Reports of partial blindness in men taking erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, have prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to request drug manufacturers change labels alerting patients to the possible risk.
- The FDA said it has received reports of partial vision loss among 38 Viagra patients and 4 Cialis patients.
Men taking the erectile dysfunction drugs reported a type of blindness called NAION, or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It occurs from poor blood flow in the blood vessels around the eye. The condition generally occurs to men over 50 who have existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—all factors that cause erectile dysfunction.
What is Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)?
NAION is the leading cause of sudden vision loss in people over 50 and is estimated to affect as many as 6,000 Americans each year. The condition results from a painless swelling of the optic nerve that causes a rapid reduction in vision. Those stricken with NAION often awake one morning with vision loss, or vision loss may stutter and worsen over one to two weeks.
Viagra
Viagra is a drug used to treat sexual impotence. Early commercial use of the drug saw several deaths from heart failure occur. Other side effects included blurred vision.
Viagra was introduced in 1998 and had $1.68 billion in sales last year. The impotence drug has been used by 23 million men worldwide. There are a growing number of cases where men are allegedly losing their vision due to a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) while taking Viagra. There are also reports of intraocular pressure, retinal vascular disease and other eye complications.
- Viagra's label currently lists less common side effects of short-term bluish or blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
- U.S. health regulators have received over 40 reports of an extremely rare condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in men taking impotence drugs. NAION can cause permanent vision loss. Pfizer contacted the FDA in March of 2005 after a study reported NAION within 36 hours of taking Viagra.
Side Effects
- Priapism
- Severe Hypotension
- Myocardial Infarction
- Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Sudden Death
- Heart Attacks
- Strokes
- Increased Intraocular Pressure
- Visual changes including blurring of vision and a curious bluish tinge
- Sudden Vision Loss/Blindness
- NAION
Cialis
Cialis (tadalafil) is a similar impotence drug produced by Eli Lilly. One of the main differences of Cialis is that it may work for up to 36 hours after taking the dosage. This has made Cialis a strong competitor for Viagra. There are also a number of cases of men allegedly losing their vision while taking Cialis. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating these Cialis cases.
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