Emergency Viagra Side Effects Requiring A&E
Immediate Emergency Symptoms
Certain Viagra side effects constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate A&E attendance. Chest pain, particularly during sexual activity, may indicate cardiovascular complications and requires urgent assessment. If you experience severe breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, or fainting, call 999 immediately. These symptoms could suggest dangerous blood pressure changes or heart rhythm disturbances.
Priapism: Extended Erection Emergency
An erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) is a urological emergency. This painful condition can cause permanent damage to penile tissue if not treated promptly. Priapism affects less than 1% of Viagra users but requires immediate medical intervention. Do not wait - attend A&E immediately if your erection persists beyond 4 hours, regardless of whether it remains rigid.
Vision and Hearing Complications
Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, though rare, requires emergency care. This may indicate NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), a serious condition requiring immediate ophthalmological assessment. Similarly, sudden hearing loss or severe tinnitus warrants urgent medical evaluation. These sensory complications, whilst uncommon, can be permanent without prompt treatment.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis to Viagra, though extremely rare, can be life-threatening. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, severe swelling of face or throat, widespread rash, and rapid pulse. If you experience these symptoms, use your EpiPen if available and call 999 immediately. Less severe allergic reactions may include skin rash or mild swelling.
When to Contact Your GP Instead
Mild side effects like headache, flushing, or nasal congestion typically don't require emergency care. Contact your GP if these persist or worsen. Indigestion, back pain, or muscle aches are common and usually resolve within hours. EverydayMeds offers both Viagra and sildenafil (generic equivalent) - your prescriber can adjust dosage or suggest the alternative formulation if side effects are troublesome but not dangerous.
