OVERCOMING BARRIERS

Name of product: VIAGRA CONNECT^® 50 mg Film-coated Tablets

Active ingredient(s): Sildenafil

Product licence number: PL 50622/0063

Name and address of the product licence holder: Upjohn UK Limited, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9NJ, UK

Supply classification: P

Indications: For erectile dysfunction in adult men.

Side Effects: The safety profile of VIAGRA is based on > 9,000 patients in > 70 double-blind placebo controlled clinical studies. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies among sildenafil treated patients were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea, hot flush, visual disturbance, cyanopsia and vision blurred. Adverse reactions from post marketing surveillance has been gathered covering an estimated period >10 years. Because not all adverse reactions are reported to the Marketing Authorisation Holder and included in the safety database, the frequencies of these reactions cannot be reliably determined. Very Common (≥ 1/10): Headache. Common (≥ 1/100 and <1/10): Dizziness, Visual colour distortions (Chloropsia, Chromatopsia, Cyanopsia, Erythropsia and Xanthopsia), Visual disturbance, Vision blurred, Flushing, Hot flush, Nasal congestion, Nausea, Dyspepsia. Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 and <1/100): Rhinitis, Hypersensitivity; Somnolence; Hypoaesthesia, Lacrimation disorders (Dry eye, Lacrimal disorder and Lacrimation increased), Eye pain, Photophobia, Photopsia, Ocular hyperaemia, Visual brightness, Conjunctivitis, Vertigo, Tinnitus, Tachycardia, Palpitations, Hypertension, Hypotension, Epistaxis, Sinus congestion, Gastro Oesophagael reflux disease, Vomiting, Abdominal pain upper, Dry mouth, Rash, Myalgia, Pain in extremity, Haematuria, Chest pain, Fatigue, Feeling hot, Heart rate increased. Rare (≥ 1/10,000 and <1/1,000): Cerebrovascular accident, Transient ischaemic attack, Seizure, Seizure recurrence, Syncope, Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), Retinal vascular occlusion, Retinal haemorrhage, Arteriosclerotic retinopathy, Retinal disorder, Glaucoma, Visual field defect, Diplopia, Visual acuity reduced, Myopia, Asthenopia, Vitreous floaters, Iris disorder, Mydriasis, Halo vision, Eye oedema, Eye swelling, Eye disorder, Conjunctival hyperaemia, Eye irritation, Abnormal sensation in eye, Eyelid oedema, Scleral discoloration, Deafness, Sudden cardiac death, Myocardial infarction, Ventricular arrhythmia, Atrial fibrillation, Unstable angina, Throat tightness, Nasal oedema, Nasal dryness, Hypoaesthesia oral, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN),Penile haemorrhage, Priapism, Haematospermia, Erection increased, Irritability.

