|
Erectile Dysfunction Update
It is estimated that Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects more than half of all men
over 40 years of age, or 140 million men worldwide. However, only one in 20
receives medical treatment, demonstrating the clear need for additional
therapies in this area. Sildenafil (Viagra®), the only oral
medication that is currently commercially available to treat ED, is not
always successful and requires approximately one hour to exert its effect.
Additionally, sildenafil has been associated with a variety of side effects
and drug interactions.
Two other medications, tadalafil and vardenafil, are currently under research
and development. Drug-related adverse effects, with headache in up to 23% of
patients (placebo, 17%), indigestion in up to 11% (placebo, 7%), and back pain
in up to 4.7% (placebo, 0%) were mostly mild to moderate. Neither serious
drug-related cardiovascular problems nor color vision disturbances were
encountered. These drugs remain active in the body for a longer period of time
than sildenafil.
Apomorphine is another medication that works on areas in the brain known to be
involved in erectile function. More than 5,000 men with ED participated in
clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of apomorphine, which is
taken sublingually (under the tongue), dissolves rapidly, is effective in
approximately 60% of patients, and results in an erection in about 20
minutes. However, in the U.S., its New Drug Application was withdrawn
amid concerns of patients who had fainted after taking the medication,
decreases in blood pressure when apomorphine was taken concurrently with
nitrates, and potential interactions with alcohol. Nausea was reported in
16% of patients taking low doses (2 mg). Apomorphine is commercially available
for the treatment of ED in Europe (Apo®, Uprima®).
Copyright 2004, Storey Marketing - Monthly Website
Updates. Reproduction prohibited. Subscription available through Storey
Marketing (814-337-3441). Questions regarding this article should be directed
to the compounding professionals at Thrifty Health and Compounding Pharmacy.
|