A new study has warned against combining Viagra, a pharmaceutical known for enhancing sexual function, with drugs intended for alleviating chest pain as it may pose severe dangers. The study indicates a heightened potential for mortality when concurrently using these commonly prescribed medications.
Mixing PDE5i and nitrates can be fatal for those with CVD
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread concern affecting middle-aged and senior men, often serving as an indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). Medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, categorized as Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), are frequently recommended for ED, particularly in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Concurrently, nitrates are commonly employed in the management of angina or chest pain.
The simultaneous use of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and nitrates may lower blood pressure, prompting caution. Despite limited research on the specific outcomes of combining these medications, a recent study by a Swedish research team aims to offer more precise guidance to healthcare professionals on the potential risks associated with their concurrent usage.
Demand for erectile dysfunction drugs rising
According to Senior Author and Associate Professor Daniel Peter Andersson at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm there is a rising demand for erectile dysfunction drugs among men with cardiovascular diseases. Although there’s a favorable connection between ED medication and CVD, caution is needed for patients on nitrates due to potential health risks. Andersson said the focus is on emphasizing thoughtful patient-centered evaluation before prescribing PDE5i to those receiving nitrate treatment, supporting ongoing research into the unclear effects of ED drugs on men with CVD.
Examining data from 61,487 men with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who obtained two nitrate prescriptions within six months, the study discovered that combining PDE5i with nitrates heightened the risk of adverse health outcomes compared to using nitrates alone. Remarkably, this risk wasn’t immediate, with few events occurring within 28 days of medication dispensing.
Dr. Glenn Levine from Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center suggests that with appropriate precautions and care, ED and CAD can coexist for an extended period, if not a lifetime.
