What's the purpose behind using this medication?
Fildena (commonly known as Viagra) serves to address issues of erectile dysfunction in men, where they struggle to achieve or maintain an erection. Additionally, Fildena (also known as Liqrev and Revatio) aids in enhancing exercise capacity for both adults (Liqrev, Revatio) and children aged 1 and above (Revatio) who suffer from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH refers to elevated blood pressure within the vessels supplying blood to the lungs, leading to symptoms like breathlessness, dizziness, and fatigue. Fildena belongs to a category of drugs known as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It tackles erectile dysfunction by promoting increased blood flow to the penis upon sexual stimulation, thereby facilitating an erection. In the case of PAH, Fildena operates by easing the tension in lung blood vessels, allowing for smoother blood circulation.
If you've opted for Fildena to address erectile dysfunction, it's important to understand that it won't solve the root cause of the issue or enhance your libido. Fildena doesn't act as a contraceptive or protect against sexually transmitted infections like HIV.
What's the recommended way to use this medication?
Fildena is available in tablet and liquid form for oral consumption.
When using Fildena for erectile dysfunction treatment, adhere to your physician's recommendations and the instructions provided here. Use Fildena as necessary before engaging in any sexual activities.
For optimal results using Fildena, it is recommended to ingest the medication approximately 60 minutes prior to engaging in sexual activities. The medication can be consumed at any point within a timeframe of 4 hours to 30 minutes before the intended sexual activity. It is advised not to exceed a single dose of Fildena within a 24-hour period. Depending on specific health conditions or concurrent medication use, your physician may advise a less frequent dosing schedule. Fildena can be taken with or without food; however, intake with a high-fat meal may lead to a delayed onset of its effects.
When treating PAH with Fildena, make sure to follow a strict schedule of taking it three times daily, irrespective of meals. Maintain consistency in the timing of each dosage.
Adhere closely to the guidelines on the medication label and seek clarification from your physician or pharmacist as necessary. It is vital to take Fildena according to the instructions without exceeding or reducing the prescribed amount.
Prior to each use, vigorously shake the liquid for 10 seconds to ensure uniformity of the medication. Always utilize the oral syringe included with your medication for accurate measurement and administration. Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for the proper use and cleaning of the syringe. Do not combine the liquid with other drugs or attempt to enhance its taste with additives.
When using Fildena to address erectile issues, your physician will likely initiate treatment with a standard dosage, adjusting it based on your individual response. Should you find Fildena ineffective or encounter adverse reactions, inform your doctor promptly.
For pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), it's essential to understand that while Fildena manages the condition, it doesn't offer a cure. It's imperative to maintain your Fildena regimen even if symptoms improve. Never discontinue Fildena without consulting your healthcare provider.
Seek guidance from your pharmacist or physician regarding obtaining the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.
Additional applications for this drug
This remedy might be recommended for alternative purposes; inquire with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.
What specific measures should I adhere to?
Prior to using Fildena, notify your healthcare provider and pharmacist about any potential allergies to Fildena, other drugs, or any constituents present in Fildena tablets or suspensions. Request a comprehensive list of ingredients from your pharmacist.
Certain medications may interact adversely with Fildena. Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are consuming nitrates (medications for angina) such as isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), and nitroglycerin (Nitromist, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat).
Ensure that you have thoroughly conversed with your healthcare provider and medication dispenser about any other drugs you are presently using or intend to use prior to initiating Fildena. Seek the guidance of your healthcare provider or medication dispenser before commencing, ceasing, or modifying any medications while under the influence of Fildena. Notify your healthcare provider in the event that you are consuming illicit substances containing nitrates ('poppers') like amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, or butyl nitrate during your Fildena treatment. Your healthcare provider will advise against using Fildena if you are concurrently taking illicit substances containing nitrates.
Inform your healthcare provider and medication specialist about all the prescribed and over-the-counter drugs, as well as vitamins and dietary supplements you are using or intend to use. Your healthcare provider might have to adjust the dosages of your medications or closely monitor you for adverse reactions.
It is important to note that there are various brand names for Fildena, such as Liqrev, Revatio, and Viagra. You should only receive treatment with one of these brands at a single time.
Certain non-prescription or herbal products can potentially interact with Fildena, including cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and St. John's wort. Inform your healthcare provider and medication specialist about these medications before starting Fildena. Do not introduce these medications while using Fildena without consulting your healthcare provider.
Notify your physician if you are a smoker, have undergone cardiac surgery in the past half-year, have experienced a persistent erection lasting longer than 4 hours, or have undergone significant fluid loss recently due to illness, excessive sweating, or inadequate fluid intake. Additionally, inform your physician of any history of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, peptic ulcers, cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disorders, heart attack, heart failure, angina, arrhythmia, stroke, chest pain, hypertension or hypotension, hyperlipidemia, coagulation disorders, circulatory problems, blood cell disorders like sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, or any abnormalities of the penile structure.
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For instance, any structural abnormalities in the genital area, like curvature, tissue scarring, or Peyronie's syndrome, or if you have diabetes. Additionally, inform your physician if you or any relatives have a history of eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa (a hereditary eye ailment leading to vision loss) or if you've ever experienced sudden, severe vision impairment, particularly if it was attributed to restricted blood flow to the optic nerves.
