Used to treat men's erectile dysfunction, Viagra has enjoyed tremendous success around the world. In "Without appointment" on Europe 1 Thursday, doctor Jimmy Mohamed explains everything there is to know about the little blue pill.
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A drug used first ... in cardiology
Viagra was discovered by chance just over 20 years ago. But, basically, it was not intended for its current use. It was first used in cardiology. "We realized that it dilated the blood vessels and therefore we thought that it could be effective in angina pectoris", explains doctor Jimmy Mohamed.
The American laboratories Pfizer, which discovered it, realized during clinical trials that the drug did not work very well in cardiology. And also that "some treated patients had erections that lasted for several days," says the doctor.
Viagra craze and success
The US drug agency authorizes and approves Viagra in March 1998. The drug has been the subject of "over 65 million prescriptions worldwide" and has been sold "billions of times", details- he. Ransom for success, counterfeits of Viagra quickly emerged.
It caused such a craze that even before its authorization outside the American soil, in countries like "Poland, Israel and Saudi Arabia", certain pills "were sold under the coat as of spring 1998 at prices three at five times the US legal price, "said Dr. Jimmy Mohamed.
Prescription and use
Three drug classes can be used. In men who suffer from erectile dysfunction or impotence but in the absence of contraindications, "it is taken an hour before possible sexual intercourse", notes the doctor. Viagra can give an erection "for four hours for the lucky ones".
Other drug classes can give much longer erections, "for example for 36 hours," adds Jimmy Mohamed. But beware, it is not automatic, there must be a sexual desire for it to work.
Risks and contraindications
There are however contraindications to this treatment. The sexual intercourse being an effort, "one must be sure not to have cardiovascular diseases" to take Viagra, warns doctor Jimmy Mohamed. He explains that you also need to pay attention to your health history.
If you are at risk for priapism, it is better not to take Viagra, he advises. Priapism is a persistent erection lasting more than four hours, despite the lack of sexual stimulation, which can occur in sickle cell anemia, for example. However, such a long erection involves "risks of irreparable and permanent damage to the cavernous bodies" and should therefore be consulted, warns the doctor.
It is also better not to take Viagra "in case of poorly controlled hypertension or low blood pressure," he adds. Certain other treatments can "lead to drug interactions like other nitrates which can be used for angina pectoris". As a general rule, "any prescription for Viagra must be subject to a medical prescription", summarizes doctor Jimmy Mohamed who recalls that "Viagra is not reimbursed by Social Security".