title: Vardenafil provides reliable efficacy over time in men with erectile dysfunction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the reliability of vardenafil efficacy and tolerability within 12 weeks in a broad population of men with erectile dysfunction (ED).
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective analysis of two pivotal, Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted in 107 centers, 1650 men aged 18 years or older with ED received vardenafil 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg on demand for 12 to 26 weeks. Outcome measures included the first-time and subsequent overall success rate until week 12 for diary entries regarding vaginal penetration (Sexual Encounter Profile [SEP]-2), erection maintenance (SEP-3), satisfaction with erection hardness, and overall satisfaction with the sexual experience. Mean efficacy was calculated for each patient during 12 weeks and then averaged for all patients within each treatment group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, the intention-to-treat population had moderate ED (International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain score of 13). For SEP-2 (penetration), the first-attempt and subsequent success rate was 44% and 74% for placebo, 71% and 81% for vardenafil 5 mg, 76% and 86% for vardenafil 10 mg, and 76% and 91% for vardenafil 20 mg, respectively. For SEP-3 (maintenance), first-attempt and subsequent success rate was 25% and 56% for placebo, 51% and 76% for vardenafil 5 mg, 65% and 76% for vardenafil 10 mg, and 59% and 84% for vardenafil 20 mg, respectively. For overall satisfaction with the sexual experience, the first-attempt and subsequent success rate was 19% and 48% for placebo, 48% and 68% for vardenafil 5 mg, 57% and 72% for vardenafil 10 mg, and 56% and 79% for vardenafil 20 mg, respectively. The reliability of vardenafil was similar or slightly greater in sildenafil-naive subjects compared with prior sildenafil responders. The most common adverse events were mild-to-moderate headache, flushing, and rhinitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vardenafil provides reliable efficacy for key erectile function parameters important to patients when continuing oral treatment for ED.
authors.affiliation: Instituto San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Montorsi
authors.forename: Wayne J G
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Hellstrom
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Valiquette
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bastuba
authors.forename: Owen
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thibonnier
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Homering
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Eardley
mesh_terms: D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013450:Sulfones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
chemical_list: D007093:Imidazoles; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride