USMA - About VIAGRA


Q and A	About VIAGRA
VIAGRA has been touted as a true 'wonder drug', and to some extent it is. Restoring sexual vigor and potency to men in whom either time or medical problems have taken that vigor away borders on a 21st century miracle. Of course, like most advances in science and medicine, VIAGRA does have its drawbacks, so please read the following information carefully. If you have questions about VIAGRA therapy, please contact Dr. Stricker or our staff with your questions. The bottom line -- if in doubt, give us a call.

Q:	What can I expect from VIAGRA?
A:	If you remember your own puberty when the mere thought of sexual activity was enough to induce an erection, and a simple touch or the friction of your penis rubbing against your clothing could produce a persistent erection -- that's approximately what VIAGRA does for most men. This state of very easy sexual arousal lasts for about 3-4 hours.

Q:	How is VIAGRA used?
A:	A single tablet is taken by mouth about one hour before anticipated sexual activity. If you have eaten a large or fatty meal, the time for absorption is slowed and the tablet should be taken up to 2 1/2 hours prior to the time of anticipated sexual activity.

Q:	Is VIAGRA safe?
A:	For most men, the answer is yes. There are medical contraindications for men who are taking the prescription drugs known as nitrates. The most common of these drugs is nitroglycerin, which is sometimes prescribed for angina.

Q:	How often can VIAGRA be used?
A:	The manufacturer strongly cautions against using VIAGRA more than once in a 24-hour period. Dr. Stricker also feels that taking the medication more than once in 24 hours could lead to dependence on VIAGRA and is clearly contraindicated.

Q:	Does VIAGRA work for everyone?
A:	No, it does not. Research indicates that VIAGRA is effective in about 70% to 80% of the men who try it. For those men in whom it is not effective, there are other options, which we will be happy to discuss with you should your initial VIAGRA trial prove ineffective.

Q:	Is VIAGRA going to turn me into a sexual superman?
A:	No, it won't. What it will do for most men is restore the ability to achieve an erection easily and readily with minimal stimulation. Again, remember puberty?

Q:	Should women take VIAGRA?
A:	Preliminary studies have shown that women achieve increased blood flow to the vagina, increased lubrication and heightened sensitivity after taking VIAGRA. This effect on the vagina is similar to the effect of VIAGRA on penile stimulation in men. However, VIAGRA is not currently approved for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women.

Why is VIAGRA so costly?

VIAGRA is priced at a level that is comparable to alternative types of therapy for sexual dysfunction. It is certainly no more costly than injections or hormonal therapy. The manufacturer, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, has spent literally millions of dollars developing and testing VIAGRA prior to its introduction. These costs have to be recaptured. Also, we include our medical and professional services with each VIAGRA refill. That's why there is no separate charge for office visits while you're on VIAGRA therapy.

What is the cost of VIAGRA therapy?

For new patients, a brief medical history and physical examination are required prior to commencement of VIAGRA therapy. It is very important that you inform us about other drugs that you are taking or commence taking while on VIAGRA therapy. The fee for the initial medical evaluation, including your first trial doses of VIAGRA, is $400.00. From there on, the cost is $15 per tablet with a minimum of 5 tablets per refill. Established patients who are medically stable can receive their refills by mail. Our goal is to maintain your privacy, health, and safety while you are on VIAGRA therapy.

Will my insurance company or prescription plan pay for or reimburse the cost of VIAGRA?

In our experience, most insurance companies are not willing to pay for VIAGRA at this time, since the drug is considered 'non-essential' in the same way that Retin-A or Renova (for removal of wrinkles) are considered to be medications that are 'not medically necessary'. We will be happy to provide you with the appropriate paperwork to submit to your insurance company, but frankly, don't count on reimbursement.

Q:	Will you bill my insurance company directly?
A:	Sorry, but we can't. The only way we can provide VIAGRA therapy at a reasonable cost is if we don't get involved in the insurance billing and often 'non-payment' cycle. Again, we will provide the paperwork required for possible reimbursement, if you wish, but we ask you to pay for our services at the time they are provided. For your convenience, we do accept your personal check, major credit cards (VISA or MasterCard), and (oddly enough) cash.
	For more information about VIAGRA, we recommend Pfizer's Web site at www.viagra.com