About Staxyn (Generic)

Staxyn(vardenafil) is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). In combination with sexual stimulation, vardenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a man get and keep an erection.

This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice “safe sex” such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How to use Staxyn(vardenafil)

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Staxyn(vardenafil) and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually as needed. Take vardenafil, with or without food, about 1 hour before sexual activity. Do not take more than once daily. Doses should be taken at least 24 hours apart.

Dry your hands before handling this medication. Remove the dose from the blister package right before use. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not crush or split the tablet. This medication should not be taken with liquid.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Staxyn(vardenafil) disintegrating tablets are absorbed differently in the body than vardenafil film-coated tablets. Do not switch from one to the other without consulting your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve.

Side effects Staxyn(vardenafil)

Headache, flushing, or dizziness may occur. Vision eschang such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or trouble telling blue and green colors apart may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Effects of Staxyn(vardenafil)

Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and get medical help right away: severe dizziness, fainting, chest/jaw/left arm pain, nausea.

Rarely, sudden decreased vision, including permanent blindness, in one or both eyes (NAION) may occur. If this serious problem occurs, stop taking vardenafil and get medical help right away. You have a slightly greater chance of developing NAION if you have heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain other eye problems (“crowded disk”), high blood pressure, if you are over 50, or if you smoke.

Rarely, a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness, may occur. Stop taking Staxyn(vardenafil)  and get medical help right away if these effects occur.

In the rare event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.

Get medical help right away if take Staxyn(vardenafil) and  have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, temporary memory loss.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

How to Store Staxyn(vardenafil)

Store this medication in the original packaging at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Staxyn(vardenafil) and Drug interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: riociguat.

      Interactions

Vardenafil can cause a serious drop in your blood pressure when used with nitrates, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and rarely heart attack or stroke. Do not use vardenafil with any of the following: certain drugs used to treat chest pain/angina (nitrates such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide), recreational drugs called “poppers” containing amyl or butyl nitrite.

If you are also taking an alpha blocker medication (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin) to treat an enlarged prostate/BPH or high blood pressure, your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness or fainting. To manage this drug interaction, you should not start vardenafil treatment with the disintegrating tablet. Your doctor will start treatment with a lower dose of the regular vardenafil tablets first to minimize your risk of low blood pressure, and then may direct you to switch to vardenafil disintegrating tablets later.

Other medications can affect the removal of vardenafil from your body, which may affect how vardenafil works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir, ritonavir), hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors (such as boceprevir, telaprevir), rifampin, among others.

Many drugs besides vardenafil may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others.

Do not take this medication with any other product that contains vardenafil or other similar medications used to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil).

Overdose of Staxyn(vardenafil)

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: back/muscle pain, abnormal vision.

More

Missed Doses:
Not applicable.

Notes:
Do not share this medication with others.

Selected from the Licensed Solutions data included with permission and copyrighted by FDB, inc., 2014. This copyrighted material has been downloaded and Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings. This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any drug or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.