Why Is This Medication Prescribed?

Fildena (Viagra) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Fildena (Revatio) is used to improve the ability to exercise in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness). Children should not usually take Fildena, but in some cases, a doctor may decide that Fildena (Revatio) is the best medication to treat a child's condition. Fildena is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Fildena treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily.

How Should This Medicine Be Used?

Fildena comes as a tablet and suspension (liquid; Revatio only) to take by mouth.

• If you are taking Fildena to treat erectile dysfunction, follow your doctor's directions and the guidelines in this paragraph. Take Fildena as needed before sexual activity. The best time to take Fildena is about 1 hour before sexual activity, but you can take the medication any time from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity

• Fildena usually should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take Fildena less often. You can take Fildena with or without food. However, if you take Fildena with a high-fat meal, it will take longer for the medication to start to work.

• If you are taking Fildena to treat PAH, follow your doctor's directions and the guidelines in this paragraph. You will probably take Fildena three times a day with or without food. Take Fildena at around the same times every day, and space your doses about 4 to 6 hours apart.

Other Uses For This Medicine

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What Special Precautions Should I Follow?

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Fildena, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Fildena products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• If you are a woman and you are taking Fildena to treat PAH, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Fildena, call your doctor.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Fildena.
• If you are taking Fildena to treat erectile dysfunction, tell your doctor if you have ever been advised by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity for medical reasons or if you have ever experienced chest pain during sexual activity. Sexual activity may be a strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity, call your doctor immediately and avoid sexual activity until your doctor tells you otherwise.

What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?

Fildena may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Headache
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Flushing (feeling of warmth)
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
• Muscle aches
• Changes in color vision (seeing a blue tinge on objects or having difficulty telling the difference between blue and green)
• Sensitivity to light