If you're a woman using Fildena for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), let your doctor know if you're pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding. Should you conceive while on Fildena, contact your physician promptly.
In the event of a forthcoming operation, whether dental or otherwise, it is imperative that you disclose your Fildena consumption to your medical practitioner. Should the purpose of taking Fildena be for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, it is vital to inform your doctor of any past instructions from a healthcare professional advising against sexual activity due to medical grounds or if you have encountered chest discomfort during such engagements. Sexual endeavors might impose pressure on your cardiac health, particularly in the presence of heart ailments. Should you encounter chest pain, lightheadedness, or queasiness during sexual operations, promptly contact your physician and refrain from such activities until given the green light by medical professionals.
Inform all medical professionals of your current Fildena intake. In case of a cardiac emergency, it is crucial for the attending healthcare personnel to be aware of your recent administration of Fildena. Are there any specific dietary regulations I should adhere to? Consult your physician regarding the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice alongside this medication. How should I proceed if I overlook a dose? If you are utilizing Fildena for erectile dysfunction, the likelihood of missing a dosage is minimal as this drug is used as required, not according to a consistent timetable.
If you forget to take Fildena for PAH, just take the missed dose when you remember, but if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and stick to your usual dosing routine without doubling up.
Which adverse reactions might occur with this drug?
Fildena could result in unwanted reactions. Inform your healthcare provider if any of these indications persist:
Certain adverse reactions may pose a grave threat. Should any of the subsequent signs manifest, promptly contact your healthcare provider:
A condition of persistent discomfort in the lower regions of the body lasting longer than 240 minutes; outbreak of skin irritation; uncontrollable urge to scratch; raised red welts on the skin; struggle to breathe or swallow; inflammation of the ocular organs, facial structure, oral cavity, or facial appendages. A subset of individuals encountered an abrupt deprivation of some or all of their visual function subsequent to ingesting Fildena or analogous pharmaceuticals. A few cases demonstrated irreparable impairment of vision. The causes of the vision loss remain ambiguous. If visual acuity diminishes abruptly while under the influence of Fildena, promptly seek counsel from a medical practitioner. Refrain from further administration of Fildena or kindred medical substances like tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) without prior consultation with a healthcare provider.
Numerous cases have emerged of cardiac arrest, cerebral attack, abnormal heart rhythm, hemorrhage in the cranium or respiratory system, elevated blood pressure, and unexpected demise among individuals who utilized Fildena for male impotence. The majority of these individuals had preexisting heart conditions before beginning Fildena. It remains unclear whether Fildena, sexual activity, heart disorders, or a blend of these factors and others triggered these incidents. Consult with your physician regarding the potential hazards of using Fildena.
Certain patients encountered an abrupt reduction or total loss of auditory function subsequent to ingesting Fildena or similar medications.
The origin of the hearing loss is uncertainly linked to the medication. Should you observe an abrupt decrease in hearing, perhaps accompanied by ringing in the ears or feelings of lightheadedness, while undergoing treatment with Fildena, promptly contact your healthcare provider. In the event that you are using Fildena (Viagra) to manage erectile dysfunction, refrain from consuming additional dosages of Fildena (Viagra) or similar drugs like tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) until you have consulted with your healthcare provider. If you are being treated with Fildena (Liqrev, Revatio) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), it is advisable not to discontinue the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Fildena might lead to various adverse effects. Alert your physician if you encounter any unusual symptoms while using this drug.
In case of a severe adverse reaction, you or your healthcare provider can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either through their website or by calling 1-800-332-1088.
What information should I have regarding the storage and disposal of this medication?
Store this medication in its original container, tightly sealed, and away from children. Keep the tablets at room temperature, avoiding excessive heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The suspension can be stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator, but avoid freezing it. Discard any unused suspension after 60 days.
Hiding medication from children is crucial, especially because numerous medicine containers are easily opened by young children. To prevent poisoning, ensure to always secure safety caps and store medicines in a high, inaccessible place. Proper disposal of unnecessary medications is important to safeguard them from accidental consumption by pets, children, and others.
Do not dispose of this medication by flushing it down the toilet. Instead, opt for participating in a program that collects unused medicine. Reach out to your pharmacist or get in touch with your local waste management department to get details on such programs in your area. Refer to the FDA's website on the proper disposal of medications if you cannot access a take-back program.
For emergencies or overdoses
If faced with an overdose situation, contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. You can also seek assistance online. In cases where the individual has collapsed, experienced a seizure, has difficulty breathing, or is unresponsive, promptly call 911 for emergency assistance.
What are the key things to remember?
Make sure to always attend your scheduled appointments at the healthcare provider's office.
Never allow someone else to handle your prescribed medication. If you have any concerns about renewing your prescription, direct your inquiries to the pharmacist.
Maintaining a written record of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications, as well as nutritional supplements like vitamins and minerals, is crucial. Have this list available for all medical appointments or hospital admissions. Keeping this information accessible is vital in case of unexpected emergencies.