ED drugs - You’ve taken the tablet, so what happens next? Here’s what to expect ...
Don't worry - it won't give you an instant, embarrassing erection and you won't be walking around with a tent pole in your trousers for hours on end. What it will give you is a harder erection when you need it and it may also make it last longer. Clinical trials have proved it really works, with 85% of men celebrating a newly restored ability to get their erection back and keep it.
If the medication doesn't work first time - you don't need to panic. Just try taking another pill when your prescription says it’s safe to.
If after a few attempts you're still not noticing a difference, go back to your doctor.
For more information on how long PDE5 inhibitors take to work, download our Patient guide. (PDF: Adobe Reader is needed)
Download Patient guide (PDF, 40KB)
Are there any side effects?
So long as you don't take more than one tablet a day, occasional side effects are normally minor and should pass. Remember as well that with regular use these occasional side effects usually wear off over time.
The most common side effects are:
- headaches
- hot flushes
- a blocked-up or runny nose
Potential side effects of PDE5 inhibitors
- Priapism - an erection that won't go away. If it lasts more than four hours, there's a risk of long-term damage so get medical help straight away.
- Problems with your eyesight, including seeing a blue tinge on everything you look at or not being able to tell the difference between blue and green. There's a very small chance of your sight being lost altogether.
- Ringing in the ears and dizziness.
These symptoms are not necessarily a direct result of taking a PDE5 inhibitor, but if you start having any of them, stop taking the tablets and contact your doctor immediately.
