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Harm Reduction TO

Erectile Drugs

Also known As:

Viagra, revatio, kamagra, mr. blue, Cialis, le weekender, weekender, levitra, stendra EDs, hard-on rugs, hard ons, and blue pill.

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What is it?

Erectile drugs are pharmaceutical drugs taken to enhance sexual performance, increase stimulation, and facilitate erections. Erectile drugs increase blood flow to erectile tissues which facilitates erections (Toronto Vibe, n.d.).

How does it work?

Erectile drugs are classified as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor which increase blood flow to the genital area (penis, clitoris and vaginal canal) (Toronto Vibe, n.d.). These drugs increase nitric oxide in the body which works with other substances to relax and open blood vessels so that blood can flow more freely, leading to an erection when you are sexually aroused (ISSM, n.d.).

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What does it look like?

Erectile drugs are often in the form of a wide diamond shaped-shaped pill with a brand name written on it. Counterfeit erectile drugs also often display a brand name. Generic pills tend to follow their brandname counterparts as a blue, white, or yellow diamond or circular-shaped tablet.

Is there a safe dose?

If you are prescribed erectile drugs, your doctor will recommend a safe dose to you.

If you buy your pills illicitly, take caution as they may be contaminated with other substances.

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 Side effects

Common side effects of erectile medications include (Healthline, n.d.):

  • Headaches. Headaches are the most common side effect associated with erectile medications. The sudden change in blood flow from the increased levels of nitric oxide causes the headaches.

  • Body aches and pains. Some people have muscle aches and pains throughout their bodies while taking ED medications. Others have reported specific pain in their lower back.

  • Digestive system problems, including indigestion and diarrhea.

  • Dizziness. An increase in nitric oxide can cause somepeople to become dizzy. In rare cases, dizziness from ED medications has led to fainting, which can become a serious health issue. You should tell your doctor if you experience dizziness while taking ED medications. If you faint while taking these medications, see your doctor right away.

  • Vision changes. Erectile medications can temporarily alter your eyesight and even cause blurry vision. ED medications aren’t recommended if you have had vision loss, or a retinal disorder called retinitis pigmentosa.

    A complete loss of vision or changes that don’t go away can signify a more serious issue with your ED medication. Seek emergency medical care if you experience these symptoms.

  • Flushes. Flushes are temporary periods of redness of the skin. Flushes usually develop on your face and may also spread to parts of your body. Flushes can be mild, like blotchy skin, or severe, like rashes. Although the appearance may make you uncomfortable, flushes typically aren’t harmful. Flushes can get worse if you eat hot or spicy foods, drink alcohol, or are outside in warm temperatures.

  • Congestion or a runny or stuffy nose can be a common symptom of ED medications.

Uncommon and Severe Side effects (Healthline, n.d.):

Minor side effects are common when taking ED medication. Still, there are a few side effects that aren’t as common, and some can even be dangerous. Severe side effects of ED medications can include:

  • priapism (erections that last longer than 4 hours)

  • sudden changes in hearing

  • vision loss

Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these severe side effects. If erectile drugs aren’t right for you, your doctor may suggest other treatment options, such as surgery or vacuum pumps.  

Harm Reduction Tips

To reduce harms associated with erectile drugs, the following is recommended (Toronto Vibe, n.d.):

  • Avoid taking with poppers or any other nitrate-based medication, as this mix can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure

  • Sildenafil (Viagra) and Vardenafil (Levitra) take 24 hours to leave the body. Taladafil (Cialis) is still in effect up to 36 hours. Wait these lengths of time before taking more erectile drugs or poppers

  • Avoid using drugs that lower blood pressure such as GHB

  • Avoid using drugs that increase blood pressure, such as MDMA, crystal meth, or cocaine, as this can lead to a heart attack

  • Avoid mixing with MDMA , as this can increase the risk of priapism

  • Fake erectile drugs are available over the internet, so if you order drugs this way, research what you are getting carefully. In a recent study, 77 percent of all Viagra purchased online from 22 different sites was counterfeit (Haiken, 2013).

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Legal Status: Use, Possession, & Distribution

Erectile drugs can be purchased legally with a prescription from a physician. Unfortunately, because of the high cost of legal erectile drugs, there is a black market for these medications - and counterfeit erectile drugs rarely contain the medication that they are mimicking. It is illegal to sell counterfeit pharmaceutical medications in Canada (Forrest, 2017).

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References

Forrest, M. (2017). Canada fights influx of fake Viagra, as erectile dysfunction creates 'perfect storm' for counterfeiters. National Post. Retrieved from https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/canada-fights-influx-of-fake-viagra-as-erectile-dysfunction-creates-perfect-storm-for-counterfeiters

Haiken, M. (2013, September 13). Up To 77 Percent Of Viagra Bought Online May Be Fake, And Possibly Dangerous, Research Shows. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2013/09/12/buying-viagra-online-its-very-likely-fake-and-possibly-dangerous-new-data-say/#4b1fd5f946e0

International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). (n.d.). How do pills for erectile dysfunction work? Retrieved from https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/how-do-pills-for-erectile-dysfunction-work/

Toronto Vibe. (n.d.). Erectile Drugs. Retrieved from http://torontovibe.com/party-safe/erectile-drugs/

Image sources

Banner: Viagra pills. (1999). Raphael Gaillarde—Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images. Retrieved from https://time.com/5212572/viagra-20th-anniversary/

Viagra. (2017). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/14/the-stigma-is-more-in-my-own-mind-men-on-using-viagra

Cialis. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/slideshow/cialis-faq-1255