Scleroderma Types Systemic Symptoms Lungs PH Treatments

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Treatments: PDE 5 Inhibitors: Vardenafil (Levitra®)

Overview

Vardenafil is currently not approved for PAH patients. "Off-label" uses include Raynaud's and pulmonary hypertension.

Vardenafil (Levitra) is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction. Its "off label" use includes treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). (Also see: What is PAH?, What is Scleroderma? and PAH Treatments)

Understanding Investigational Drugs and Off Label Use of Approved Drugs. When a drug is used in a way that is different from that described in the FDA-approved drug label, it is said to be an "off-label" use. This can mean that the drug is used for a different disease or medical condition, given in a different way (such as by a different route), or given in a different dose. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Vardenafil (Levitra®) relaxes blood vessels, thereby improving circulation and reducing blood pressure in the lungs. It is also used to treat erectile dysfunction, but is used in higher doses for PAH.

Vardenafil (Levitra®) is a pill which is usually taken twice daily for PAH. It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors (PDE 5 Inhibitors). It is manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and distributed by GlaxoSmithKline.

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