Vardenafil

Vardenafil (generic Levitra) tablets to treat erectile dysfunction available to buy online in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths.

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Buy Vardenafil online in UK

How to order Vardenafil online for UK delivery:

  1. Read medical information about erectile dysfunction
  2. Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
  3. Reviewed by doctors - posted from UK pharmacy (tracked 24hr service)

All men with erectile dysfunction should consult their regular doctor before obtaining treatment online.

Generic Levitra

Vardenafil is the medical or generic name for Levitra.

Vardenafil is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in both products - both Levitra and vardenafil are regarded as medically the same.

Vardenafil is sometimes called generic Levitra. Vardenafil has been sold under a product (patent) license - brand name Levitra from Bayer - since 2003 (discontinued in 2023). In October 2018, the Levitra patent expired in the UK and other European countries. This means other drug manufacturers, such as Accord, can sell generic versions of Levitra, marketed as vardenafil, and prices have now reduced.

Prices

Prices of vardenafil tablets from Dr Fox
Tablet type 4 tablets 8 tablets 16 tablets 24 tablets
Vardenafil 5mg £9.90 £18.90 £35.50 £57.00
Vardenafil 10mg £11.80 £21.75 £39.90 £59.80
Vardenafil 20mg £12.80 £25.75 £43.50 £62.80

Price match guarantee
Prescription issued online - small prescription fee per order.

Prescription fees

Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.

Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.

Order value Prescription fee
up to £10 £1.00
up to £20 £2.00
up to £40 £3.00
over £40 £4.00

If you have your own private paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).

Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.

Delivery charges

UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-2 working days with tracking).

Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.

Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.

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About Vardenafil

How does vardenafil work?

During sexual arousal, the penis becomes erect because it fills with blood. To become erect the penile blood vessels need to dilate (expand) and the muscle relax. This process relies on a chemical called nitric oxide.

Vardenafil belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors). PDE5 inhibitors exert their effects by increasing levels of nitric oxide within penile tissues.

Why choose vardenafil?

Vardenafil provides an alternative choice for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown vardenafil is safe and effective, and usually works well to improve erections and overall sexual performance.

Side effects are possible with all the PDE5 inhibitors but these are no more common with vardenafil than with any of the others.

Vardenafil needs to be taken around 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse, and is effective for around 4-5 hours. It will not work without any sexual stimulation.

Other options for treating erectile dysfunction include Viagra/sildenafil, Cialis/tadalafil, and Spedra/avanafil. These all work in a similar way, but there are small differences in how to take them. See tablet differences for further details.

Vardenafil medicine pack photos: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg

How to take vardenafil

The first time you take vardenafil, start with one 10mg tablet. Depending on the response, this dose can subsequently be increased to 20mg, or reduced to 5mg. Most commonly men find the 10mg dose works well.

It should be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse with or without food. However a fatty meal delays absorption and should be avoided.

It may be taken with a small amount of alcohol, but alcohol reduces all aspects of sexual performance.

Vardenafil should not be taken more than once in 24 hours.

It is important to understand that vardenafil and the other PDE5 inhibitors may not be effective the first time you use them. Try to stay open minded and be prepared to try several times. As a general rule, stick with the same dose you took last time before increasing the dose, and only go up to the higher strength if vardenafil has not worked as well as you had hoped on several occasions.

Contraindications and interactions

Before buying vardenafil tablets online, all men with erectile dysfunction should consult a doctor for a face to face medical consultation. This is to ensure that any possible medical reasons for erectile dysfunction have been addressed, and that there are no specific concerns about your suitability for vardenafil.

A past history of heart disease and stroke would mean vardenafil is unlikely to be a safe choice. There are some types of medication which interact with vardenafil and the other PDE5 inhibitors, for example drugs used to treat angina and heart disease such as nitrates. Your doctor will perform basic checks, and assess your overall eligibility for vardenafil and the other PDE5 inhibitors, and if you are not suitable, will discuss alternatives.

When purchasing vardenafil from Dr Fox, all men are required to complete an online assessment. This is to be sure vardenafil is a suitable and safe choice.

Men should not take vardenafil without further assessment from their GP when the following apply:

  • Low or high blood pressure
  • Allergies or reactions to past ED treatments
  • Recent heart attack (within 6 weeks) or suffer from angina (heart pain on exertion) or any form of heart disease
  • History of strokes or mini-strokes (transient ischaemic attack)
  • History of vision problems caused by circulation problems
  • History in the family of rare degenerative eye disease
  • Serious kidney (renal) or liver disease
  • Peyronie's disease – angulation or deformity of the penis
  • Leukaemia, multiple myeloma or sickle cell disease
  • Bleeding disorders (such as haemophilia)
  • Current active stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer or gastric ulcer)

There is a very rare theoretical risk of abnormal heart rhythm if vardenafil is taken at the same time as some other medications - please check this list.

