Filitra (Vardenafil)

Introduction to Filitra

Filitra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Its active ingredient is Vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Available in pill form with dosages of 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg, Filitra functions by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical the body produces, facilitating increased blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow helps men achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for successful sexual intercourse. Filitra is the generic version of medications containing Vardenafil.

Quick Reference Facts

Active Ingredient

Vardenafil

Form

Pill (10mg | 20mg | 40mg)

Primary and Off-Label Uses

Erectile Dysfunction

What is Filitra?

Filitra is a prescription medication classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is a generic pharmaceutical product containing Vardenafil as its active ingredient. Filitra is manufactured as a pill and is available in various strengths, typically including 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg. As a generic alternative, Filitra offers the same therapeutic benefits as its brand-name counterparts containing Vardenafil, such as Levitra, but is generally available at a more accessible price point. Generic medications like Filitra are held to the same rigorous standards of quality, safety, and efficacy by regulatory bodies as brand-name drugs.

How Filitra Works

Filitra works by selectively inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This enzyme is found in the smooth muscle tissue of blood vessels, including those supplying the penis. When a man is sexually stimulated, nitric oxide (NO) is released by nerve endings and endothelial cells. NO activates another enzyme, guanylate cyclase, which increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP causes the smooth muscles in the arteries of the penis to relax, allowing blood to flow into the erectile tissues. This influx of blood is what creates an erection.

PDE5 is responsible for breaking down cGMP. By inhibiting PDE5, Filitra prevents the premature breakdown of cGMP, thereby prolonging its presence and enhancing its vasodilatory effects. This results in improved blood flow to the penis under conditions of sexual stimulation, making it easier to achieve and sustain an erection. It is important to note that Filitra does not cause sexual arousal on its own; sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to be effective. The onset of Filitra's action typically occurs within 30 to 60 minutes after taking a dose, and its effects can last for several hours, with some studies suggesting a duration of action of up to 4-5 hours. The medication is primarily metabolised in the liver and eliminated from the body through a combination of hepatic (liver) and renal (kidney) pathways.

Conditions Treated with Filitra

Filitra is officially approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Erectile dysfunction is a condition characterised by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Filitra is highly effective in improving erectile function in men experiencing ED. By facilitating increased blood flow to the penile tissues, it helps men achieve a firm erection when sexually stimulated, thereby addressing the core physiological issue of ED. Its mechanism of action targets the PDE5 enzyme, which is crucial in regulating blood flow within the penis.

Is Filitra the Right Medication for You?

Filitra is suitable for adult men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction who are seeking an effective treatment to improve their sexual health. It is particularly recommended for individuals who have experienced a loss of erectile rigidity or the inability to achieve an erection. The different available dosages (10mg, 20mg, 40mg) allow healthcare professionals to tailor the treatment to the individual's needs and the severity of their condition.

However, Filitra is not appropriate for everyone. It is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity to Vardenafil or any of its inactive ingredients. Furthermore, it should not be taken by men who are using nitrate medications (e.g., glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate) for chest pain or heart conditions, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Men with severe liver or kidney problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of specific cardiac issues may also require caution or may not be suitable candidates for Filitra. It is essential for men to provide their full medical history to their healthcare provider to determine if Filitra is a safe and appropriate treatment option.

Buying Filitra from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Our online pharmacy provides a convenient and accessible solution for obtaining Filitra, especially for those who may face challenges with traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies or prescription-based systems. We aim to simplify access to essential medications by offering a trusted platform for purchasing your treatment discretely and affordably. Our service is designed to put your health and convenience first, ensuring a secure and reliable procurement process.

Quality & Safety Assurance

We are committed to providing genuine Filitra obtained through reputable channels. Our pharmacy service works exclusively with licensed overseas suppliers who meet stringent quality standards. Each product is verified to ensure it meets the same pharmaceutical quality and safety requirements as medications available through local pharmacies, guaranteeing you receive authentic and effective Vardenafil.

Pricing & Access

Filitra, as a generic medication, offers a significant advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness. Through our platform, you can access Filitra at prices that reflect its generic status, providing substantial savings compared to brand-name equivalents. This makes consistent treatment for erectile dysfunction more attainable, improving quality of life without an undue financial burden. We ensure that pricing is fair and transparent.

Discreet Delivery

Understanding the importance of privacy, our service guarantees discreet packaging for all orders. Your Filitra will be delivered in plain, unmarked wrappings, ensuring your personal information remains completely confidential throughout the shipping process. We offer reliable delivery options, with express delivery typically within 7 days or standard airmail in approximately 3 weeks, making it convenient to receive your medication without any compromise on discretion.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Dosing Information:

• Standard Dosing: The typical starting dose for once-daily use is often 10mg, taken approximately one hour before sexual activity. Doses may be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on individual response and tolerability, up to a maximum of 20mg per day or down to 5mg. For use as needed, the 10mg or 20mg dosage forms are commonly recommended, with the tablet taken 30-60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The 40mg dosage is available but represents a higher strength, typically used only under specific medical guidance.
• Administration: Filitra pills should be swallowed whole with water. They can be taken with or without food, although taking them with a high-fat meal may delay the onset of action.

