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Year
2007 |
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'Erection quality’ lures users back to Viagra
Battle of the ED drugs:
By CHRIS DATOL
“Erection quality” and efficacy are determining the outcome
in the raging battle between the three local pharmaceutical companies
who are attracting patients suffering from erectile
dysfunction. Apparently, sildenafil citrate (Viagra), produces
the most rigid erection for men, enabling sexual intercourse for
patients suffering from erectile dysfunction. The condition affects
an estimated 150 million men worldwide.
Recent survey results were also unveiled by Pfizer, makers of Viagra,
saying that most patients are switching back to their drug because
of its efficacy. This was after patients tried other ED medications
in the market, namely Eli Lilly’s tadalafil (Cialis)
and Bayer-GSK’s vardenafil (Levitra).
The international survey, held in United Kingdom, Germany, France,
Australia and Brazil earlier this year, revealed that 87 percent
of physicians have patients going back to Viagra within two months
after trying different drugs. The survey cited efficacy and erection
quality as key reasons why men switch back to Viagra.
Meanwhile, urological surgeon Dr. Juliano Panganiban disclosed that he usually prescribes the three different ED drugs to his patients, but most shift back to Viagra also because of side effects and disappointments over other treatments cited. Dr. Panganiban is a member of the American Urological Association and is affiliated with St. Luke’s Medical Center, University of Sto. Tomas, and Chinese General Hospital.
Dr. Panganiban added that 200,000 Viagra tablets were sold last year,
out of the 300,000 prescriptions for all ED
drugs. There was also a 47 percent increase in the whole market,
signaling its overall growth and acceptance for ED drugs.
The forum was held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati. That same evening, Eli Lilly was marking the first year of Cialis in the local market through a dinner symposium.
Psychiatrist Lou Querubin, MD, meanwhile explained that the hype on men’s health which emerged only three years ago, is encouraging males to seek treatment for an otherwise sensitive condition.
"ED is not part of the normal aging process. Men should be made aware that it’s a disease and we have treatment options for it. You can be 80 and not have ED. It’s good that elderly men are now open and conscious and willing to seek help," he said.
Viagra is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of ED. Other findings have pointed out that the drug’s onset and duration of action meet the needs of most men. In an open label study, one-third of men reported achieving an erection in just 14 minutes, which worked for at least four hours, matching the episodic nature of sex.
Meanwhile, vardenafil and tadalafil are identified as "PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors." PDE-5 is the enzyme found in human penile erectile tissue that is associated with erections. The drugs work by blocking the PDE-5 enzyme and helping increase blood flow to the penis for improved sexual activities.
However, it was sildenafil citrate which has emerged as the most popular drug in the ED market, since it made its controversial launch six years ago. Studies provide evidence that treatment of men with ED through Viagra can significantly improve erectile function and that patients’ partners are satisfied with the drug as treatment.
source :-http://www.mb.com.ph | 
