STUDY SHOWS VIAGRA SAFE FOR MEN WITH HYPERTENSION.

An important study recently published in the American Journal of Hypertension shows that VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate), the breakthrough oral treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), has comparable efficacy for ED for men taking antihypertensive (high blood pressure) medications concurrent with VIAGRA, as for men treated with VIAGRA alone. As the largest analysis of clinical trial data to date, the study assessed the efficacy and safety of VIAGRA in men with ED who were already taking one or more antihypertensive medications.

Erectile dysfunction -- the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity -- is a common problem in men with high blood pressure. In fact, some studies report that one-in-five men with high blood pressure suffer from ED. According to the published study results, taking one or more antihypertensive medications (diuretics, beta blockers, alpha blockers, ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers) had no effect on the effectiveness or side effect profile of VIAGRA.

"Along with the effect of hypertension itself, some of the medicines used to treat high blood pressure are felt to have a negative impact on erectile function," said Dr. John Parker, Cardiologist, Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network Hospitals, Toronto, Ontario. "The results of this study of hypertensive men confirm that VIAGRA is safe and effective in a wide variety of men who suffer from ED, including those with high blood pressure," said Dr. Parker.

Developed and discovered by Pfizer, VIAGRA is the first effective oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, commonly known as "impotence." Available in Canada now for two years, VIAGRA was approved by Health Canada on March 8, 1999. To date, more than one million prescriptions have been written for VIAGRA in Canada.

In the journal-published study, the efficacy of VIAGRA was assessed in 3,414 men, of whom 1,218 were taking antihypertensive medication. In ten double-blind placebo-controlled studies, participants received VIAGRA (5 to 200 mg) or placebo over periods of six weeks to six months. Significant improvements in erectile function demonstrated by VIAGRA-treated men were comparable in patients taking high blood pressure medication and those not taking hypertensive medication. For men taking VIAGRA and high blood pressure medication, the incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar to that for the VIAGRA-treated men not taking any antihypertensive agents.

"The recent study demonstrates that men with high blood pressure can enjoy the benefits of VIAGRA, even if they are on antihypertensive medicines," concluded Dr. Parker.

VIAGRA is a prescription medication available only from doctors and should always be used in accordance with its approved labeling. In clinical trials, there was no difference in the rate of serious cardiovascular events between patients treated with VIAGRA or placebo. While it is well tolerated and effective when used as prescribed, VIAGRA should not be taken by patients who use nitrates. The most common side effects of VIAGRA are headaches, facial flushing and indigestion.

Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc, the world's leading pharmaceutical company. Pfizer is dedicated to discovering medicines to help people lead longer, healthier and more productive lives. Pfizer Canada has over 2,200 employees across the country and is headquartered in Kirkland, Quebec.

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