New erectile dysfunction drug launched

Agostini Pharmaceuticals Ltd, local distributors for Eli Lilly Export SA, officially launched Cialis (tadalafil), the newest product on the local market to treat erectile dysfunction last Tuesday at Crowne Plaza. Tests have shown that the new oral PDE5 inhibitor improves erectile function up to 24-36 hours after dosing, compared to a placebo. Feature speaker, Dr Sean Chang, a member of the product team from Eli Lilly’s, corporate centre, Indiana, outlined the benefits and side-effects of the new drug.

In a media release, Eli Lilly cited studies completed by Dr Hartman Porst and recently published in the medical journal Urology showing clearly that more than 64 percent of patients still have beneficial effect at 36 hours, a benefit no other oral ED treatment has shown. This study moved the US Federal Drug Administration to approve Cialis for up to 36 hours. “In clinical studies, the ability to have sexual activity was improved in some patients 30 minutes after taking a dose,” the release stated. The drug should not be used by men already taking any form of nitrates (often used to control chest pain) because it can cause an unsafe drop in pressure. Men using “alpha blockers” (prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure) are also cautioned against using Cialis since it can cause a “significant drop in blood pressure.” Cialis is available in local pharmacies. It must be prescribed by a doctor.