Back

Next

Viagra® and Levitra® are two of the most popular medications for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), a common disorder in men of all ages. These drugs belong to the same class, that of type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5), which work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Although they share this basic mechanism, Viagra® and Cialis® have distinct characteristics that may influence your choice depending on your needs. Viagra®, whose active ingredient is sildenafil, was the first drug on the market to treat ED. It is taken about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, with an effect that lasts between 4 to 6 hours. It is particularly recommended for men who are looking for a short-term solution or who prefer to take medication on an as-needed basis. However, its relatively short duration of action may limit the spontaneity of sexual encounters. Cialis®, on the other hand, is known for its longer duration of action, which can last up to 36 hours, making it a suitable option for men who seek more flexibility or who engage in sexual activity more frequently. This allows for a more spontaneous sexual experience without the need to plan ahead for medication intake. Each individual's response to these medications can vary, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

Viagra® vs Levitra®? Which one to choose?

Dr. Sam Ward - Urologue et Andrologue

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sam Ward

Written by Anne-Sophie Laignel

Last updated 9/13/2024 - 6 min read

What is the best option for treating erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical problem that affects millions of men around the world. Fortunately, several medications can help to address this issue, including Viagra® (sildenafil) and Levitra® (vardenafil). Although they share a common goal, these two medications have significant differences that can influence the choice of treatment. This article will compare Viagra® and Levitra® in detail, helping you to choose the most suitable treatment for your needs and explaining how to obtain a prescription online via Kano.care. Additionally, we will highlight the potential dangers of misusing these medications.

Viagra®: The pioneer in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Viagra®, introduced by Pfizer in 1998, is undoubtedly the most famous medication for treating erectile dysfunction. It contains sildenafil, a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5), which works by increasing blood flow to the penis to facilitate an erection during sexual stimulation.

Operation and efficiency

Viagra® starts to work about 30 to 60 minutes after taking it, and its effect usually lasts between 4 to 6 hours. It is effective with sexual stimulation and helps men maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. However, it is not a permanent cure, and the medication must be taken each time before sexual activity.

Levitra®: A newer alternative

Levitra®, launched by Bayer in 2003, also works as a PDE5 inhibitor but contains vardenafil. This molecule shares similarities with sildenafil but has certain distinctive features that may be more suitable for specific patient profiles.

Operation and efficiency

Like Viagra®, Levitra® starts to work about 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. However, it tends to offer a slightly longer duration of action, up to 8 hours. Some studies suggest that vardenafil may be better tolerated by men with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, making it an interesting option for this patient category.

Kano, the most affordable urological teleconsultation service.

Comparison of the two drugs

1. Action time

Both medications start to work approximately 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. However, the duration of Levitra®'s effect might be slightly longer than that of Viagra®. This means that you could have a wider window of opportunity with Levitra®, offering you more flexibility in your sexual encounters.

2. Side effects

The side effects of both medications are similar and may include headaches, hot flashes, nasal congestion, and sometimes temporary visual disturbances, such as slightly blue-tinted vision. However, some men find that the side effects of Levitra® are less pronounced. For example, it is less likely to affect vision than Viagra®, which can be a deciding factor for some patients.

3. Effectiveness depending on medical conditions

For men with diabetes or heart diseases, Levitra® is sometimes considered a better option due to its slightly higher tolerance in these cases. On the other hand, Viagra® has been used for over two decades, and its effectiveness has been widely proven among the majority of users.

4. Usage Frequency

Viagra® and Levitra® are both taken as needed, meaning you take them before each sexual activity. Neither option requires daily intake, unlike some other medications such as Cialis®.

5. Food and Interaction

Viagra® may be less effective if you eat a heavy or high-fat meal before taking it. This can delay the drug's absorption and reduce its effectiveness. Levitra®, on the other hand, seems to be less affected by food intake, making it a more flexible option for men who do not want to adjust their diet before having sexual intercourse.

Why choose one over the other?

The choice between Viagra® and Levitra® depends on several personal factors, including your specific needs, preferences, and overall health.

  • Choose Viagra® if : You are looking for a medication with a solid reputation and a proven track record of effectiveness. If you don’t have any specific medical conditions and meals do not disrupt your intake, Viagra® could be a good choice.
  • Choose Levitra® if : You have diabetes or other health issues, or if you want a medication that is less affected by food intake. Moreover, if you are looking for a longer duration of action without the need for daily dosing, Levitra® might be more suitable.

The dangers of inappropriate use of ED medications

Although Viagra® and Levitra® are both effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, their misuse can pose serious health risks.

Risk of overdose

Taking more than the recommended dose of Viagra® or Levitra® will not give you better results, but may lead to serious complications, such as a dangerous drop in blood pressure, prolonged and painful erections (priapism), and heart disorders.

Getting a prescription for Viagra
Need to consult a sexual health specialist?
  • Quick medical consultation in less than 24 hours.
  • Discreet teleconsultation: the doctor will contact you only if necessary.
  • Affordable rate: €35, making healthcare accessible to everyone.
  • Prescription within 3 hours if you are eligible for the treatment.
  • Treatment delivered to your home by our partner pharmacies.

ARTICLES DE BLOG

À voir aussi

Thanks to its asynchronous approach and video consultations for more serious needs, Kano helps to relieve hospital services while ensuring effective medical follow-up.

