Patient Experiences with Vardenafil 5 mg Therapy
No evidence of specific potential for teratogenicity, embryotoxicity or fetotoxicity was observed in rats and rabbits that received vardenafil at up to 18 mg/kg/day during organogenesis.
- Vardenafil 5 mg may require dose adjustment based on response.
- The medication can be combined with lifestyle changes for better results.
- Commonly prescribed for men aged 40-70 years.
- It is safe when used as directed under medical supervision.
- Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Vardenafil 5 mg.
- It can interact with certain antibiotics and antifungals.
- Female partners should also be aware of medication effects.
- The medication’s effectiveness depends on sexual stimulation.
- Do not use Vardenafil 5 mg if you have a recent heart attack.
- Be aware of possible visual disturbances as a side effect.
- Emergency medical attention is needed if an erection lasts over 4 hours.
- Proper hydration can help minimize side effects.
This dose is approximately 100 fold (rat) and 29 fold (rabbit) greater than the AUC values for unbound vardenafil and its major metabolite in humans given the MRHD of 20 mg. In the rat pre-and postnatal development study, the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for maternal toxicity was 8 mg/kg/day. Retarded physical development of pups in the absence of maternal effects was observed following maternal exposure to 1 and 8 mg/kg possibly due to vasodilatation and/or secretion of the drug into milk.
| Storage Condition | Recommended Temperature | Light & Moisture Protection | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| In a cool, dry place | 15-30°C (59-86°F) | Keep in tightly sealed container | 2-3 years from manufacture date |
| Keep out of reach of children | Yes | Yes | |
| Avoid exposure to humidity | No | Store away from sunlight |
The number of living pups born to rats exposed pre- and postnatally was reduced at 60 mg/kg/day. Based on the results of the pre- and postnatal study, the developmental NOAEL is less than 1 mg/kg/day. Based on plasma exposures in the rat developmental toxicity study, 1 mg/kg/day in the pregnant rat is estimated to produce total AUC values for unbound vardenafil and its major metabolite comparable to the human AUC at the MRHD of 20 mg. There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of vardenafil in pregnant women. Elderly males age 65 years and older have higher vardenafil plasma concentrations than younger males (18 – 45 years), mean Cmax and AUC were 34% and 52% higher, respectively (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY,Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Phase 3 clinical trials included more than 834 elderly patients, and no differences in safety or effectiveness of LEVITRA 5, 10, or 20 mg were noted when these elderly patients were compared to younger patients. However, due to increased vardenafil concentrations in the elderly, a starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should be considered in patients ≥65 years of age.
Product Description
However, due to increased vardenafil concentrations in the elderly, a starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should be considered in patients ≥65 years of age. LEVITRA was administered to over 4430 men (mean age 56, range 18-89 years; 81% White, 6% Black, 2% Asian, 2% Hispanic and 9% Other) during controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials worldwide. Over 2200 patients were treated for 6 months or longer, and 880 patients were treated for at least 1 year. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 3.4% for LEVITRA compared to 1.1% for placebo. When LEVITRA was taken as recommended in placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following adverse events were reported (see Table 5).
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Back pain was reported in 2.0% of patients treated with LEVITRA and 1.7% of patients on placebo. Placebo-controlled trials suggested a dose effect in the incidence of some adverse events (headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nausea, rhinitis) over the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses of LEVITRA. The following section identifies additional, less frequent events (<2%) reported during the clinical development of LEVITRA. Excluded from this list are those events that are infrequent and minor, those events that may be commonly observed in the absence of drug therapy, and those events that are not reasonably associated with the drug. Most, but not all, of these patients had underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors for development of NAION, including but not necessarily limited to: low cup to disc ratio (“crowded disc”), age over 50, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia and smoking. LEVITRA was administered to over 4430 men (mean age 56, range 18-89 years; 81% White, 6% Black, 2% Asian, 2% Hispanic and 9% Other) during controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials worldwide. Over 2200 patients were treated for 6 months or longer, and 880 patients were treated for at least 1 year. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 3.4% for LEVITRA compared to 1.1% for placebo. When LEVITRA was taken as recommended in placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following adverse events were reported (see Table 5).
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Back pain was reported in 2.0% of patients treated with LEVITRA and 1.7% of patients on placebo. Placebo-controlled trials suggested a dose effect in the incidence of some adverse events (headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nausea, rhinitis) over the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses of LEVITRA. The following section identifies additional, less frequent events (<2%) reported during the clinical development of LEVITRA. Excluded from this list are those events that are infrequent and minor, those events that may be commonly observed in the absence of drug therapy, and those events that are not reasonably associated with the drug.
