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Dr. Kim Mulvihill reporting There's new information out today linking drugs like Viagra to hearing loss. In some cases, the men have no warning.
The little blue pill is still pretty hot. Erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Cialis are genuine blockbusters. Since 1996, 40 million prescriptions have been filled worldwide.
But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says at least 29 cases of sudden hearing loss are linked to drugs like these. While there is no evidence they cause sudden hearing loss, doctors say is something men should be aware of. "It's very wise to put out a warning, though, and very wise to stop the medication if that happens and call your doctor," said Dr. Paul Turek, reproductive health specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.
Tonight, there are new details among men using the drugs for erectile dysfunction: 36 percent also had hypertension, heart disease or diabetes.
The hearing loss had no predictable warning signs. Most lost their hearing within 24 hours of taking the drug, and about a third regained hearing after they stopped the therapy. "Most of them had hearing loss in one ear, and there were other associated symptoms such as vertigo or dizziness," Turek explained.
Manufacturers have all changed their labels to warn of the rare side effect. Other potential serious side effects include a sudden decrease or loss in vision. Even so, Turek says these drugs can really help some men with erectile dysfunction. "I believe this is not a conspiracy by nature to keep men from getting good erections as they age," he said.
The active ingredient in Viagra is also used in a drug to treat patients with a rare lung condition. The FDA found four patients, including three women, who experienced sudden hearing loss while taking this drug.
