Viagra stands tall on its tenth anniversary

VIAGRA TURNS 10: Viagra benefits will continue to be debated, and it will remain one of the largest selling drugs.

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New Delhi: Viagra was a revolution waiting to happen. Ten-years ago, when the US food and drug administration first approved of Viagra, no one thought that it would go on to become the largest selling drugs in the world and bring in billions in money for Pfizer, the company that introduced it.

No one had imagined that Viagra would become a part of popular culture and as some would say, give a new lease of life to men with erectile dysfunction.

So popular is Viagra that former US presidential candidate Bob Dole appeared in advertisements promoting the drug.

Last year alone, Viagra raked in $1.7 billion for Pfizer. In its first month, Viagra was prescribed 500,000 times.

An estimated 30 million men have been prescribed the drug, and millions more have taken it without a prescription.

Competitors like GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer came up with Levitra, and El Lilly and ICOS came up with Cialis.

However, the drugs have not even come close to beating the leader, Viagra.

But is Viagra for every man? Not quite say doctors.

According to Senior Urology Consultant at Apollo hospital, Dr Ajit Saxena, normal people should not take the drug.

"People who are normal do not really need to use this drug for sexual pleasure."

564 deaths have been linked to the use of Viagra. It's also known to have wrecked marriages.

Viagra's side effects include:

• Headaches
• Facial flushing
• Upset stomach
• Bluish vision
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light may also briefly occur
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Dr Ajit Saxena says, "People who are already on nitrates — drugs to lower the blood pressure — should not take Viagra because their blood pressure can drop drastically."

The benefits of Viagra will continue to be debated, just as it will continue to be one of the largest selling drugs. The question is: can something stop the rise of this wonder drug for men? The answer — the Pink Viagra may just be around the corner.