Erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments help increase blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection when you’re sexually aroused. They do not cause an instant erection, increase sexual desire or affect testosterone levels.
This guide explains the ED treatments available through Numan, how to take them safely and what to expect.
Only take the treatment and dose approved for you. Never combine ED treatments or take more than one dose within 24 hours. If you have an ED Trial Pack, wait at least 3 days before switching from one medication to another.
Your treatment options
Treatment | Active ingredient | How it’s taken | When it starts working | How long it works |
Sildenafil | Sildenafil | When needed | Around 60 minutes | Around 4–5 hours |
Viagra Connect | Sildenafil | When needed | Around 60 minutes | Around 4–5 hours |
Tadalafil | Tadalafil | When needed | Around 30 minutes | Up to 36 hours |
Cialis Together® | Tadalafil | When needed | Around 30 minutes | Up to 36 hours |
Tadalafil Daily | Tadalafil | Once every day | Benefits usually develop after 3–5 days of continuous use | Continuous while taken every day |
You’ll still need to be sexually aroused for any of these treatments to work.
Sildenafil and Viagra Connect
Take sildenafil or Viagra Connect around 60 minutes before sex, following the dose on your prescription or pack. A large meal can delay the effect by about an hour.
Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
Tadalafil and Cialis Together®
Take tadalafil or Cialis Together® around 30 minutes before sex, following the dose on your prescription or pack. You can take it with or without food, and its effects can last for up to 36 hours.
Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
Tadalafil Daily
Take one tablet at around the same time every day, with or without food. It usually takes 3–5 days of continuous use before you notice the full benefit.
Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours.
How to take each treatment
The ED Trial Pack contains sildenafil, tadalafil and Tadalafil Daily so you can find the option that suits you best.
Sildenafil 50mg: Take one tablet on an empty stomach, 60 minutes before sex. If it does not work satisfactorily on two separate occasions, take two tablets (100mg) on the next occasion.
Tadalafil 10mg: Take one tablet with or without food, 30 minutes before sex. If it does not work satisfactorily on two separate occasions, take two tablets (20mg) on the next occasion.
Tadalafil Daily 5mg: Take one tablet at the same time every day. It may take 3–5 days of continuous use before you notice a benefit.
Do not combine treatments. Wait at least 3 days before switching from one medication to another, and never take more than one dose per day. Follow the instructions in your patient information leaflet.
Who should not take ED treatment?
Do not take sildenafil or tadalafil if you:
are allergic to the active ingredient or a similar medicine
take nitrate medicines, usually for chest pain
use amyl nitrites (“poppers”)
have recently had a heart attack or stroke
have low blood pressure
have a serious heart or liver condition
have previously experienced non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
Tadalafil should also not be taken with riociguat or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
ED treatment may not be suitable if you have certain heart, kidney, liver, blood, bleeding, eye or penile conditions. Complete your consultation accurately and speak to a clinician if you’re unsure. Do not use these medicines with another ED treatment.
Possible side effects
Common side effects can include:
headache
indigestion
a blocked nose
flushing
Sildenafil and Viagra Connect may also cause dizziness, nausea or visual changes. Tadalafil and Cialis Together® may also cause back pain, muscle aches or pain in the arms and legs.
Read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for the full list of side effects, precautions and interactions.
When to get urgent medical help
Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing
chest pain — do not use nitrate medicine to treat it
a painful or prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours
sudden loss of vision
a seizure or severe skin reaction after taking sildenafil or Viagra Connect
A prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours is a medical emergency. Go to A&E as soon as possible.
For an urgent medical problem, contact NHS 111 at 111.nhs.uk or call 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Important
Please read the patient information leaflet and safety information link included with your treatment for a full list of effects, contraindications, and precautions. Our clinical team is always here to guide and answer any questions you might have at [email protected]