Levitra (Generic Vardenafil)

Levitra is a type of erectile dysfunction medication which was discontinued in 2021, but we do offer its generic version, vardenafil.

Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra and the generic version works in the same way to make it easier to get and keep an erection. It also belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels in the penis to increase blood flow, so you can get an erection more easily once you are aroused

Vardenafil, the active ingredient in Levitra, works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels around the penis to increase blood flow. By increasing the blood flow to your penis, it is easier to get and maintain an erection.

Vardenafil will only work if you are sexually aroused and will not treat any underlying cause of erectile dysfunction or increase your sex drive.

How long does Levitra last?

With sexual stimulation, it may be possible to achieve an erection up to 5 hours after you have taken it. However, some studies show that vardenafil may last for up to 8 hours, offering greater flexibility for sex.

How long does Levitra take to work?

Levitra (vardenafil) can last for up to 5 hours and can help you get an erection within 25 to 60 minutes of taking it. Levitra may take longer to work if you take it after eating a heavy, high-fat meal.

How effective is Levitra?

The active ingredient in Levitra, vardenafil, is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that 10mg of vardenafil improved erections in 63% of men while at the highest dose, 20mg, 80% of men experienced successful penetrative sex. In comparison, only 49% of men achieved an erection hard enough for sex when taking the placebo pill.

You should always take your medication exactly as your doctor has advised you. Swallow one whole vardenafil tablet with a glass of water with or without food, 25 to 60 minutes before you intend to have sex.

When you take vardenafil, it’s important to note that some food can interact with it and stop it from working properly. You should avoid:

• a heavy or high-fat meal, because this may delay how long it takes vardenafil to work
• grapefruit juice, which can interfere with how vardenafil works and make side effects more likely
• alcohol, because it can make erectile dysfunction worse

When should I take Levitra?

Take the Levitra tablet 25 to 60 minutes before you want to have sex. If you’ve eaten a heavy meal, you may want to take Levitra earlier since it will take longer than usual to start working.

How much Levitra should I take?

You must only take 1 Levitra tablet in any 24-hour period. The recommended dose is 10mg, but if this is not strong enough for you, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose. The maximum vardenafil dose available is 20mg.

If the vardenafil dose is too strong for you, a lower dose of 5mg is available. You must not change the dose yourself. Your doctor will advise you if you need a higher or lower dose and can provide a new prescription.

Like all medications, vardenafil can cause side effects.

Very common side effects include:

• headaches

Common side effects include:

• flushing
• dizziness
• runny or blocked nose
• indigestion

Uncommon side effects include:

• redness of the eye or eyes, effects on vision, eye pain or discomfort, sensitivity to light
• numbness, pain, or pins and needles in the arms, legs, hands or feet
• sleep problems
• allergic oedema/angioedema
• ringing in the ears
• spinning sensation while standing
• pounding heart or fast heartbeat
• breathlessness
• sinus congestion
• acid reflux
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• inflamed stomach
• pain in the stomach
• diarrhoea
• dry mouth
• rash or redness to skin
• muscle or back pain
• raised level of liver enzymes
• prolonged erection
• cramping of muscle or stiffness
• feeling unwell

Rare side effects include:

• anxiety
• fainting
• amnesia
• allergic reaction
• high or low blood pressure
• nose bleed
• chest pain
• sensitivity to the skin from sunlight
• watery eyes or increased pressure in the eyes
• painful erections
• seizure
• transient ischaemic attack
• myocardial infarction
• ventricular tachy-arrhythmias
• angina pectoris
• increase in gamma-glutamyl transferase
• priapism
• chest pain
• inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis)

How long do Levitra side effects last?

Most side effects are mild and should settle down or go away after a few hours when the medication has left your system.

What to do if you get Levitra side effects

Most mild or moderate vardenafil side effects usually go away on their own or can be managed by:

• taking over-the-counter painkillers for headaches and mild aches and pains
• staying hydrated, especially if you are experiencing headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, or feeling or being sick
• getting some rest, if you are feeling unwell, until it passes

If you are struggling with any side effects or are worried about them, speak to your doctor about adjusting your dose or trying a different erectile dysfunction medication.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking the medication and get someone to take you to A&E or call 999:

• partial, sudden, temporary or permanent loss of vision
• signs of an allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, swollen lips, tongue, or face, heart palpitations, skin rash
• chest pain
• confusion
• reduced consciousness
• seizures
• a prolonged, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)

Vardenafil (Levitra) may not be right for everyone.