How do costs compare for vardenafil and tadalafil?
No evidence of specific potential for teratogenicity, embryotoxicity or fetotoxicity was observed in rats and rabbits that received vardenafil at up to 18 mg/kg/day during organogenesis. This dose is approximately 100 fold (rat) and 29 fold (rabbit) greater than the AUC values for unbound vardenafil and its major metabolite in humans given the MRHD of 20 mg. In the rat pre-and postnatal development study, the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for maternal toxicity was 8 mg/kg/day. Retarded physical development of pups in the absence of maternal effects was observed following maternal exposure to 1 and 8 mg/kg possibly due to vasodilatation and/or secretion of the drug into milk. The number of living pups born to rats exposed pre- and postnatally was reduced at 60 mg/kg/day.
Pregnancy Categories
Based on the results of the pre- and postnatal study, the developmental NOAEL is less than 1 mg/kg/day. Based on plasma exposures in the rat developmental toxicity study, 1 mg/kg/day in the pregnant rat is estimated to produce total AUC values for unbound vardenafil and its major metabolite comparable to the human AUC at the MRHD of 20 mg. There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of vardenafil in pregnant women. Elderly males age 65 years and older have higher vardenafil plasma concentrations than younger males (18 – 45 years), mean Cmax and AUC were 34% and 52% higher, respectively (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY,Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Phase 3 clinical trials included more than 834 elderly patients, and no differences in safety or effectiveness of LEVITRA 5, 10, or 20 mg were noted when these elderly patients were compared to younger patients. Most, but not all, of these patients had underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors for development of NAION, including but not necessarily limited to: low cup to disc ratio (“crowded disc”), age over 50, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia and smoking.
| Interacting Drug | Effect on Vardenafil 5 mg | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrates | Severe hypotension risk | Avoid concurrent use |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) | Increased Vardenafil levels | Reduce dose or avoid |
| Alpha-blockers | Potential for hypotension | Use with caution, monitor blood pressure |
| Grapefruit juice | Increases drug plasma concentration | Limit intake before dosing |
It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors, to the patient’s underlying vascular risk factors or anatomical defects, to a combination of these factors, or to other factors (see PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients). Visual disturbances including vision loss (temporary or permanent), such as visual field defect, retinal vein occlusion, and reduced visual acuity, have also been reported rarely in post-marketing experience. It is increase libido in women not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of LEVITRA. Seizure, seizure recurrence and transient global amnesia have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with LEVITRA. Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA. In some cases, medical conditions and other factors were reported that may have also played a role in the otologic adverse events.
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It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors, to the patient’s underlying vascular risk factors or anatomical defects, to a combination of these factors, or to other factors (see PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients). Visual disturbances including vision loss (temporary or permanent), such as visual field defect, retinal vein occlusion, and reduced visual acuity, have also been reported rarely in post-marketing experience. It is increase libido in women not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of LEVITRA. Seizure, seizure recurrence and transient global amnesia have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with LEVITRA. Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA.
Prevention & Wellness
In some cases, medical conditions and other factors were reported that may have also played a role in the otologic adverse events. In many cases, medical follow-up information was limited. It is not possible to determine whether these reported events are related directly to the use of LEVITRA, to the patient’s underlying risk factors for hearing loss, a combination of these factors, or to other factors (see PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients). The maximum dose of LEVITRA for which human data are available is a single 120 mg dose administered to eight healthy male volunteers. The majority of these subjects experienced reversible back pain/myalgia and/or “abnormal vision.” In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be taken as required. In many cases, medical follow-up information was limited. It is not possible to determine whether these reported events are related directly to the use of LEVITRA, to the patient’s underlying risk factors for hearing loss, a combination of these factors, or to other factors (see PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients). The maximum dose of LEVITRA for which human data are available is a single 120 mg dose administered to eight healthy male volunteers. The majority of these subjects experienced reversible back pain/myalgia and/or “abnormal vision.” In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be taken as required. Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance because vardenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and is not significantly eliminated in the urine. For most patients, the recommended starting dose of LEVITRA is 10 mg, taken orally approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on efficacy and side effects.
- Vardenafil 5 mg has a success rate of approximately 70-80% in clinical studies.
- It is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for ED.
- The tablet should be taken approximately 60 minutes before sex.
