Efficacy Cited As Number 1 Reason Why Patients Switch Back To Viagra

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 11 May 2004 - 0:00 PST


Viagra's efficacy and erection quality are key reasons why men switch back to Viagra® (sildenafil citrate), according to the results of a new physician survey. Of the physicians surveyed, nearly 40 percent said that patients who returned to Viagra from other treatments did so because of Viagra's efficacy and erection quality. Eighty-seven percent said patients who switched to another oral ED treatment and then back to Viagra, returned to Viagra within just two months.

The survey results were announced today at the 99th Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association. The survey was conducted by KRC Research Partners on behalf of Pfizer Inc in April 2004. Of 120 urologists and primary care physicians that were screened, 100 had patients who had tried another oral ED product and returned to Viagra.

Nearly all (97percent) of the survey respondents said ED patients were satisfied after switching back to Viagra from another oral ED treatment.

Key Findings

Of the 100 physicians surveyed:

-- 39 percent cited Viagra's efficacy and erection quality as the most frequent reason given by their patients for their decision to switch back to Viagra (sildenafil citrate)

-- 65 percent strongly or somewhat agreed that "Many patients report disappointment about the erection quality claims of other oral ED medications"

-- 50 percent strongly or somewhat agreed that many patients report disappointment about the duration of action claims of newer entrants

-- 55 percent strongly or somewhat agreed that many patients report disappointment about the onset of action claims of newer entrants

These survey results are consistent with findings from a similar international survey conducted among physicians in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia and Brazil earlier this year. Newer oral ED medications have been available longer in Europe, Australia and South America.

"As new products become available, it's human nature for people to want to try something different," said Janice Lipsky, U.S. team leader, Viagra. "However, no tablet has been proven to work better or faster than Viagra for ED."

About Viagra

Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of ED. Viagra is available only from health care providers and should always be used in accordance with its approved labeling. Viagra is contraindicated in patients who use nitrates in any form at any time.

Patients should discuss their general health status with their doctors to ensure that they are healthy enough to engage in sexual activity. If patients experience pain, nausea, or any other discomfort during sex, or an erection that lasts longer than four hours, they should seek medical help.

The most common side effects of Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) are headache, facial flushing and upset stomach. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

Patients with recent serious cardiovascular events, hypotension or uncontrolled hypertension or retinitis pigmentosa did not participate in pre-approval clinical trials. In these patients, physicians should prescribe Viagra with caution. The use of Viagra offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Discovered and developed by Pfizer, Viagra is the breakthrough oral treatment for erectile dysfunction that is found to be effective and well tolerated in more than 130 completed and ongoing clinical studies. Viagra has been approved by regulatory authorities in more than 123 countries around the world and is among the most widely prescribed medications, with more than 130 million prescriptions written for 23 million men worldwide.

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medications for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer products.

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