Precautions: Erectile dysfunction can be associated with a number of contributing conditions, e.g. hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia or cardiovascular disease. As a result, all men with erectile dysfunction should be advised to consult their doctor within 6 months for a clinical review of potential underlying conditions and risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). If symptoms of ED have not improved after taking VIAGRA CONNECT on several consecutive occasions, or if their erectile dysfunction worsens, the patient should be advised to consult their doctor.
Cardiovascular risk factors: Since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity, the cardiovascular status of men should be considered prior to initiation of therapy. Agents for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil, are not recommended to be used by those men who with light or moderate physical activity, such as walking briskly for 20 minutes or climbing 2 flights of stairs, feel very breathless or experience chest pain. The following patients are considered at low cardiovascular risk from sexual activity: patients who have been successfully revascularised (e.g. via coronary artery bypass grafting, stenting, or angioplasty), patients with asymptomatic controlled hypertension, and those with mild valvular disease. These patients may be suitable for treatment but should consult a doctor before resuming sexual activity.
Patients previously diagnosed with the following must be advised to consult with their doctor before resuming sexual activity: uncontrolled hypertension, moderate to severe valvular disease, left ventricular dysfunction, hypertrophic obstructive and other cardiomyopathies, or significant arrhythmias. Sildenafil has vasodilator properties, resulting in mild and transient decreases in blood pressure. Patients with increased susceptibility to vasodilators include those with left ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g., aortic stenosis), or those with the rare syndrome of multiple system atrophy manifesting as severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure. Men with these conditions must not use the product without consulting a doctor. Sildenafil potentiates the hypotensive effect of nitrates (see Contra-indications). Serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmia, cerebrovascular haemorrhage, transient ischaemic attack, hypertension and hypotension have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of sildenafil. Most, but not all, of these patients had pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. Many events were reported to occur during or shortly after sexual intercourse and a few were reported to occur shortly after the use of sildenafil without sexual activity. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these factors or to other factors. Priapism: Patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia), should consult a doctor before using agents for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil. Prolonged erections and priapism have been occasionally reported with sildenafil in post-marketing experience. In the event of an erection that persists longer than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency could result. Concomitant use with other treatments for erectile dysfunction: The safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Therefore the use of such combinations is not recommended. Effects on vision: Cases of visual defects have been reported spontaneously in connection with the intake of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors (see Side Effects). Cases of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, a rare condition, have been reported spontaneously and in an observational study in connection with the intake of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors (see Side Effects). Patients should be advised that in the event of any sudden visual defect, they should stop taking VIAGRA CONNECT and consult a physician immediately (see Contra-indications). Concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors: Pharmacokinetic analysis of clinical trial data indicated a reduction in sildenafil clearance when co-administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine). Although, no increased incidence of adverse events was observed in these patients, they should be advised to consult a doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT as a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them (see Precautions). Concomitant use with alpha-blockers: Caution is advised when sildenafil is administered to patients taking an alpha-blocker, as the co-administration may lead to symptomatic hypotension in a few susceptible individuals (see Precautions). This is most likely to occur within 4 hours post sildenafil dosing. In order to minimise the potential for developing postural hypotension, patients should be hemodynamically stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil treatment. Thus, patients taking alpha blockers should be advised to consult their doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT as a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them. Treatment should be stopped if symptoms of postural hypotension occur, and patients should seek advice from their doctor on what to do. Effect on bleeding: Studies with human platelets indicate that sildenafil potentiates the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside in vitro. There is no safety information on the administration of sildenafil to patients with bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration. Therefore the use of sildenafil is not recommended in those patients with history of bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration, and should only be administered after consultation with a doctor. Hepatic impairment: Patients with hepatic impairment must be advised to consult their doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT, since a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them (see Dosage and Method of use). Renal impairment: Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), must be advised to consult their doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT, since a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them (see Dosage and Method of use). Lactose: The film coating of the tablet contains lactose. VIAGRA CONNECT should not be administered to men with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Sodium: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet. Patients on low sodium diets can be informed that this medicinal product is essentially ‘sodium-free’. Use with alcohol Drinking excessive alcohol can temporarily reduce a man’s ability to get an erection. Men should be advised not to drink large amounts of alcohol before sexual activity.

Contra-indications: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. Consistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, sildenafil was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, and its co-administration with nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite) or nitrates in any form is therefore contraindicated. Co-administration of VIAGRA CONNECT with ritonavir (a highly potent P450 enzyme inhibitor) is contraindicated (see Precautions). The co-administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil, with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat, is contraindicated as it may potentially lead to symptomatic hypotension (see Precautions). Agents for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil, should not be used by those men for whom sexual activity may be inadvisable, and these patients should be referred to their doctor. This includes patients with severe cardiovascular disorders such as a recent (6 months) acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke, unstable angina or severe cardiac failure. Sildenafil should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment, hypotension (blood pressure < 90/50 mmHg) and known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa (a minority of these patients have genetic disorders of retinal phosphodiesterases). This is because the safety of sildenafil has not been studied in these sub-groups of patients, and its use is therefore contraindicated. Sildenafil is contraindicated in patients who have loss of vision in one eye because of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), regardless of whether this episode was in connection or not with previous PDE5 inhibitor exposure. VIAGRA CONNECT should not be used in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie's disease). VIAGRA CONNECT is not indicated for use by women. The product is not intended for men without erectile dysfunction. This product is not intended for men under 18 years of age.

