Vardenafil

Vardenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and works similarly to sildenafil (Viagra^®) and tadalafil (Cialis^®). 

Vardenafil is typically taken as needed, about 60 minutes before sexual activity, and its effects can last up to five hours. 

Common side effects include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, and dizziness. It should be used with caution in people with cardiovascular conditions and those taking nitrates.

Vardenafil hydrochloride tablets are indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

Most common adverse reactions reported (≥2% of patients) are:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Nasal congestion

• Indigestion

• Inflammation of the sinuses

• Flu syndrome

• Dizziness

• Increased creatine kinase

• Nausea

• Back pain

The cost of vardenafil depends on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, quantity, and where you buy it.

Without insurance, the average cost of vardenafil is between $500 and $1,400 for a 30-day supply. However, coupons or discount cards may be available to bring down the price. Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of vardenafil because they don’t consider it medically necessary.

You can get a prescription for vardenafil after being evaluated by your primary care provider or a specialist who can determine if the medicine is right for you based on factors like your symptoms and medical history.

• Administration with nitrates and nitric oxide donors

• Administration with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators, such as riociguat

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha-blockers, antihypertensives

• Cardiovascular effects: Patients should not use vardenafil hydrochloride if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

• Risk of prolonged erection: In the event that an erection lasts more than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance

• Effects on the eye: Patients should stop use of vardenafil hydrochloride and seek medical attention in the event of sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

• Sudden hearing loss: Patients should stop vardenafil hydrochloride and seek medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss in hearing

• Alpha-blockers: Caution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors are co-administered with alpha-blockers

• QT prolongation: Patients with congenital QT syndrome or taking class IA or III antiarrhythmics should avoid using vardenafil hydrochloride

There are other medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Some of these drugs may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to vardenafil, talk with your provider to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.

Other oral medications that can treat ED include:

• Cialis^® (tadalafil)

• Stendra^® (avanafil)

• Viagra^® (sildenafil)

• Chewable ED meds available through Hims that contain one or more of the active ingredients in Cialis and Viagra

Penile injection medications for ED include:

• Caverject^® or Edex^® (alprostadil)

• Papaverine

• Phentolamine

• Combination medications such as Bimix, Trimix, and Quadmix

As an alternative or addition to ED medications, your healthcare provider may suggest therapy for mental health issues that may be contributing to or worsening ED and/or lifestyle changes to support sexual health, like following a healthy diet, exercising, and cutting back on alcohol.

Other treatments for ED include a topical gel, a penis pump with or without a constriction ring, penile implant surgery, and testosterone therapy (if low testosterone is a contributor).

*This information is from the vardenafil hydrochloride label used by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Vardenafil may be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient vardenafil.