Viagra for erection disorders: not without a prescription

In 2008 European Commission was responsible for pronouncing on a switch by Pfizer for Viagra request in the erection disorders. A switch corresponds to a passage from the status of drug "subject to medical prescription" to "not subject to medical prescription" drug. Mid-2008 the CHMP issued an unfavourable, opinion and end of 2008, the Pfizer firm finally withdrew its request. In 2009 Viagra remains available in the European Union only on medical prescription.

Several reasons have motivated this unfavourable to the CHMP view including: a risk of delayed underlying illness as the erection disorders symptoms diagnosis; coronary artery such a disease blood may use, outside the RCP guidance for recreational purposes; an adaptation of the notice to the information on (contraindications, side effects, interactions) hazards too complex for a correct use without medical advice.

The sildénafil exposes adverse interfering, even serious, such as cardiovascular disorders (myocardial infarction, stroke, elongation of the QT interval), Visual and hearing. Association with Nitro derivatives and calcium inhibitors exposes brutal arterial hypotensions and cardiovascular. The sildénafil is depleted by the CYP 3A4 cytochrome P450, inhibition to a risk of interactions with drivers and inhibitors of this inhibition. The sildénafil is also CYP cytochrome P450 2C9 inhibitor.

In practice, the sildénafil is welcome assistance for some patients with disabilities the erection, but its use is not trivialize. To a complaint of disorders of the erection, it is essential to achieve first a minimum, balance sheet including to exclude an affection organic or psychic, or cause Eruption. The maintenance of the drug "subject to medical prescription" status for Viagra  moves in this direction.

Another positive point linked to the absence of "switch": the advertising of the public for Viagra remains "officially" prohibited since such advertising is prohibited in the EU for drugs "subject to medical prescription".