Kano.care: a solution to the medical desert in Lille?

Finding a urologist quickly has become impossible in Lille! The shortage of urologists in Lille is a worrying reality that affects many patients facing excessive waiting times for specialized consultations. According to available data, the average waiting time to get an appointment with a urologist in the Lille region often exceeds eight months, an untenable situation for patients needing a treatment renewal or a rapid diagnosis, especially in cases of erectile dysfunction.

In case of suspicion of a more serious problem, a videoconference consultation with a specialist is organized to ensure appropriate medical follow-up.

How is Kano fighting the shortage of urologists in Marseille

The city of Marseille, despite being equipped with several renowned hospital facilities, is facing a critical shortage of urologists. With waiting times often exceeding eight months for a hospital consultation, patients suffering from urological disorders, particularly erectile dysfunction, find themselves in a difficult situation. Kano.care, by revolutionizing access to urological care through asynchronous teleconsultation, offers an effective and immediate alternative to the saturated physical consultations.

By relieving the burden of in-person consultations, Kano.care enables urologists to focus on complex cases, while ensuring quick access to care for patients.

How is Kano tackling the shortage of urologists in Bordeaux?

The shortage of urology specialists is a major problem in Bordeaux, as in many regions of France. Patients dealing with sexual function disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, often have to wait more than eight months to get an appointment for an in-person consultation. This excessive delay is unacceptable, especially for patients in need of a treatment renewal or a rapid diagnosis. It is in this context that Kano.care positions itself as an effective and modern alternative, allowing for quick, discreet, and high-quality care.

Ordoclic and Kano.care: a collaboration for convenient and reliable digital prescriptions.

Ordoclic: The Reference Partner for Digital Prescriptions from Kano.care

In a world where digital health is becoming increasingly important, choosing reliable and innovative partners is essential. For Kano.care, a leader in teleconsultation specializing in men's intimate health, the goal is clear: to offer its patients a smooth, secure, and effective experience. It is with this in mind that Kano.care has selected Ordoclic as a partner for the management of digital prescriptions. A strategic choice that improves the daily lives of patients while ensuring maximum security.

Kano Care's initiatives have already shown promising results in Lyon. Waiting times for urological consultations have decreased thanks to teleconsultations. Patients, especially in outlying areas, benefit from better follow-up. By combining technological innovation and recruitment efforts, Kano Care is building a sustainable solution to the shortage of specialists. This approach could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

How is Kano combating the shortage of urologists in Lyon?

The shortage of urologists is an increasing problem in many French regions, including Lyon, where access to specialized consultations is becoming increasingly difficult. In response to this challenge, Kano Care, an innovative healthcare company, offers concrete solutions to address this shortage. By combining advanced technologies, personalized services, and efficient organization, Kano Care aims to optimize access to urological care for patients in the Lyon area.

Kano.care is transforming access to men's healthcare by offering a digital solution that combines speed, safety, and discretion. Addressing specific needs such as erectile dysfunction, hair loss, or hormonal disorders, Kano.care simplifies medical consultations for men who value both convenience and privacy. The platform allows users to fill out an online medical questionnaire, which assists doctors in understanding their symptoms and making a quick diagnosis. Thanks to an online consultation that's just a few clicks away, patients can avoid the hassle of a physical appointment and receive an electronic prescription in less than 24 hours, if the treatment is appropriate.

How does Kano ensure quick access to reliable and secure medical consultations?

Kano.care is transforming access to men's healthcare by offering quick and secure online consultations. With a user-friendly platform, men can consult a doctor without the need for an in-person appointment and, if necessary, receive an electronic prescription in less than 24 hours. Kano.care ensures data confidentiality through advanced encryption protocols and collaborates with certified healthcare professionals. This solution eliminates the risks associated with counterfeit products and offers a reliable alternative to traditional consultations, meeting user expectations in terms of discretion and convenience.

REAL IMPACT

They Trust Us

Mick

39 years old

Super

Received the prescription in under 2 hours 👍🏼

Adriano

36 years old

Very satisfied

Quick, reliable. Perfect.

Philipe

53 years old

Simple and effective

Simple and effective, nothing more to say. Great for a first experience.

Treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®, and Spedra®, carry potential risks that vary depending on the patient's health condition. They may cause serious side effects, including cardiovascular issues, dangerous drug interactions, or prolonged erections (priapism), which require immediate medical attention. It is essential never to take these medications without the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. A thorough medical consultation is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment for each individual, taking into account medical history and contraindications. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the medications are obtained from reliable and authorized sources. Medications purchased outside legal channels or without a prescription may be counterfeit, ineffective, or even harmful to health. Always consult a doctor before using these treatments and obtain medications from a licensed pharmacy.

iphone-consultation

Erectile dysfunction?

  • 100% online consultation
  • No appointment needed, prescription within 3 hours
  • Fast and discreet delivery
trustpilot

Rated as 'Excellent' on Trustpilot.

Thousands of men already trust us.

Erectile dysfunction?

  • 100% online consultation
  • No appointment needed, prescription within 3 hours
  • Fast and discreet delivery
iphone-consultation
trustpilot

Rated as 'Excellent' on Trustpilot.