An increased risk of passing away at an earlier age has been linked to the use of PDE5i medicines for erectile dysfunction and nitrates for chest discomfort, according to a study that was conducted not too long ago.
It is essential to remember that this is merely a single study. Additional research is required to validate these findings and understand the mechanisms operating behind the surface.
So far, this is what we have learned:
Increasing the amount of blood that flows to the penis is how PDE5i drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) accomplish their therapeutic effects.
Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, relax and broaden blood vessels, which is why they are utilized in treating chest pain, often known as angina.
This is compared to men who take only one of these prescriptions or none.
Over sixty thousand men who had a history of both erectile dysfunction and heart disease were included in the study, which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Both conditions were present in the participants.
As a result of research carried out by professionals in the medical field, it has been discovered that men who take both PDE5i drugs and nitrates are at a greater risk of passing away from any cause during the follow-up period. This is compared to men who take only one of these prescriptions or none.
The study’s findings, carried out over a considerable amount of time, suggest that using these medications alongside one another might result in various health consequences, some of which may ultimately prove fatal.
On the other hand, nitrates are usually prescribed to address illnesses such as angina.
It is standard practice to administer PDE5i drugs to men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Examples of these medications are sildenafil and tadalafil. On the other hand, nitrates are usually prescribed to address illnesses such as angina.
This combination of medications has the potential to bring about a significant decrease in blood pressure, which can result in a variety of consequences, including but not limited to heart attacks, strokes, and even death.
Men who have been prescribed these medications must inform their healthcare provider about any other medications they are currently taking, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins, to avoid potential drug interactions that could be detrimental to their health.
This includes seeing a physician before taking any prescription and following the prescribed guidelines to avoid potential hazards.
Even though PDE5i medicines and nitrates have the potential to help treat particular medical issues, it is essential to adhere to the prescribed dosage and refrain from self-medicating or combining prescriptions without the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
Men have a responsibility to prioritize their health and well-being. This includes seeing a physician before taking any prescription and following the prescribed guidelines to avoid potential hazards.
It is essential to take into consideration that:
Because it was an observational trial, the researchers were unable to provide conclusive evidence that the combination of PDE5i medicines and nitrates led to premature death. More factors could have been at play, such as preexisting health issues, which could have been significant.
If you are taking nitrates in addition to PDE5i medicines, you must discuss the findings of this study with your primary care physician.
The absolute risk of dying at an early age was still relatively low, even for males who took both drugs at the same time. When it came to cardiovascular causes of death, such as heart attacks and strokes, the study did not discover any evidence of an elevated risk of mortality.
If you are taking nitrates in addition to PDE5i medicines, you must discuss the findings of this study with your primary care physician. They can assist you in gaining an understanding of your risk and determining whether or not it is safe for you to continue taking both medications.
In addition, the following are some more resources that you might find helpful:
Heart Association of the United States of America: https://www.heart.org/
National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
