The lay of the land
Levitra bottled formulation contains the active drug vardenafil and is marketed for men experiencing erectile dysfunction. It is a member of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor group. When taken prior to sexual activity and combined with sexual stimulation, vardenafil enhances penile blood flow and helps produce and sustain an erection. It will not trigger an erection without sexual arousal.
If you are unfamiliar with these medicinesfor review the section on analogous medicines and a second possibility drugs and the portion that discusses the legality of access in Australia for context on availability and regulation.
Active ingredient of the medicine
- Vardenafil
- Common bottled pack strength: twenty milligram tablets
This service is for whom
Levitra is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males. It is not approved for use by women or children. The medicine addresses difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual performance.
Dosing and its administration
Follow the prescribing instructions given by your clinician. A typical single, on-demand dose for many adults is one 20 mg tablet taken around 60 minutes before planned sexual activity. Some men will be prescribed a lower starting dose depending on tolerability, age, or the reciprocal contact between individualss with others are the core of collaboration. with other medicines. Do not take more than one dose in a single day.
- Administration with or without food is acceptable; very high fat meals may delay how quickly the medicine works.
- Sexual stimulation is required; vardenafil does not cause spontaneous erections.
- If you have questions about the correct dose, consult your prescriber and look over the pharmacologic drug conversational exchange risk alerts and conditions that contraindicate treatment.
Safety measures
Before you kick things off vardenafil, inform your doctor about your full medical history. Pay particular attention to the following conditions:
- Heart disease, prior heart attack, stroke, heart failure or irregular heart rhythm
- Long QT syndrome in you or family members
- Blood pressure values that exceed normal or drop below normal
- Epileptic disorders
- Disorders of the blood such as sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma or leukemia
- Bleeding disorders like hemophilia
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers that are currently active
- Visual or hearing loss, sudden changes in vision, or retinal disease
- Peyronie' disease or other penile deformities
- Significant impairment of hepatic or renal function, including dialysis
- Any condition where sexual activity is inadvisable
If you experience chest pain, fainting, sudden vision changes, sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or an erection lasting longer than four hours, seek urgent medical help. If you are in Australia and need help, call 000.
Not suitable for use
- Known hypersensitivity to vardenafil or any excipient in the product
- Concurrent use of nitrates for angina or recreational nitrite inhalants ("poppers")
- Use with soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (used for pulmonary hypertension)
Mixing vardenafil with nitrates or riociguat can produce a dangerous fall in blood pressure. If you are prescribed nitrates for chest pain, you must not take Levitra. For other medicines that interact, see dangerous drug interplay between parties alerts.
Expected adverse outcomes
Some adverse consequences require prompt medical intervention. Call emergency services if you notice chest pain, severe allergic symptoms, sudden vision or hearing loss, or priapism (a painful erection longer than four hours).
More common, usually transient knock-on effects can include:
- The face becomes flushed or warmth
- Nose congestion and sinus pressure
- Painful head with lightheadedness
- An upset stomach or indigestion
- Lower back ache
This is a partial list. If you have concerns about unfavorable effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist and consider reporting events to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Drug the act of engaging with others guidance
Do not combine. vardenafil with other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or avanafil (Spedra). Using more than one ED drug raises the risk of acute side effects without added benefit. See related drugs and substitute medications this is for options.
Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medications, vitamins and herbal products you use. Fundamental clear contact and responses reduce confusion. include:
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors: certain macrolide antibiotics (for example clarithromycin, erythromycin), systemic azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole) and some HIV protease inhibitors or boosting agents (ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, cobicistat)
- Alpha blockers used for blood pressure or benign prostatic hyperplasia: doxazosin, terazosin, prazosin, alfuzosin, tamsulosin, silodosin
- Certain antiarrhythmic medicines: amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, dronedarone
These combinations may require dose modification, timing adjustments, supervision and monitoring or avoidance. Never alter your medication regimen without professional advice.
Missed medication dose
Levitra is intended for use as needed, not on a regular schedule. If you skip a planned dose there is no corrective dose to take later; do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours.
Overdose situation
If an overdose death is suspected or severe symptoms occur after taking vardenafil, seek immediate medical assistance. If you are in Australia and need urgent guidance, call 000 for emergencies or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Storage
- Keep the medicine at normal room temperature, away from excessive moisture and heat.
- Retain tablets in their original bottle and store out of reach of children and animals.
Substitute medicines and analogous drugs
Other PDE5 inhibitors that are orally available commonly used for erectile dysfunction include:
- Sildenafil (brand: Viagra), widely available in brand and generic forms
- Tadalafil (brand: Cialis), available as standard and daily low-dose regimens
- Avanafil (brand: Spedra), noted for a faster onset in many users
Beginning moment and duration vary between agents:
- Sildenafil: starts in about 30 to 60 minutes, effect up to 4 to 6 hours
- Vardenafil: similar onset to sildenafil, effect up to 4 to 6 hours
- Avanafil: often faster onset, roughly 15 to 30 minutes in some people
- Tadalafil: starts in about 30 to 60 minutes and may last up to 36 hours; daily dosing options available
Selection depends on individual response, side effect profile, medical history and interacting medications. Never take more than one PDE5 inhibitor at the same time. For safety-related considerations common to the class, see when treatment is forbidden.
Australia price levels (AUD)
The following price brackets are approximate retail figures and will vary by pharmacy, pack size and location. These are indicative only and reflect private purchase pricing plan in Australian dollars (AUD).
- Levitra (vardenafil) 20 mg, 4 tablets: around AUD 80 to 120 (availability may be limited)
- Viagra (sildenafil) 100 mg, 4 tablets: roughly AUD 70 to 110; generic sildenafil often substantially cheaper, for example AUD 10 to 40 for 4 to 8 tablets depending on source
- Cialis (tadalafil) 20 mg, 4 tablets: about AUD 80 to 110; generic tadalafil can be in the range AUD 15 to 50 for comparable quantities
- Spedra (avanafil) 100 to 200 mg, 4 tablets: about AUD 70 to 120
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) does not routinely subsidise ED medicines for most patients, so expect to pay privately. Online and telehealth pharmacies may offer subscription price structure or larger pack discounts. To ensure quality and safety, buy only from pharmacies registered in the Australian continent.
Australia: the system of law and public access
- Prescription status: Levitra (vardenafil) is classified as Schedule 4 (S4) in Australia and requires a valid prescription from an Australian-registered prescriber.
- Where to obtain: legally supplied via community pharmacies and legitimate Australian online or telehealth pharmacies when dispensed against a prescription.
- Personal importation: under the TGA Personal Importation Plan individuals may import up to three months supply at the recommended dose for personal use, generally accompanied by a prescription. Items that do not meet regulatory requirements may be detained at the border.
- Age and safety: intended for adults. Do not share prescription medicines. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you become dizzy or experience visual disturbances.
- Advertising limits: direct-to-consumer promotion of prescription medicines is restricted under Australian law; seek information from health professionals and official sources.
- Advice and reporting: consult your GP, pharmacist or a sexual health clinic for tailored instruction. Report suspected adverse reactions to the TGA.
For urgent life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain, severe allergic reaction or a prolonged erection, ring 000 immediately.
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