Missed Dose:

• Filitra is generally taken as needed, rather than on a regular daily schedule. Therefore, a "missed dose" typically does not apply in the same way as it would for many other medications. If you are using Filitra on a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Overdose:

• If you suspect an overdose of Filitra, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose may include a prolonged and painful erection (priapism), severe dizziness, fainting, or chest pain. It is crucial to contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Do not attempt to self-treat or wait for symptoms to subside.

Practical Precautions:

• Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking Filitra can increase the risk of dizziness and lower blood pressure, and may also impair erectile function. It is advisable to limit or avoid alcohol intake.
• Operating Machinery: Due to potential side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, or changes in colour perception, Filitra may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Exercise caution until you know how the medication affects you.

Safety Information

⚠️ Who Should Not Take Filitra

Filitra (Vardenafil) should not be used by individuals with certain medical conditions or who are taking specific medications. Absolute contraindications include:

• Nitrate Medications: Concurrent use with any form of nitrate (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, amyl nitrite) for chest pain (angina), regardless of administration route (oral, sublingual, inhaled). This combination can lead to a severe and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to Vardenafil active ingredient or any of the inactive components of the Filitra pill formulation.
• Certain Cardiac Conditions: Men with specific cardiovascular conditions, such as unstable angina, severe heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias, or those who have experienced a recent myocardial infarction or stroke, may not be suitable candidates.
• QTc Prolongation: Individuals with conditions that predispose them to QTc prolongation, or who are taking medications that prolong the QTc interval.

Relative contraindications or situations requiring caution include:

• Severe hepatic impairment (liver disease).
• End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.
• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure).
• Risks of priapism (prolonged erection), such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia.
• Anatomical deformations of the penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, Peyronie's disease).

Common Side Effects

Filitra can cause side effects, most of which are mild to moderate and temporary. The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Headache: A common effect, usually transient.
• Flushing: A sensation of warmth or redness in the face and neck.
• Dizziness: Feeling light-headed or unsteady.
• Nasal Congestion: A blocked or runny nose.
• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
• Indigestion: Discomfort or burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
• Visual Disturbances: Mild, transient changes in vision, such as blurred vision or altered colour perception (e.g., blue-tinged vision).

These side effects typically resolve on their own within a few hours. If they are bothersome or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Help)

Although rare, some serious side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Priapism (Prolonged Erection): An erection that lasts for more than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent damage to the erectile tissue if not treated promptly. If you experience a prolonged erection, seek emergency medical help immediately.
• Sudden Vision Loss: Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes (could be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy - NAION).
• Sudden Hearing Decrease or Loss: This may be accompanied by ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or dizziness.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Chest Pain or Heart Attack Symptoms: While rare in men without pre-existing heart conditions, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw should prompt emergency medical assessment.

Drug & Food Interactions

Filitra can interact with several medications and, to a lesser extent, certain foods and substances. It is vital to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking.

• Nitrates: As mentioned, concurrent use is contraindicated due to severe hypotension risk.
• Alpha-Blockers: Medications used for high blood pressure or prostate enlargement (e.g., tamsulosin, doxazosin). Concomitant use with Filitra may lead to symptomatic hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness, and fainting. A dose adjustment of either medication or starting Filitra at a lower dose (5mg) may be recommended.
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Certain medications that inhibit the liver enzyme CYP3A4 can increase Vardenafil levels in the blood, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Examples include certain antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), some antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, saquinavir). Use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors like ritonavir should be avoided.
• Other PDE5 Inhibitors: Concurrent use with other PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) is generally not recommended due to additive effects and increased side effect risk.
• Antihypertensives: Filitra can have additive effects on blood pressure lowering when taken with antihypertensive agents. Caution and appropriate dose titration are advised.
• Grapefruit Juice: While the interaction is less pronounced than with some other medications, large quantities of grapefruit juice may potentially increase Vardenafil plasma levels. It is generally prudent to avoid excessive consumption.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Filitra

While Filitra's primary and approved indication is erectile dysfunction, Vardenafil has been explored for other potential uses, though these are considered off-label and may not have received regulatory approval for these specific applications.

• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Vardenafil, like other PDE5 inhibitors, works by increasing cGMP levels. In PAH, PDE5 is abundant in the pulmonary vasculature, and its inhibition can lead to vasodilation of the pulmonary arteries, potentially reducing pressure and improving symptoms. However, other PDE5 inhibitors are specifically approved and more commonly used for PAH. Efficacy and safety for Filitra in treating PAH require thorough clinical evaluation and medical supervision.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Symptoms: Some research has investigated PDE5 inhibitors for their potential to alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. The proposed mechanism involves smooth muscle relaxation in the prostate and bladder neck. Clinical trials investigating Filitra specifically for BPH are limited, and it is not a first-line treatment for this condition.

It is crucial for patients considering Filitra for any off-label use to understand that its safety and effectiveness for these indications have not been formally established by regulatory bodies. Such treatments should only be undertaken under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess the risks and benefits on an individual basis.

Storage & Handling

Filitra pills should be stored carefully to maintain their potency and safety:

• Temperature: Store at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Avoid extreme heat or cold.
• Light and Moisture: Keep the medication in its original packaging and store it in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Expiry: Check the expiry date on the packaging regularly. Do not use Filitra if it has passed its expiration date.
• Disposal: Unused or expired medication should be disposed of safely. It is recommended to return unused medication to a pharmacy for proper disposal or follow local guidelines for medication waste disposal to prevent environmental contamination. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drains unless specifically instructed to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Using Filitra

• Can I take Filitra with foods rich in fats? Taking Filitra with a high-fat meal may delay the onset of its effect. While it does not typically prevent the medication from working, it can reduce how quickly you notice its benefits. For optimal results, it is often advised to take Filitra on an empty stomach or after a light meal.

• How should I manage taking Filitra if I travel across different time zones? When travelling across time zones, try to maintain your usual timing for taking Filitra relative to sexual activity. If your schedule alters dramatically, it might be beneficial to take the dose at a time that aligns with your typical wakefulness or when sexual activity is realistically planned, considering the medication's onset and duration of action.

Product Information

• What do Filitra pills look like? Filitra pills are typically film-coated and may vary slightly in appearance depending on the dosage and manufacturer. Generally, they are round or oval in shape and coloured. For example, specific formulations might be yellow, white, or other colours, often with an imprint identifying the dosage. Always check the packaging for precise details about the pills you receive.

• Are there any inactive ingredients I should be aware of in Filitra? Filitra contains various inactive ingredients which allow for the formation of the pill itself. Common inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and film-coating agents, which often contain hypromellose, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, and polyethylene glycol. If you have known allergies to any of these substances, you should consult with your pharmacist or doctor.

Safety & Regulations

• Will taking Filitra affect driving or operating machinery? Filitra can cause side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, and altered perception of colours. If you experience any of these effects, it is advisable to refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision and balance return to normal. Always assess your own response to the medication before engaging in such activities.

• Is Filitra approved in the UK? Filitra, as a generic Vardenafil pill, may be available through licensed online pharmacies serving the UK market, provided it meets regulatory standards upon importation, or through specific EU-registered pharmacies. Direct approval status for specific branded generic versions can operate differently across jurisdictions.

• Can Filitra be split for dosage adjustment? Whether Filitra pills can be split depends entirely on the specific formulation and manufacturer's instructions. Some dosage forms are scored specifically to allow for splitting, while others are not. Splitting unscored tablets can lead to uneven dosing. Always consult product information or your pharmacist before attempting to split any medication.

• Does Filitra have any interaction with common supplements? While Filitra's primary interactions are with prescription medications, some supplements could potentially interact. For instance, supplements with blood-thinning properties or those affecting blood pressure may require caution when taken with Filitra. It is essential to discuss all supplements you take with your healthcare provider.

Glossary

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5)

An enzyme found in smooth muscle cells, particularly in the walls of blood vessels. It plays a key role in regulating cGMP levels, which are important for vasodilation, including in the erectile tissues of the penis.

Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP)

A second messenger molecule that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes. In the penis, cGMP causes the relaxation of smooth muscle, leading to increased blood flow and erection. PDE5 breaks down cGMP.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels. This process increases blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection when taking PDE5 inhibitors like Filitra.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

A medical condition primarily characterized by the consistent or recurrent inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

Bioavailability

The proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is therefore able to have an active effect. For oral medications, bioavailability can be affected by factors such as absorption, metabolism, and first-pass liver effect.

Disclaimer

The information provided regarding Filitra serves general knowledge and informational purposes exclusively. It is not intended to substitute for, nor is it a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All decisions concerning treatment, including the use or consideration of off-label applications of Filitra, must be made under the guidance and direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We operate under the assumption that all individuals accessing this information are responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy service facilitates access to Filitra for those who may experience limitations in local availability, prefer generic cost savings, or seek alternative procurement methods. It is imperative that you consult with your physician or another qualified health professional before commencing, altering, or discontinuing any medication regimen.