New pill for erectile dysfunction comes to Singapore

New pill for erectile dysfunction comes to Singapore
PHOTO: New pill for erectile dysfunction comes to Singapore

SINGAPORE - Sufferers of erectile dysfunction (ED) can now enjoy having sex without the hassle of planning beforehand, thanks to the introduction of a daily pill which allows men to perform anywhere, anytime.

The treatment, called tadalafil once-a-day (OAD), is a new daily low dose option which maintains a steady level of the drug in the body system when taken daily in the form of a pill.

Taken as prescribed, this allows patients to engage in sexual activity at any time between doses.

Previously, ED sufferers only had the option of taking a pill just before sexual encounters, which some feel disrupts the romantic mood.

"ED can disrupt intimacy and be disheartening for sufferers. Taking the drug an a daily basis will enable patients to be completely spontaneous with their partner and enjoy intimacy whenever they want," said Professor Peter Lim, a consultant urologist at Gleneagles Hospital.

"This will help them feel more in control and boost their confidence in their ability to be ready any time," he added.

He told The Straits Times that he has so far prescribed it to about 50 patients with persistent problems in developing and maintaining erections.

A 2008 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 95.7 per cent of tadalafil OAD users reported improved erections and 92.1 per cent reported improved ability to engage in sexual activity.

The treatment was found to be generally well tolerated, effective and safe.

The pills, distributed by American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, come in packs on 28 and are to be taken at approximately the same time every day.

According to the distributor, this daily treatment option is most suitable for men who respond to PDE-5 inhibitor therapy and engage in sexual activity at least twice a week.

PDE-5 inhibitors increase blood flow to the penis when the patient is stimulated, which helps to maintain an erection, and are generally the first choice of treatment for ED sufferers.

For patients who do not anticipate frequent sexual encounters, tadalafil on-demand, which improves erectile function in sufferers for up to 36 hours, may be more appropriate.

The pills are only available by prescription.

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