Dosage and Method of use: For Oral Use: Adults: The recommended dose is one 50 mg tablet taken with water approximately one hour before sexual activity. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. If VIAGRA CONNECT is taken with food, the onset of activity may be delayed compared to the fasted state. Patients should be advised that they may need to take VIAGRA CONNECT a number of times on different occasions (a maximum of one 50 mg tablet per day), before they can achieve a penile erection satisfactory for sexual activity. If after several attempts on different dosing occasions patients are still not able to achieve a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity, they should be advised to consult a doctor. Elderly: Dosage adjustments are not required in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old). Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustments are required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. However, since sildenafil clearance is reduced in individuals with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30ml/min), individuals previously diagnosed with severe renal impairment must be advised to consult their doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT, since a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them (see Precautions). Hepatic Impairment: Sildenafil clearance is reduced in individuals with hepatic impairment (e.g. cirrhosis). Individuals previously diagnosed with mild to moderate hepatic impairment must be advised to consult their doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT, since a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them (see Precautions). The safety of sildenafil has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and its use is therefore contraindicated (see Contra-indications). Paediatric population: VIAGRA CONNECT is not indicated for individuals below 18 years of age. Use in patients taking other medicinal products: Pharmacokinetic analysis of clinical trial data indicated a reduction in sildenafil clearance when co-administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine). With the exception of ritonavir, for which co-administration with sildenafil is contraindicated (see Contra-indications), individuals receiving concomitant treatment with CYP3A4 inhibitors must be advised to consult their doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT, since a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them (see Precautions). In order to minimise the potential of developing postural hypotension in patients receiving alpha blocker treatment (e.g. alfuzosin, doxazosin or tamsulosin), patients should be stabilised on alpha blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil treatment. Thus, patients taking alpha blockers must be advised to consult their doctor before taking VIAGRA CONNECT since a 25 mg tablet may be more suitable for them (see Precautions). Addition of a single dose of sildenafil to sacubitril/valsartan at steady state in patients with hypertension was associated with a significantly greater blood pressure reduction compared to administration of sacubitril/valsartan alone. Therefore, caution should be exercised when sildenafil is initiated in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan.

C+D Trade Price (exc VAT) 2 pack £8.82, 4 pack £16.17 and 8 pack £28.39

Date of revision: 04/2023

 

