Vardenafil is prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in which a man is unable to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. In some cases, men who experience ED are unable to get an erection at all, while others are unable to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction. In fact, ED affects nearly 30 million men worldwide.

You should contact a health care professional if you experience frequent episodes of erectile dysfunction. Experiencing some difficulty with achieving an erection is common, but regular occurrences may require medical treatment. ED may also be a sign of an underlying health problem or a risk factor for heart disease.

Aside from age, common causes of ED include:

• Poor vascular health (heart disease, high blood pressure, lack of blood flow)
  
• Substance abuse
  
• Diabetes
  
• Obesity
  
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  
• Psychological problems (such as depression or anxiety)
  
• Peyronie's disease (scar tissue inside the penis)
  
• Spinal cord injuries
  
• Medication usage
  
• Low testosterone
  
• Enlarged prostate
  
• Aging
  
  

It is important to note that vardenafil does not increase sex drive, nor is it a cure for the underlying causes of ED. It is important to note that stimulation is required for vardenafil to work. An erection cannot be attained, even after vardenafil use, if the penis is not stimulated. Simply put, vardenafil cannot cause an erection on its own.

Vardenafil will not protect against sexually-transmitted diseases or prevent pregnancy. Regular safe sex practices (like condom use) should be maintained while using vardenafil.

Vardenafil belongs to a classification of medications known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by preventing the breakdown of a naturally occurring substance in the body known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Increased levels of cGMP improve the relaxation of blood vessels. By relaxing blood vessels, vardenafil works to encourage blood flow more readily to the penis during sexual stimulation. This effect can help men achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity.

Even though vardenafil increases blood flow to the penis, it cannot cause an erection by itself. Stimulation is required for the effects of vardenafil to work.

Vardenafil usage has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Common side effects reported from vardenafil use include:

• Headache
  
• Upset stomach
  
• Heartburn
  
• Runny nose
  
• Flushing
  
• Low back pain
  

More serious side effects include:

• An erection that lasts more than 4 hours
  
• Loss of vision
  
• Blurred vision
  
• Dangerously low blood pressure
• Dizziness
  
• Loss of hearing
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Fainting
  
• Swelling
  

If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a serious adverse reaction to this medication and require treatment right away.

As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with vardenafil. Vardenafil can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Do not take vardenafil if you are currently taking any nitrate medication such as isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and nitroglycerin. It’s important to inform your doctor if you are currently taking any form of high blood pressure medication, alpha-blocker medication, prescription antifungals (like fluconazole), or other medications for erectile dysfunction. You should include information about any herbal products you are currently using, especially St. John’s wort.

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking vardenafil. Avoid or limit alcohol while using vardenafil.

Talk to your health care provider about safe drinking practices during treatment with vardenafil. vardenafil can interact with alcohol and cause potentially serious adverse reactions like those listed above.

Vardenafil is commonly supplied as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Make sure your hands are dry before handling the medication. Vardenafil usually begins to work within 60 minutes after taking the medication. It is recommended that you engage in sexual activity to stimulate the penis within this timeframe.

Do not crush or chew vardenafil. The oral tablet should be swallowed whole. Allow the ODT to dissolve on your tongue without additional liquid.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture. Seek medical attention right away if you begin to notice any of the adverse reactions listed above.

Do not exceed the dosage prescribed or discontinue the use of vardenafil without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Vardenafil is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy or order the medication to be delivered to your door. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not vardenafil is right for you. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment.

Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for vardenafil to be picked up near you–often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.