• warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;

• stuffy nose;

• headache;

• upset stomach; or

• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect vardenafil?

Before taking vardenafil, tell your doctor about all other medications you use for erectile dysfunction, or if you are using any of the following medications:

• erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);

• doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin);

• HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), tipranavir (Aptivus), darunavir (Prezista), efavirenz (Sustiva), nevirapine (Viramune), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept);

• itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• heart rhythm medicine such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), quinidine(Quinidex, Quinaglute), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), or sotalol (Betapace);

• carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), or phenytoin (Dilantin); or

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with vardenafil. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.