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Sildenafil Effective and Well Tolerated as Long-Term Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Presented at AAPA

By Paul D. Thacker

NEW ORLEANS, LA -- May 28, 2003 -- Results of a long-term study indicate that 95% of men successfully treated with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction were still satisfied taking the medication as long as 4 years after initial treatment.

Chris Forest, a physician assistant with the Male Clinic in Beverly Hills, California, United States, presented the findings here at the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

It has been argued that sildenafil citrate (Viagra) eventually loses effectiveness in men combating erectile dysfunction. This study followed 979 men (mean age 58 years) treated with variable dosages of sildenafil citrate 25-100 mg for a mean of 47 months.

The causes of erectile function were mostly organic (72%), along with mixed (17%) and psychogenic (11%). Concomitant medical conditions included hypertension (28%), diabetes mellitus (22%), and history of ischemic heart disease (9%).

At yearly intervals or at discontinuation, patients were asked the following questions: "Are you satisfied with the effect of treatment on your erections?" and, "If yes, has treatment improved your ability to engage in sexual activity?"

Satisfaction was reported by 95% of patients during evaluations. Treatment-related adverse reactions occurred in 3.8% of patients, resulting in discontinuation in 1.2% of cases. No serious side effects were reported.

"No matter what the etiology, the vast majority of patients remained satisfied with the treatment," said Mr. Forest.

This study was sponsored by Pfizer.


[Study title: Long-Term Effectiveness and Tolerability of Sildenafil Citrate in Men with Erectile Dysfunction.]

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