Side Effects of Medication for Erectile Dysfunction

Viagra® (sildenafil) and related drugs that inhibit the body enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 may cause side effects, such as headaches and facial flushing. Some men may experience color changes in vision or loss of vision with sildenafil. Sildenafil or related drugs should never be taken at the same time as drugs known as nitrates. If serious side effects, such as marked changes in vision or loss of vision, a significant drop in blood pressure, or prolonged erection, occur with sildenafil or related drugs, it is important for you to call your physician immediately. If your physician is unavailable, you should go to the hospital for emergency medical help.

Men who have normal levels of male hormones should not take additional male hormones to treat erectile dysfunction because this is very unlikely to help and very likely to be associated with serious side effects, such as liver damage, suppression of natural male hormone production, infertility, physical feminization, and shrinkage of testicles (if taken long term). Men with hormone-sensitive cancers may not be able to take male hormones.