[Posted 10/18/2007] FDA informed healthcare professionals of reports of sudden decreases or loss of hearing following the use of PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Levitra), vardenafil (Cialis) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and sildenafil (Revatio) for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In some cases, the sudden hearing loss was accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness. Medical follow-up on these reports was often limited which makes it difficult to determine if the loss of hearing was related to the use of one of the drugs, an underlying medical condition or other risk factors for hearing loss, a combination of these factors or other factors. The PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the approved product labeling for sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil, and vardenafil were revised. FDA is working with the manufacturer to revise the labeling for sildenafil (Revatio). For more information visit the FDA website at: [Web], [Web], [Web], [Web], [Web], [Web] and [Web].
SILDENAFIL (sil DEN a fil) is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is a serious heart and lung condition. This medicine helps to improve symptoms and quality of life.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
eye or vision problems, including a rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
heart disease, angina, high or low blood pressure, a history of heart attack, or other heart problems
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals about 4 to 6 hours apart. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Do not change the dose of your medicine without asking your doctor. Call your doctor if your medication is not working for you. This may be a sign that your condition has become worse.
Call your health care provider right away if you have any changes in vision.
Contact you doctor or health care professional right away if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.
If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain, or arm pain after taking this medicine, you should discuss the episode with your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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