- Patients should avoid alcohol to reduce adverse effects.
- Exercise and dietary modifications can improve treatment outcomes.
- Patients should avoid grapefruit juice which can alter drug levels.
- Notify your doctor if erections last longer than 4 hours.
- Side effects may diminish over time with continued use.
- Use caution when operating machinery or driving.
- The medication is effective for men with diabetes-related ED.
- It is not approved for use in women or children.
- Always prioritize a doctor’s guidance regarding dosage and safety.
The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. LEVITRA can be taken with or without food. Sexual stimulation is required for a response to treatment. Geriatrics: A starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should be considered in patients ≥65 years of age (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations and PRECAUTIONS).
- Vardenafil 5 mg is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
- It works by increasing blood flow to the penis.
- Vardenafil 5 mg usually starts working within 30-60 minutes.
- The typical dosage for Vardenafil 5 mg is once daily.
- It is available by prescription only.
- Vardenafil 5 mg may cause side effects like headache or flushing.
- It is more effective when taken on an empty stomach.
- Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with Vardenafil.
- Do not take Vardenafil 5 mg with nitrates or certain medications.
- Store Vardenafil 5 mg in a cool, dry place away from children.
- Consult your doctor before starting Vardenafil 5 mg.
- Report any persistent or severe side effects to your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: For patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A), no dose tadacip 20 tablet adjustment of LEVITRA is required. Vardenafil clearance is reduced in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), and a starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA is recommended. The maximum dose in patients with moderate hepatic impairment should not exceed 10 mg. LEVITRA has not been evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Metabolism and ExcretionWARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS). Renal Impairment: For patients with mild (CLcr = 50-80 ml/min), moderate (CLcr = 30-50 ml/min), or severe (CLcr<30 ml/min) renal impairment, no dose adjustment is required.
Adverse Effects
In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, LEVITRA should be initiated at a dose of 5 mg (2.5 mg when used concomitantly with certain CYP3A4 inhibitors - see Drug Interactions). LEVITRA (vardenafil HCl) is formulated as orange, film-coated round tablets with debossed “BAYER” cross on one side and "5" on the other side equivalent to 5 mg of vardenafil. Vardenafil HCl (Levitra) 5mg tablets are supplied in bottles of 2 or 6 tablets per bottle. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP vardenafil for erectile dysfunction price Controlled Room Temperature]. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Wayne, NJ 07470 LEVITRA is a registered trademark of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and is used under license by GlaxoSmithKline and Schering Corporation.
Which drugs interact with vardenafil?
©2008 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Printed in U.S.A. Repackaged by: APHENA PHARMA SOLUTIONS - TN Cookeville, TN 3850620111026AW Read the Patient Information about LEVITRA before you start taking it and again each time you get a refill. You may also find it helpful to share this information with your partner. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor. You and your doctor should talk about LEVITRA when you start taking it and at regular checkups. LEVITRA has not been evaluated in patients on renal dialysis (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Metabolism and Excretion and PRECAUTIONS). Concomitant Medications: The dosage of LEVITRA may require adjustment in patients receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, and clarithromycin as well as in other patients receiving moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin (see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions). For ritonavir, a single dose of 2.5 mg LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 72-hour period. For indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, ketoconazole 400 mg daily, itraconazole 400 mg daily, and clarithromycin, a single dose of 2.5 mg LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 24-hour period. For ketoconazole 200 mg daily, itraconazole 200 mg daily, and erythromycin, a single dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 24-hour period. For alpha-blockers, caution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, are used concomitantly with alpha-blockers because of the potential for an additive effect on blood pressure.
| Contraindication | Explanation | Alternative suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Use with nitrates | Can cause dangerous drop in blood pressure | Seek medical advice for ED treatments |
| Severe cardiovascular disease | Increased risk during sexual activity | Assess cardiovascular health beforehand |
| Liver impairment | Altered drug metabolism | Dose adjustment or alternative therapy |
| Retinitis pigmentosa | Potential risk linked to PDE inhibitors | Consult eye specialist |
In some patients, concomitant use of these two drug classes can lower blood pressure significantly (see PRECAUTIONS,Alpha-blockers and Drug Interactions) leading to symptomatic hypotension (e.g., fainting). Concomitant treatment should be initiated only if the patient is stable on his alpha blocker therapy. In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, LEVITRA should be initiated at a dose of 5 mg (2.5 mg when used concomitantly with certain CYP3A4 inhibitors - see Drug Interactions). LEVITRA (vardenafil HCl) is formulated as orange, film-coated round tablets with debossed “BAYER” cross on one side and "5" on the other side equivalent to 5 mg of vardenafil. Vardenafil HCl (Levitra) 5mg tablets are supplied in bottles of 2 or 6 tablets per bottle.
