Vardenafil (Levitra®): Uses & Side Effects

What is this medication?

VARDENAFIL (var DEN a fil) is a powerful medication specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is suitable for satisfactory sexual performance. This medication works primarily by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which enhances the ability to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

In addition to its primary use for erectile dysfunction, this medication may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Always consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions or are unsure about how this medication may be used in your specific situation.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levitra is the most recognized brand name associated with vardenafil.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

Before taking vardenafil, it is essential that you inform your healthcare team of any pre-existing conditions you may have. They need to be aware of the following health issues:

• Anatomical deformation of the penis, Peyronie's disease, or a history of priapism (painful and prolonged erection)
• Bleeding disorders that could complicate treatment
• Eye or vision problems, including the rare inherited condition known as retinitis pigmentosa
• Heart disease, including angina, a history of heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, or any other cardiac issues
• History of high or low blood pressure
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia
• A history of stomach bleeding or ulcers
• Kidney disease, which may affect your body's ability to process the medication
• Liver disease, as this could complicate medication metabolism
• Previous strokes
• Allergic reactions to vardenafil or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnancy or if you are planning to conceive
• If you are currently breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Vardenafil should be taken orally with a full glass of water. It is imperative to follow the instructions provided on your prescription label carefully. This medication can be ingested with or without food; however, it is generally recommended to take it approximately 1 hour prior to engaging in sexual activity. You should not exceed the prescribed dosage, as it is advised not to take vardenafil more than once within a 24-hour period. Always adhere to your healthcare provider's directions regarding the appropriate use of this medication.

Consult your healthcare team regarding the use of this medication in children, as they may require special consideration and oversight.

In case of overdose, it is crucial to contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately.

IMPORTANT: Vardenafil is prescribed specifically for you; sharing it with others is highly discouraged and potentially dangerous.

What if I miss a dose?

This medication is typically taken as needed, thus regular dosing does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

It is essential to avoid taking vardenafil in conjunction with any of the following medications:

• Bepridil
• Specific antifungal medications such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Cisapride
• Droperidol
• Grepafloxacin
• Medications intended for managing irregular heartbeats, such as dronedarone
• Methscopolamine nitrate
• Nitrates, including amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and nitroglycerin
• Nitroprusside
• Other erectile dysfunction medications like avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil
• Pimozide
• Riociguat
• Thioridazine

Vardenafil may also interact with the following substances:

• Antiviral medications used for the treatment of HIV or AIDS
• Certain antibiotics, including erythromycin and clarithromycin
• Medications utilized for hypertension
• Prostate-related medications
• Other drugs that prolong the QT interval, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, such as dofetilide and ziprasidone

It’s crucial to keep your healthcare provider informed about all medications, herbal supplements, over-the-counter products, and dietary supplements you are currently using. Additionally, inform them if you smoke, consume alcohol, or use any illicit drugs, as these factors may influence your treatment.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

While using vardenafil, monitor for any changes in your vision and report them to your healthcare team immediately. If you experience a sudden loss of eyesight in one or both eyes, it is imperative to stop the medication and seek medical attention without delay.

If you find that an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, or if it becomes painful, contact your healthcare provider as this may indicate a serious medical issue that requires urgent intervention to avoid potential long-term damage.

Should you experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, chest or arm pain when resuming sexual activity after taking this medication, it's crucial to halt further engagement and reach out to your healthcare team without delay.

It is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption (such as 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey) while taking vardenafil, as this intake can elevate the risk of experiencing headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, or lowered blood pressure.

Remember that vardenafil does not provide protection against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases; take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your partner.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Potential side effects that should be reported to your healthcare team immediately include:

• Allergic reactions which present as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Changes in hearing, including loss or ringing in ears
• Signs of a heart attack such as chest pain, pressure or tightness in the chest, arms, shoulders, or jaw, along with symptoms like nausea, shortness of breath, clammy skin, or lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure indicators including dizziness, faintness, or blurred vision
• Prolonged or distressing erections
• Stroke symptoms, which may include sudden numbness, weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking or understanding, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance, severe headaches, or vision changes
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

You may also experience side effects that generally do not necessitate immediate medical attention, but you should notify your healthcare team if these persist or become bothersome:

• Back pain
• Flushing or redness of the face
• Headaches
• Muscle soreness
• Runny or congested nasal passages
• An upset stomach

Please note that this list may not encompass all possible side effects associated with vardenafil. For medical advice regarding side effects, reach out to your doctor. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Ensure that this medication is stored safely out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

The optimal storage conditions for vardenafil are at room temperature, ideally between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Any unused medication should be properly discarded after its expiration date to ensure safety and efficacy.

IMPORTANT: This informational sheet serves as a summary and may not contain every detail related to this medication. Should you have any questions about vardenafil or your treatment plan, always consult with your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or other medical professionals involved in your care.