How ED Medications Work
The most widely prescribed ED medications — sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra®) and tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis®) — belong to a class called PDE5 inhibitors. They work by relaxing smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis, increasing blood flow in response to sexual stimulation. They do not cause an erection on their own — sexual arousal is still required.
Sildenafil is typically taken 30–60 minutes before sexual activity and lasts approximately 4–6 hours. Tadalafil is available in both on-demand dosing (lasting up to 36 hours) and daily low-dose formulations. Your licensed provider will recommend the most appropriate medication and dosing based on your health history.
Both sildenafil and tadalafil are FDA-approved medications with well-established safety profiles. Compounded versions are also available from licensed pharmacies. Your provider will discuss which form is being prescribed.
Who It's For
A licensed provider will evaluate your complete health history before recommending ED treatment. It may be considered for adult men who:
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Experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity
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Do not have contraindicated conditions, particularly those taking nitrates for heart disease (PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated with nitrates)
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Do not have certain cardiovascular conditions that make sexual activity inadvisable
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Are not taking medications that have significant interactions with PDE5 inhibitors
Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether ED treatment is appropriate for you. This is not medical advice.
How the Program Works
01
Complete Your Confidential Evaluation
Answer questions about your health history, current medications, and symptoms through our clinical partner's HIPAA-compliant portal. All information is private and confidential.
02
Provider Review
A licensed healthcare professional independently reviews your information and determines whether ED treatment is medically appropriate for you.
03
Prescription & Pharmacy Fulfillment
If approved, your prescription is filled by a licensed US-based pharmacy and shipped directly to you in discreet packaging.
04
Ongoing Support
Your provider is available through your patient portal for follow-up questions, dose adjustments, or prescription renewals.
Brand-Name vs. Compounded ED Medications
Brand-name & generic
Sildenafil and tadalafil are available as FDA-approved generic medications, as well as brand-name products (Viagra® and Cialis®). These are manufactured under strict FDA oversight and have well-established safety and efficacy profiles from extensive clinical trials.
Compounded
Compounded sildenafil and tadalafil are also available from state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality in the same way approved drugs have. Your provider will discuss which form is most appropriate for your situation.
LeoCore Health's clinical partner works with licensed US-based pharmacies. Patients should discuss the specific medication being prescribed with their licensed provider.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start with a confidential online evaluation. Our physicians will review your health history and goals to recommend the right treatment path for you.
Individual results may vary. Treatment is subject to provider evaluation and approval. LeoCore Health does not provide medical care directly.
Side Effects and Safety
PDE5 inhibitors are generally well tolerated. Common side effects include:
Headache
The most commonly reported side effect. Usually mild and transient.
Flushing
A warm or red feeling in the face, neck, or chest. Usually brief and mild.
Nasal congestion
Reported by some patients. Usually mild.
Visual disturbances
Rare. Some patients report mild, temporary changes in color vision or light sensitivity with sildenafil. Seek immediate medical attention for sudden vision loss.
PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated with nitrates (used for heart disease) — this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. They should be used with caution in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions. Priapism (a prolonged, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours) is a rare but serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention.
Learn about sexual wellness →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for ED medication?
Yes. Sildenafil and tadalafil are prescription medications. A licensed provider must evaluate your health history and determine whether they are medically appropriate for you before a prescription can be issued.
What is the difference between sildenafil and tadalafil?
Both are PDE5 inhibitors that work by the same mechanism. Sildenafil (Viagra®) is typically taken 30–60 minutes before activity and lasts 4–6 hours. Tadalafil (Cialis®) lasts up to 36 hours and is also available as a daily low-dose option. Your provider will recommend the most appropriate choice based on your preferences and health history.
Is the process confidential?
Yes. Your evaluation, prescription, and delivery are all handled confidentially. Medications are shipped in discreet packaging with no identifying information about the contents on the outside.
Can I take ED medication if I have heart disease?
It depends on the specific condition and medications you are taking. PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated with nitrates and should be used with caution in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions. A licensed provider must review your complete medical history before prescribing.
What if the medication doesn't work?
ED medications are effective for many men, but individual responses vary. If one medication or dose is not effective, your provider may adjust the dose or recommend a different medication. ED can also have psychological components that may benefit from additional support.
Can ED be a sign of a more serious health condition?
ED can sometimes be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances. A licensed provider will evaluate your overall health as part of the intake process and may recommend additional testing if appropriate.
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