Real-life safety and efficacy of vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction-results from 30,010 U.S. patients.
BACKGROUND
Clinical trials show that vardenafil produces effective and satisfactory first-dose success rates and reliability for erection and intercourse in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).


OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to evaluate real-life efficacy, safety, and acceptance of vardenafil in men with ED.


METHODS
This open-label, prospective study, conducted in 6,740 U.S. centers, included an initial visit and one or two follow-up visits within a 2-month period of the first vardenafil dose. Vardenafil was administered in 5-20 mg doses.


METHODS
Efficacy variables included first-dose success rates for vaginal penetration, maintenance of erection, and satisfaction based on physician and patient assessments. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs).


RESULTS
A total of 30,010 men were included in the safety/intent-to-treat (S/ITT) analysis, with 26,043 men in the adjusted S/ITT population. Vardenafil improved erectile function in 78% of men, with 75% rating overall efficacy as "satisfying" or "very satisfying." The overall rates of successful penetration and maintenance with vardenafil following the first dose were 78% and 68%, respectively. For men with mild and moderate ED, first-dose success rates for penetration were 89% and 82%, respectively, and for maintenance, 82% and 71%, respectively. First-dose penetration and maintenance of erection rates were 76% and 66%, respectively, for men with self-reported hypertension, and 70% and 60%, respectively, for men with diabetes mellitus. At study end, 67% of patients preferred to continue using vardenafil. The most frequently reported AEs were headache (4%) and flushing (2%). Vardenafil was well tolerated, with a "satisfied/very satisfied" tolerability rating in 75% of cases as assessed by the physician.


CONCLUSIONS
This observational study demonstrated the tolerability and efficacy of vardenafil in men with ED and comorbidities. Vardenafil provided a high rate of first-dose intercourse success and a favorable safety profile in patients with and without comorbid disease.
Cheng
Eric
E
Department of Family Medicine, State University of New York, Health Science Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA. mrspeakerz@earthlink.net
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003075:Coitus; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
D007093:Imidazoles; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride