Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Drugs Used Improperly

A new Spanish study has demonstrated that many patients who fail treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5is) are using the medications improperly.

The study, by Javier Romero Otero, MD, of 12 de Octubre University Hospital in Madrid, and colleagues evaluated 250 patients who failed to respond to PDE5is as primary ED treatment.

A staggering 69% (172 patients) of patients had at least 1 deviation from ideal proper usage of the medication. In fact, 42%, 28%, and 7% had 2, 3, or more than 3 deviations, respectively, according to findings published online ahead of print in Urology.

Frequent errors included failure to try the medication at least 6 different days, failure to reach maximum dose, failure to try at least 2 medications, and failure to take the medication on an empty stomach (if required).

From the June 01, 2014 Issue of Renal and Urology News