Safety Information
Side effects
As with any drug, REVATIO (sildenafil) may cause side effects.
In studies, the side effects reported most were:
- Nosebleeds
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Flushing (feeling “red in the face” or a “head rush” feeling)
- Trouble sleeping
Very few people had to stop taking REVATIO because of side effects. Sudden decrease or
loss of hearing has been reported in people taking PDE5 inhibitors, including REVATIO.
It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors.
Men who took PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction had a sudden decrease
or loss of sight in one or both eyes. It is not possible to know if these cases are related directly to these medicines or something else.
Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any side effects while taking REVATIO.
Who should not take REVATIO?
Only your doctor can decide if REVATIO is right for you. REVATIO is not right for
everyone.
You should NEVER take REVATIO if you take medicines with nitrates in them. This includes nitroglycerin for chest pain.
REVATIO should not be taken with the medicine ritonavir (used in patients with HIV). Do not take REVATIO with
antifungals such as ketoconazole and itraconazole.
If you have ever had blockage of veins in your lungs, which is called pulmonary
veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), REVATIO is not recommended for you.
REVATIO contains the same medicine as VIAGRA® (sildenafil), which is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). Do not take REVATIO with VIAGRA or other PDE5 inhibitors.
Erections that last for more than four hours may occur. Call a doctor right away if this happens.
REVATIO and other medicines
Tell your doctor about any medicines or health products you are now taking. If you
take any of the medicines listed below, your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
- Alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems
- Seizure medication, such as phenytoin or Tegretol®* (carbamazepine)
- Blood thinners, such as Coumadin®† (warfarin sodium)
- Medicine for tuberculosis like rifampin or rifabutin
- Certain HIV medicines
- Tracleer®‡ (bosentan)
What should I tell my doctor before starting REVATIO?
Discuss your health status with your doctor to see if REVATIO is right for you.
Tell your doctor if you have or ever had:
- Heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
(angina)
- Problems with high or low blood pressure or blood circulation
- An eye problem called retinitis pigmentosa
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Any disease or problem with the shape of the penis
- Any blood problems such as sickle cell anemia or cancer of blood cells or bone marrow
- A stomach ulcer or any bleeding problem
Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
The effects of REVATIO in these patients are not known.
*Tegretol® is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceutical Inc.
†Coumadin® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb.
‡Tracleer® is a registered trademark of Actelion Pharmaceuticals US.
Next: Your Prescription for REVATIO
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