How effective is vardenafil?

Studies show vardenafil is very effective in treating erectile dysfunction. In clinical trials, 76% of men using vardenafil at the 10mg dose achieved erections suitable for penetration, over a 3 month period.

Side effects of vardenafil

The commonest side effect, affecting up to 1 in 10 men is headache. The next most common side effects are dizziness, facial flushing, indigestion, and a stuffy nose.

A complete list of side effects can be found in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.

If you feel dizzy after taking vardenafil or any of the PDE5 inhibitors, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery.

When might side effects from vardenafil be an emergency?

Severe adverse reactions to vardenafil are rare, affecting between 1 in 1000 to 1 in 10,000 men.

These include allergic reactions, chest pains, and/or fits.

Priapism is the name for painful erections which last for 2 hours or more. This is a rare serious side effect of vardenafil and the other PDE5 inhibitors, and if it occurs you must seek urgent medical help straight away.

Are there any other medicines which might interact with vardenafil?

The most important drugs to avoid when taking vardenafil or any PDE5 inhibitors are nitrates such as isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) as these may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Other medicines that can interact with vardenafil include:

  • Drugs to treat heart arrhythmias, e.g. quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol
  • Anti-HIV drugs, e.g. ritonavir, indinivir
  • Antifungal agents, e.g ketoconazole, itraconazole
  • Antibiotics, e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
  • Alpha blockers used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia, e.g doxazocin, terazocin, tamsulosin
  • Riociguat – a treatment for pulmonary hypertension

You should not stop taking medicines without first discussing with your doctor.

What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)?

The vast majority of men with ED have no identifiable medical disease. However ED is very common - affecting 50% of men at some time in their lives.

In general ED is thought to be due to a combination of factors including the natural effects of ageing, psychological stress, anxiety, and lifestyle factors which can all disturb blood circulation.

Some lifestyle factors have a major effect on the blood circulation and can be associated with ED. These include smoking, excess alcohol, lack of exercise, and obesity.

Medical conditions associated with ED include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and also following prostate surgery or from spinal injuries. Sometimes ED can be a side effect of certain medicines.

Alternative ED treatments

Unfortunately not all men will respond to vardenafil, although it is important to try using it several times, and to try a higher dose before admitting defeat. However if there are significant physiological reasons why erections are not taking place, vardenafil or indeed any of the other PDE5 inhibitors may not be successful.

It is very important to see a doctor for a face to face consultation, to be sure any underlying causes for PDE5 have been identified and managed appropriately. Without doing this, your health and sexual function may continue to suffer.

Alternative treatments may be tried. These include alprostadil – such as Vitaros cream, MUSE (Medical Urethral System for Erections), or the use of vacuum pumps.

Specialist counselling with a sexual therapist may be very beneficial, especially if there is underlying stress and anxiety.

Patient Information Leaflet

Illustration of patient leaflet from medicine packet

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.

Vardenafil Patient Information Leaflet

Manufacturers and brands of vardenafil

Different pharmacy companies produce their own vardenafil tablets. Dr Fox supplies only UK licensed tablets supplied from UK registered pharmacies.

Dr Fox will usually supply the same brand of vardenafil each time, although this may not always be possible. From time to time manufacturers may have stock shortages, and brand switching is unavoidable. Most men find no difference between brands. Patients may request specific brands if they have a preference.

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Vardenafil FAQs

Why must I see a doctor before starting vardenafil?

Although the vast majority of men with ED do not have an identifiable medical cause, it is important to see your doctor to have a check up. There may be underlying factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or raised cholesterol which may be contributing to the problem.

Sometime ED is the first sign of atherosclerosis – the major cause of heart disease and stroke. Once this is recognised you have options for treatment and to alter lifestyle factors such as stopping smoking, losing weight, improving diet, and increased activity or exercise. If these opportunities are missed, your health could deteriorate.

Vardenafil also may not be effective if there is any underlying disease. An alternative approach may be needed to help you with ED.

Dr Fox will provide vardenafil if you have completed the medical questionnaire online to determine suitability, and will request your permission to inform your regular doctor that you are being supplied with treatment.

