Viagra is a brand-name drug that is used to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is defined as the inability to get or keep an erection. The generic name of the main drug in Viagra is sildenafil. The drug works by disrupting the phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme, resulting in the expansion of the blood vessel walls and increased blood flow to the penis as a result. This results in improved erection quality and better sexual performance. As a schedule four drug in South Africa, Viagra is only available to patients with a prescription from a licensed physician.

Some of the common side effects that patients experience after taking Viagra include rashes, diarrhea and an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs). A less common side effect of taking Viagra is abnormal vision, specifically a condition called cyanopsia. This is characterized by blurred vision, a sensitivity to light, and/or a blue-green tinge to the patient’s vision. Higher doses of Viagra increase the chance of a patient experiencing abnormal vision. Additional possible side effects include headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushed skin and stuffy or runny noses. Viagra should be avoided is you have heart or blood vessel problems, a history of heart attacks or strokes, high or low blood pressure, liver problems, penile deformation or vision problems. When taking Viagra, you should avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice. Viagra should not be taken by anyone who is currently taking nitrates for chest pain, as the drug has been shown to increase the effects of these medications result in an unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Viagra is available at a cost of around .20 per packet of four pills. This is due, in part, to the fact that the medication is subsidized by the South African Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Viagra comes in three different potencies, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Your doctor will prescribe the correct potency for you, taking into account various factors such as your health, age and degree of sexual dysfunction.

One of the most frequently generic medicines in the world, patients taking Viagra should take precautions when purchasing the drug so as to ensure that they are taking genuine medication. Viagra can be purchased through online auction sites, internet pharmacies and brick and mortar locations. Many of these online locations sell counterfeit Viagra. There are many risks associated with taking counterfeit Viagra. generic tablets can contain too much of not enough Viagra, resulting in ineffectiveness or harm to your health. Some counterfeit Viagra contains toxic ingredients to mimic the true-blue color of Viagra pills. Counterfeit drugs have also been found to contain illegal drugs such as amphetamines, dangerous antibiotics and other harmful drugs.

To ensure that you are not purchasing counterfeit Viagra, you should obtain a prescription from your doctor, and have it filled by a trusted pharmacist in-store. For those patients that have to rely on having their prescription filled over the internet, there are some precautions that can be taken to ensure that they are receiving genuine Viagra. The tablets should feel smooth to the touch and have a stamped Viagra brand name that is clear and free from smudging. Furthermore, the pills should have a consistent uniform blue color and be free from color variation. Finally, Viagra is supplied only as solid tablets. If you find soft tablets, gel tablets or chewable tablets, these are categorically counterfeit and should be avoided.

Alexander Pretorius

Medical Practitioner (General Practice) with postgraduate diplomas in Cape Town. My special interest is erectile dysfunction.