Safety & Warnings

Important safety information you need to know before taking Tadalafil or Sildenafil.

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CRITICAL WARNING: Do NOT take Tadalafil or Sildenafil if you are using nitrates for chest pain or heart problems. The combination can cause a dangerous, potentially fatal drop in blood pressure.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

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Priapism

An erection lasting more than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage if not treated immediately.

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Vision Loss

Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes. This could be a sign of a serious eye problem called NAION.

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Hearing Loss

Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, possibly with ringing in the ears or dizziness.

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Chest Pain

Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness during or after sexual activity.

Absolute Contraindications

DO NOT take these medications if you:

  • Take nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate) for chest pain
  • Take riociguat (Adempas) for pulmonary hypertension
  • Are allergic to tadalafil, sildenafil, or any ingredients in these medications
  • Have been advised by your doctor to avoid sexual activity due to heart problems
  • Have severe liver disease
  • Have severe kidney disease requiring dialysis
  • Have recently had a stroke or heart attack (within the last 6 months)

Important Medical Conditions

Tell your doctor if you have or have had:

Cardiovascular

  • Heart disease or heart rhythm problems
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Angina (chest pain)
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Heart failure

Blood & Circulation

  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Leukemia
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Blood clotting problems

Organ Function

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

Eye & Ear

  • Retinitis pigmentosa
  • NAION (eye stroke)
  • Vision or hearing loss
  • Other eye problems

Penile Conditions

  • Peyronie's disease
  • Penile curvature or deformity
  • Previous priapism

Drug Interactions

These medications can interact with many other drugs. Always inform your healthcare provider about ALL medications you're taking, including:

Dangerous Interactions

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Never combine with:
  • Nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide)
  • Riociguat (Adempas)
  • Other PDE5 inhibitors
  • Recreational drugs called "poppers" (amyl nitrite)

Medications Requiring Caution

  • Alpha-blockers: Used for prostate problems or high blood pressure (doxazosin, tamsulosin)
  • Blood pressure medications: May cause excessive blood pressure lowering
  • Antifungals: Ketoconazole, itraconazole
  • Antibiotics: Clarithromycin, erythromycin
  • HIV medications: Protease inhibitors
  • Hepatitis C medications: Some antivirals

Lifestyle Considerations

Alcohol

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Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol can:

  • Reduce the medication's effectiveness
  • Increase risk of side effects (dizziness, low blood pressure)
  • Make it harder to achieve an erection

Grapefruit

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the levels of these medications in your blood, potentially increasing side effects. Avoid grapefruit products while taking these medications.

Driving and Operating Machinery

These medications can cause dizziness or vision changes. Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Counterfeit Medications Warning

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Beware of Counterfeit Medications

Counterfeit ED medications are widespread, especially online. They may contain:

  • Wrong ingredients or wrong amounts
  • Dangerous substances
  • No active ingredient at all

Only purchase from licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

These medications are not intended for use by women. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not take these medications without explicit medical guidance.

Storage and Handling

  • Store at room temperature (68-77°F / 20-25°C)
  • Keep in original container
  • Protect from moisture and light
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Do not use past expiration date
  • Dispose of unused medication properly
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Remember: This safety information is not exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.