Is sildenafil stronger than vardenafil?

Vardenafil has a stronger biochemical action than sildenafil. This means it is effective in producing erections at lower doses. This could potentially lead to less side effects, but this has not been proven in medical studies.
Compare erectile dysfunction tablets

Why is vardenafil cheaper than Levitra?

Levitra was the brand name given to the product when it was first licensed by the drug company Bayer. The active ingredient is vardenafil. Until the license for Levitra expired, it would have been illegal for other drug manufacturers to copy the product under a different name. However now the license has run out, this is no longer the case and generic Levitra - vardenafil - products are available.

Brand name products command the highest prices, because they are unique, and also because of the high costs to research and develop a new drug. The drug companies need time to recoup their investment. Generic medicines however are very much cheaper.

Bayer discontinued the manufacture of Levitra in February 2023 and it is no longer available.

Can I buy vardenafil without a prescription?

No. Vardenafil is a prescription only medicine. If you visit your doctor you will be assessed and given a prescription. If you choose to use an online doctor such as Dr Fox, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire to assess your suitability for vardenafil.

A doctor will assess your application and if you are suitable they will prescribe vardenafil for you. You will be charged a small prescription fee,less than the cost of an NHS prescription.

Can I get vardenafil on the NHS?

Currently only generic sildenafil is prescribed on the NHS for treatment of erectile dysfunction, as this is the lowest cost. However there are certain medical conditions for which other ED treatments can be prescribed, including for example patients with diabetes or prostate cancer. Generic vardenafil and also generic tadalafil may be available on the NHS in future.

Can vardenafil tablets be divided?

Generally no but in practice many men do! The manufacturers' advice is that vardenafil tablets are not suitable to be split, and patients should use the minimum effective dose as a whole tablet. Most vardenafil tablets are film-coated, however this is not an extended or delayed release coating (to achieve delayed absorption), so tablets should actually be safe to split. It has been suggested that tablet 'halves' may not contain equal doses but in reality any discrepancy is likely to be minimal. Vardenafil tablets are not 'scored' with an indented line in the middle of the tablet, so halving is difficult and the 'halves' may crumble. If you choose to split tablets, purchasing a pill-splitter can help the process. If you take vardenafil as an orodispersible tablet, this dissolves on the tongue and should not be swallowed with water or any liquids.

Can I drink alcohol with vardenafil?

Yes. It is fine to drink a small amount of alcohol with vardenafil, but do remember that alcohol reduces all aspects of sexual performance.

What should I do if vardenafil does not work or stops working?

  • Always revisit the instructions in the patient information leaflet for how to take vardenafil and ensure you are following these correctly.
  • Ensure you are not taking any medicines which might interact with vardenafil.
  • Try several times before thinking it won't work – it may take several attempts.
  • Sexual arousal is required, without it tablets will not have an effect.
  • Make sure you have had a face to face consultation with a doctor so that any underlying factors can be identified and lifestyle factors modified.
  • Consider increasing to a higher dose, for example on vardenafil, if you have tried the 10mg dose, now try the 20mg dose.
  • Consider an alternative treatment e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil, or perhaps a different type of medication such as Vitaros cream (a local prostaglandin treatment).

See also erectile dysfunction FAQs page.

Dr Tony Steele

Authored 23 October 2018 by Dr Tony Steele
MB ChB Sheffield University 1983. Former hospital doctor and GP. GMC no. 2825328

Reviewed by Dr C. Pugh, Dr B. Babor, Dr A. Wood
Last reviewed 27 September 2021
Last updated 19 March 2024

References

Recent Vardenafil reviews

Vardenafil rated 4.26/5 in 110 product reviews

See over 40,000 service reviews of Dr Fox

Vardenafil 20mg

They appear to work fine but as they say, you still need stimulation.

12 March 2024
Anonymous Verified

Vardenafil 20mg

Good after an hour but then had the same effect the next morning. This is my new go to and I've tried 4 different types

02 March 2024
Anonymous Verified

Vardenafil 20mg

Very Happy with this product

25 February 2024
Anonymous Verified

Vardenafil 20mg

Works better than generic viagra.

20 February 2024
Anonymous Verified

Vardenafil 20mg

Does not work. Worthless

Dr Fox response:
Thank you for your review and very sorry to hear the latest vardenafil manufacturer supplied was not effective for you. All medicine supplied is UK licensed. Unwanted medicine may be returned for a refund or exchanged for another generic manufacturer/brand.

22 January 2024
Anonymous Verified

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