VIAGRA^® Tablets (sildenafil citrate)
PRESCRIBING INFORMATION - UK

Please refer to the SmPC before prescribing VIAGRA 25mg, 50mg or 100mg.
Presentation: Blue film-coated, rounded diamond-shaped tablets containing sildenafil citrate equivalent to 25mg, 50mg and 100mg sildenafil. The tablets contain lactose. Indications: Erectile dysfunction. Sexual stimulation is required for efficacy. Dosage: Adults: 50mg approximately one hour before sexual activity. Adjust dose based on efficacy and toleration. Maximum dose is 100mg. One dose per day is the maximum recommended. If taken with food, the onset of activity may be delayed. Elderly: Dosage adjustments are not required in elderly patients. Hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment: 25mg initial dose should be considered; adjust dose based on efficacy and toleration. Children under 18 years: Not indicated. With CYP3A4 inhibitors: a starting dose of 25mg should be considered, except for ritonavir (see Warnings and precautions). With alpha-blockers: Patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil treatment; starting dose of 25mg should be considered. Contra-indications: Co-administration with nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite) or nitrates in any form; co-administration of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat, as it may potentially lead to symptomatic hypotension; patients for whom sexual activity is inadvisable (e.g. patients with severe cardiovascular disorders); patients with vision loss in one eye due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION); severe hepatic impairment; hypotension; recent stroke or myocardial infarction; known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders; hypersensitivity to sildenafil or to any of the excipients. Pregnancy and lactation: Not indicated for women. Warnings and precautions: A medical history and physical examination should be undertaken to diagnose erectile dysfunction and determine potential underlying causes. Cardiovascular status should be assessed, as sexual activity is associated with cardiac risk. Although their clinical relationship to Viagra has not been established, serious cardiovascular events have been reported (see Side-effects), mostly in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors and many occurring during or shortly after intercourse. Sildenafil has vasodilator properties, resulting in mild and transient decreases in blood pressure. Prior to prescribing sildenafil, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with increased susceptibility to vasodilators could be adversely affected, especially in combination with sexual activity. Sildenafil potentiates the hypotensive effects of nitrates. Caution advised in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie’s disease) or predisposed to priapism (such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia) and in patients with bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration. Prolonged erections and priapism have been report, if this persists for more than 4 hours immediate medical assistance should be sought by the patient. Not recommended in combination with PDE5 inhibitors or other treatments for erectile dysfunction. As with other PDE5 inhibitors, cases of visual defects have been reported. Cases of NAION have been reported spontaneously and in an observational study in connection with the intake of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors. . In case of sudden visual defect, the patient should stop taking Viagra and consult a physician immediately. Co-administration of sildenafil with ritonavir is not advised. Caution is advised when sildenafil is administered to patients taking an alpha-blocker, as coadministration may lead to symptomatic hypotension in a few susceptible individuals (see Drug Interactions). This is most likely to occur within 4 hours post sildenafil dosing. To minimise the potential for developing postural hypotension, patients should be hemodynamically stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil treatment and a starting dose of 25 mg should be considered (see Dosage); physicians should advise patients what to do in the event of postural hypotensive symptoms. The film coating of the Viagra tablet contains lactose. Viagra should not be administered to men with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’. Not for use by women. Drug Interactions: In combination with inhibitors of CYP3A4 e.g. ketoconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine, a 25mg starting dose should be considered. Concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin, is expected to cause greater decreases in plasma concentrations of sildenafil. Alpha-blockers - simultaneous co-administration may lead to symptomatic hypotension in a few susceptible individuals – See Dosage and Warnings and precautions. Ritonavir – see Warnings and precautions. Potentiates the hypotensive effects of nitrates (see Contra-indications). Riociguat - see Contra-indications. Nicorandil – Due to its nitrate component it has the potential to have serious interaction with sildenafil. No potentiation of the increase in bleeding time caused by acetyl salicylic acid (150mg) or the hypotensive effects of alcohol. No data on non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as theophylline or dipyridamole. Side-effects: Common and very common reported side-effects were flushing, hot flush, headache, dizziness, nausea, dyspepsia, altered vision (increased perception of light, blurred vision), chromatopsia (mild and transient, predominantly colour tinge to vision), nasal congestion. The following side effects have also been reported; rhinitis, hypersensitivity reactions, eye pain, red eyes/bloodshot eyes, lacrimation disorders, photophobia, photopsia, ocular hyperaemia, tachycardia, palpitation, ventricular arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, hypotension (see Warnings and precautions and Drug Interactions), hypertension, epistaxis, sinus congestion, nasal oedema, nasal dryness, throat tightness, syncope, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischaemic attack, gastro oesophageal reflux disease, vomiting, abdominal pain upper, hypoesthesia oral, rash, haematuria, haematospermia, penile haemorrhage, erection increased, priapism, NAION, retinal haemorrhage, arteriosclerotic retinopathy, retinal disorder, glaucoma, retinal vascular occlusion and visual field defect, diplopia, visual acuity reduced, myopia, asthenopia, vitreous floaters, iris disorder, mydriasi, halo vision, eye oedema, eye swelling, eye disorder, conjunctival hyperaemia, eye irritation, abnormal sensation in eye, eyelid oedema, scleral discoloration, sudden decrease or loss of hearing, vertigo tinnitus seizure, seizure recurrence, somnolence, hypoesthesia, dry mouth, feeling hot, irritability, fatigue, myalgia, pain in extremity, chest pain, Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Driving and operating machinery: Caution if affected by dizziness or altered vision. Legal category: POM. Basic NHS cost: Packs of 4, 25mg tablets [PLGB 50622/0089] £16.59; Packs of 8, 25mg tablets [PLGB 50622/0089] £33.19; Packs of 4, 50mg tablets [PLGB 50622/0090] £21.27; Packs of 8, 50mg tablets [PLGB 50622/0090] £42.54; Packs of 4, 100mg tablets [PLGB 50622/0088] £23.50; Packs of 8, 100mg tablets [PLGB 50622/0088] £46.99. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Upjohn UK Limited, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9NJ, United Kingdom.

Last revised: November 2022

VIAG-2022-1079

 

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Adverse events should also be reported to Upjohn UK Limited on (0)1707 853 000.

 

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