Counterfeit drugs are drugs that are not legal, and have either been intentionally falsified to represent a drug on the market, or have not met quality standards of specifications. The ingredients contained in counterfeit medicines are alarming, to put it lightly. The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA takes counterfeit drugs seriously, and works with other agencies and the private sector to keep Americans safe from the dangers associated with illegal counterfeit drugs.
The drug sildenafil citrate , known by its brand name Viagra , was approved by the FDA in as the first oral treatment approved for erectile dysfunction. Nearly two decades later it remains one of the most popular drugs for treating ED, which is why so many fakes persist.
Pfizer, the company that produces Viagra, conducted an investigation in on ingredients contained in counterfeit Viagra. Pfizer then tested the chemical composition of the Viagra pills.
In addition to pills that contained too much of the active ingredient or not enough, they discovered ingredients such as blue printer ink, amphetamines like speed , Metronidazole a strong antibiotic commonly used to treat vaginal infections , or drywall as a binding agent. There are many reasons why people take counterfeit medicine, both intentionally and unintentionally. Some people taking finasteride have reported some fairly horrific side effects , in some cases long-term.
In all of these cases, the second application was found after the drug was on the market for a while. It could improve or even save lives. The more data, the better. While drug discovery does involve a lot of research and development, it also involves serendipity and spotting unusual details.
This same kind of luck and vigilance could uncover new uses for existing treatments. By providing your email, you agree to the Quartz Privacy Policy. Skip to navigation Skip to content. This can result in dizziness, headache, fainting or falling, and in severe blood pressure drops, less oxygen moving through your organs.
You should also avoid taking sildenafil with any other ED medications. The combination can lower blood pressure, causing fainting, dizziness, and in some rare cases, heart attack.
Alcohol and sildenafil can combine to lower blood pressure too much. The only real food interaction that can occur with generic Viagra is with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. These products can raise the levels of sildenafil in your body, but can also delay the time the drug takes effect. Similar to grapefruit, medications known as cytochrome P CP inhibitors, inducers, and substrates can delay how long it takes sildenafil to work and can increase your chance of side effects.
There are a number of different treatments for ED. In addition to medications or other medical interventions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can impact the success of your ED treatment. Sildenafil is just one of several ED medications on the market. There are some nonpharmacological treatments for ED, including a vacuum erection device, also known as an erectile dysfunction pump.
It works by placing a seal around the end of the penis and attracting blood to the arteries in the penis via air suction. Penile implants and penile injections to treat ED are other options to consider.
Talk with a urologist to learn more about treatments you may want to consider. Viagra may not be your only option for treating erectile dysfunction. Here are several alternative medications and natural remedies worth considering. Research into new erectile dysfunction treatments is ongoing. Penile injection therapy is just one of the many available treatments for ED.
Learn how to inject, what to expect, and more. Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that affects millions of men. Learn more about Medicare plans and Viagra coverage. Donna Hill Howes, RN. If you have a urinary tract disorder or abnormality, you should not take an alprostadil suppository. What are the side effects of tadalafil Cialis?
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