See also:
If you do not understand the information, or have questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT LEVITRA? LEVITRA can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines. With a sudden drop in blood pressure, you could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke. use recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate.
What is vardenafil (Levitra®)?
Tell all your healthcare providers that you take LEVITRA. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your healthcare provider to know when you last took LEVITRA. LEVITRA is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. A man who has trouble getting or keeping an erection should see his doctor for help if the condition bothers him. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP vardenafil for erectile dysfunction price Controlled Room Temperature]. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Wayne, NJ 07470 LEVITRA is a registered trademark of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and is used under license by GlaxoSmithKline and Schering Corporation. ©2008 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Printed in U.S.A. Repackaged by: APHENA PHARMA SOLUTIONS - TN Cookeville, TN 3850620111026AW Read the Patient Information about LEVITRA before you start taking it and again each time you get a refill.
What other drugs will affect vardenafil?
Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance because vardenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and is not significantly eliminated in the urine. For most patients, the recommended starting dose of LEVITRA is 10 mg, taken orally approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on efficacy and side effects. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. LEVITRA can be taken with or without food.
Are you currently using Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)?
Sexual stimulation is required for a response to treatment. Geriatrics: A starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should be considered in patients ≥65 years of age (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations and PRECAUTIONS). Hepatic Impairment: For patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A), no dose tadacip 20 tablet adjustment of LEVITRA is required. Vardenafil clearance is reduced in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), and a starting dose of 5 mg LEVITRA is recommended. The maximum dose in patients with moderate hepatic impairment should not exceed 10 mg. You may also find it helpful to share this information with your partner. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor. You and your doctor should talk about LEVITRA when you start taking it and at regular checkups.
- Vardenafil 5 mg offers a discreet treatment for erectile issues.
- Its onset of action is approximately 30 minutes after ingestion.
- It should be taken about an hour before intimacy.
- Do not crush or break the tablets; swallow whole.
- Patients should discuss health conditions with their doctor first.
- Vardenafil 5 mg is not a cure but manages symptoms.
- Regular use can improve confidence in sexual activity.
- Use caution if you have heart problems or low blood pressure.
- The medication should not be used by women.
- Safety during activities requiring alertness should be assessed.
- Overdose symptoms may include dizziness or chest pain.
- Always adhere to medical advice when using Vardenafil.
If you do not understand the information, or have questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT LEVITRA?
What happens if I miss a dose?
LEVITRA has not been evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Metabolism and ExcretionWARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS). Renal Impairment: For patients with mild (CLcr = 50-80 ml/min), moderate (CLcr = 30-50 ml/min), or severe (CLcr<30 ml/min) renal impairment, no dose adjustment is required. LEVITRA has not been evaluated in patients on renal dialysis (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Metabolism and Excretion and PRECAUTIONS). Concomitant Medications: The dosage of LEVITRA may require adjustment in patients receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, and clarithromycin as well as in other patients receiving moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin (see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions). For ritonavir, a single dose of 2.5 mg LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 72-hour period.
How do the side effects compare for vardenafil and tadalafil?
For indinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, ketoconazole 400 mg daily, itraconazole 400 mg daily, and clarithromycin, a single dose of 2.5 mg LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 24-hour period. For ketoconazole 200 mg daily, itraconazole 200 mg daily, and erythromycin, a single dose of 5 mg LEVITRA should not be exceeded in a 24-hour period. For alpha-blockers, caution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors, including LEVITRA, are used concomitantly with alpha-blockers because of the potential for an additive effect on blood pressure. In some patients, concomitant use of these two drug classes can lower blood pressure significantly (see PRECAUTIONS,Alpha-blockers and Drug Interactions) leading to symptomatic hypotension (e.g., fainting). Concomitant treatment should be initiated only if the patient is stable on his alpha blocker therapy. LEVITRA can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines. With a sudden drop in blood pressure, you could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke. use recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. Tell all your healthcare providers that you take LEVITRA. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your healthcare provider to know when you last took LEVITRA. LEVITRA is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. A man who has trouble getting or keeping an erection should see his doctor for help if the condition bothers him.
