Viagra, Cialis & Levitra are drugs approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). They work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow to the penis. In this process these drugs also frequently cause a drop in systemic blood pressure that has led to serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients.
The most recent alert by the FDA was issued in July 2005. The FDA noted that a small number of men taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra suffered from non-arteritic anterior ischemic optioc neuropathy (NAION), which is also called an optic stroke. This is a sudden loss of eyesight in one eye caused by the blockage of blood flow to the optic nerve. The FDA’s alert warned that the men at greatest risk for NAION are men who are over 50, smoke, or have:
The FDA required the manufacturers of these ED drugs to add a warning to the product labels. The labels say that there is a small risk of NAION from these medications, but some critics say this warning isn’t sufficient for the risk involved. See Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Information and Warnings for more information about the safety of these drugs and the controversy over labeling.
In 1998, the FDA and Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra, announced new labeling for Viagra, which would warn that Viagra causes large and sudden drops in systemic blood pressure in the majority of patients. This drop in blood pressure can cause cardiac effects, including heart attacks, sudden cardiac deaths, and hypertension. The letter also warned that Viagra can cause priapism, a painful, prolonged erection that requires immediate medical attention. Cialis and Levitra were not yet on the market, and so were not involved in the 1998 change. The labeling requirements for warnings about cardiac effects apply to all 3 ED drugs.
Check out the following articles for more information about Viagra, Cialis & Levitra, filing a Viagra, Cialis & Levitra lawsuit and finding a Viagra, Cialis & Levitra attorney.