Viagra (generic name Sildenafil) is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction or ED in men (which is an issue with having and maintaining an erection) and pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH (which is an issue in which the arteries of the lungs experience high blood pressure). It is a medication prescribed by doctors and taken by mouth. It works on ED by inhibiting a particular enzyme (PDE-5) that regulates blood flow, thus making the blood availability for an erection more possible. It works on pulmonary arterial hypertension in a similar manner, reducing the hypertension in the lungs by affecting blood availability.
In South Africa, pharmacy medications are managed and overseen by the South African Pharmacy Council. This council professes the mandate of the protection, promotion and maintenance of the South African people through ensuring high quality in pharmaceutical services and health care. According to their Professional Standards for Services in their guide to Good Pharmacy Practices, the SAPC recommends in their Safety of Dispensing Procedures section, that all pharmacists have the option to belay or cancel dispensing a medication if it is deemed in any way a danger or even just a potential risk to a patient.
Side effects
Viagra has a few side effects and symptoms that could be cause for alarm in users of the medication. It is cautioned that one could become experience flushed skin, headaches or heartburn from use of Viagra and therefore recommended to be aware and watchful for these symptoms. It also has been reported commonly that people can experience indigestion, nasal congestion and other symptoms with use. Because sexual activity is one of the goals in taking this medication, it is worth noting that sexual intercourse can increase stress on one’s heart, especially if problems already exist. Those with cardiovascular disease should proceed with caution. More rare occurrences include sudden impairment of vision including photophobia and cyanopsia.
According to the guidelines, these possible adverse effects of Viagra (Sildenafil) must be reported to the patient’s medical practitioner, who the onus is then on to report these to the patient.
The guidelines also provide direction that the South African pharmacists must also report any generic substitution possibilities and benefits to the patients and dispense them, unless directly forbidden by the patient themselves.
Price
South African guidelines for pricing of medications, including Viagra, are also laid out clearly in the Professional Standards for Services in their guide to Good Practices. It is stated in the guide that all pricing must include information that would prevent any exploitation of prices for profit by individuals as well as the final price, that all pricing must be in accordance with the legislation already in place, that pharmacy fees can only be levied in accordance with the rules related to allowed services and that the advertising of prices can only be done in accordance to those same rules.
Where to find Viagra?
There are several places in South Africa to acquire Viagra. An article published in the South African Pharmaceutical Journal suggests Viagra (Sildenafil) is very effective treating PAH and that availability is not an issue. Outside of South Africa, one might need to rely on online sources inside South Africa. However, these online pharmacies may not be completely compliant with standards, and should be checked out for their credentials before using them.
Medical Practitioner (General Practice) with postgraduate diplomas in Cape Town. My special interest is erectile dysfunction.