Do not take vardenafil if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• are taking ritonavir or indinavir for HIV infections
• are over 75 and are taking ketoconazole or itraconazole, anti-fungal medications
• have a severe heart or liver problem
• are having dialysis
• have recently suffered from a heart attack or stroke
• have or have ever had low blood pressure
• have a family history of degenerative eye diseases
• have ever suffered loss of vision due to damage of the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply called non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
• are taking riociguat

We also advise that medications for erectile dysfunction like vardenafil (Levitra) should generally not be used if you have been advised against sexual activity. For example, if you are a patient of severe cardiovascular disorders like unstable angina or cardiac failure.

You should talk to your doctor before taking Levitra if you:

• have heart problems
• have an irregular heart beat
• have a physical problem that affects the shape of your penis
• have an illness that causes erections that won’t go away called priapism
• have stomach ulcers
• have a bleeding disorder
• are taking any other erectile dysfunction medications

Levitra and other medications

Levitra may interact with other medications. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, including:

• nitrates (‘poppers’)
• quinidine, procainimide, amiodarone, or sotalol
• ritonavir, indinavir
• ketoconazole or itraconazole
• erythromycin or clarithromycin, macrolide antibiotics
• alpha-blockers
• riociguat

Levitra is no longer available as it has been discontinued. However, a generic version, vardenafil, can be obtained with a private prescription from most UK pharmacies and online doctor services.

Can I buy Levitra online?

Yes, you can request vardenafil from Asda Online Doctor using our convenient service, without the need to see a doctor face to face.

To request vardenafil, you will need to:

1. Complete a short online health assessment for one of our doctors to review.
2. Place your order request.
3. If approved, your order will be dispatched and sent to your home address in discreet packaging or you can choose to collect it from your local Asda Pharmacy 4 hours after a doctor’s approval.
4. If your order isn’t approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatment options.

Can I buy Levitra over the counter?

No, vardenafil is a prescription-only medication, so you will need to see a doctor in order to obtain it.

Viagra Connect is an over-the-counter erectile dysfunction treatment that doesn’t require a prescription. However, it contains a different active ingredient, sildenafil, and you need to answer a few questions with a pharmacist before you will be able to buy it.

Can I get Levitra on the NHS?

Vardenafil is usually only available on the NHS to people who have erectile dysfunction caused by certain medical conditions. Generic Viagra, sildenafil, is available on the NHS without as many restrictions, but you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to find out if it is suitable for you.

There are several alternative erectile dysfunction treatments available if vardenafil is not suitable or does not work for you. They include:

1. Vardenafil – the generic name for Levitra. This medication is a cheaper alternative to Levitra and contains the same active ingredient, works in exactly the same way, and is equally effective.
2. Viagra – the most well-known erectile dysfunction medication, often referred to as ‘the blue pill’, that contains the active ingredient sildenafil and is effective for 4 to 6 hours. Also available as an over-the counter version called Viagra Connect.
3. Sildenafil – the generic name for Viagra. It works in exactly the same way as Viagra, is as effective, and contains the same active ingredient, but is a cheaper alternative to the branded version.
4. Tadalafil – the longest lasting erectile dysfunction medication because it can remain effective for up to 36 hours.
5. Spedra – contains the active ingredient avanafil and can work in as little as 15 minutes, so is a good alternative if you need a fast-working treatment.

If you’d prefer to try an erectile dysfunction treatment which doesn’t involve swallowing pills, Vitaros cream may be more suitable for you. It contains the active ingredient alprostadil and is applied directly to the tip of the penis and works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping you get and keep an erection. Vitaros cream can work in as little as 5 to 30 minutes and can last for up to 2 hours.

Levitra vs Viagra

Levitra and Viagra are both examples of branded PDE-5 inhibitors that work in the same way to effectively manage erectile dysfunction. However, Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil whereas Levitra contains vardenafil. Viagra can last for up to 4 hours while Levitra can remain effective for 4 to 6 hours.

Levitra vs Cialis

Levitra and Cialis are almost as effective as each other at managing erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient in Cialis, tadalafil 75% of people successfully had intercourse with an erection that lasted long enough for it compared to 80% of people taking vardenafil (Levitra). The main difference between Levitra and Cialis is that Cialis can be effective for up to 36 hours compared to 4 to 6 hours for Levitra.