An elderly man experienced coughing up blood for three days after taking an impotency medication called sildenafil.
Doctors found no underlying condition causing the bleeding and concluded that the medication was the likely culprit.
The man’s medical history of kidney problems and taking an anticoagulant may have contributed to the rare reaction.
Millions of British men are taking impotency drugs, with millions of prescriptions being handed out annually.
While common side effects of the medication include headaches and nausea, more serious side effects are rare but could be life-threatening.
An elderly man experienced a serious reaction after taking an impotency medication, resulting in coughing up blood for three days. Medical experts documented the case, noting that this type of reaction is rare, with only six other reported incidents among patients taking sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra. The man’s symptoms ceased once he stopped taking the medication, leading doctors to conclude that sildenafil was the likely cause of the bleeding. The patient’s medical history, including kidney problems and the use of another blood-thinning drug, may have contributed to the rare reaction.
Data suggests that millions of British men are taking impotency drugs like sildenafil, with over 4.5 million prescriptions issued in 2023. While most individuals experience no issues, common side effects may include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. More serious side effects, although rare, can occur and may require urgent medical attention. It’s important for patients with serious health conditions and those taking other medications to be monitored closely while using sildenafil. This highlights the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms behind sildenafil-induced reactions and ensure safe usage of erectile dysfunction medications.