What is VIVANZA?

VIVANZA® is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile Dysfunction is a disorder wherein a man cannot get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. ED may be caused by different factors, such as advance age, stress, neuropathy on the lumbosacral region, renal and liver disease, diabetes, and depression.

There is no cure for erectile dysfunction caused physiologically or by diseases. Medications are treatment options to ease the impending effects of the disorder.

As with other erectile dysfunction drugs of its class, vardenafil hydrochloride, an active component in VIVANZA, acts as PDE5 inhibitor. This action results in cGMP triggering penile smooth muscles to dilate and allow blood to rush freely during sexual excitation. Smoothing muscles in penis helps improve erection in a man to keep up with sexual activity.

Erectile dysfunction drugs are available in the market but cannot be dispensed without a prescription. Patients are to seek medical care to ensure proper evaluation and treatment options.

Availability

Vivanza is supplied in 5, 10, and 20 milligram round, film-coated, orange-colored tablets. VIVANZA is a relatively new brand name and is available in Europe via GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical manufacturer. In the US, vardenafil hcl is supplied by Bayer as LEVITRA®.

Indication and Precautions

VIVANZA is to be taken once daily, with or without meals, approximately 20 minutes to 1 hour before coitus.

Initial dosage starts at 10 milligrams, but can be adjusted to a maximum of 20 milligrams.

Each tablet is to be taken as needed, with approximately 24-hour interval.

VIVANZA effect might last up to 4-6 hours. A doctor will determine which dose a patient needs.

Patients who are 65 years and above may be limited to lower doses, because this age group is susceptible to renal and hepatic insufficiency.

Vivanza is strictly contraindicated to patients taking nitrates as heart maintenance medications.

Patients should tell their doctors if they are currently taking alpha-blockers, anti-fungals, anti-tuberculars, macrolide antibiotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, antihypertensive, and some forms of prohibited drugs. These medications may react with Vivanza and may result to medical complications.

Taking Vivanza after a high-fat meal may delay onset of efficacy.

VIVANZA should not be used by patients that have a history of cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular accident.

For proper treatment of erectile dysfunction, patients must seek medical help from a licensed physician.

Vivanza has been linked to hypotension and dizziness.

VIVANZA has been tolerated well by most patients.

The potential side-effects include dizziness, facial flushing, rash, general body malaise, hyperacidity, diarrhea, hypotension, flu-like symptoms, blurred vision, and impaired hearing.

It is important that patients discontinue the drug once worsening of condition or emergence of new adverse effects occur.

To ensure tamper-free, high quality medications, patients must purchase from licensed, recognize pharmacies.

VIVANZA is to be kept away from children.

For medical emergency, dial 911 or contact your local health authority.

Additional Information on VIVANZA

Please look through the resources, provided below, for more in-depth infomation about vardenafil.

• MedLine Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a603035.html
• Erectile Dysfunction QUIZ: http://www.rxlist.com/quiz_impotence_erectile_dysfunction/quiz.htm
• Patient information: http://www.univgraph.com/bayer/inserts/levitraip.pdf