Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Sildenafil. You may hear it called by the brand names Viagra or Revatio.  You should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 

Sildenafil can treat several conditions.  It helps treat erectile dysfunction by helping a normal erection to occur during sexual stimulation. It can also be used to reduce pulmonary hypertension or problems from an enlarged prostate, like a weak urine stream and sudden or frequent needs to urinate.

Some patients have side effects like headache, upset stomach, flushing, stuffy or runny nose. These are normal if they are mild and should go away.  Mild back pain or muscle aches can also occur and may last up to 2 days. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medication, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. You should read the Patient Information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report them. You should contact a doctor right away if you have a decrease or loss of vision or hearing, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours.

Sildenafil can interact with other medicines. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines, even if they do not require a prescription.  

Remember, take Sildenafil as directed, and be sure to talk to your doctor if you don't get the results you expect.