Medically reviewed by Anne-Sophie Laignel
Written by Notre équipe éditoriale
Last updated 1/31/2025 - 7 min read
A medicine is a substance with curative or preventive properties regarding diseases. It is subject to strict regulations and must undergo rigorous clinical trials before being authorized on the market. In France and Europe, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are responsible for their approval.
Medications intended to treat erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and their generics, have been the subject of numerous scientific studies confirming their effectiveness. These treatments are prescribed by a doctor after an evaluation of the patient's condition, allowing for appropriate and safe management.
Dietary supplements, on the other hand, are not considered medicines. They are defined as products containing nutrients (vitamins, minerals, plants, amino acids, etc.) intended to supplement the diet. Their main purpose is to contribute to overall well-being, but they cannot claim to have proven therapeutic effects.
Unlike medications, dietary supplements are not subject to rigorous clinical trials and their effectiveness often relies on anecdotal evidence rather than solid scientific studies. Moreover, the regulation is much more lenient: their introduction to the market does not require prior authorization, except for a simple notification to health authorities.
Many dietary supplements are marketed with the promise of improving erectile function. However, they do not contain proven pharmacological substances to effectively treat erectile dysfunction. Their action often relies on herbs such as ginseng, maca, or tribulus terrestris, whose effects on erection are modest or even nonexistent according to current scientific data.
On the other hand, medications like Viagra and Cialis act directly on the physiological mechanisms of erection. They enhance blood flow to the penis by inhibiting an enzyme (phosphodiesterase type 5) that limits blood influx. Their effectiveness is quick, measurable, and proven: a single dose can restore satisfactory erectile function in the majority of cases.
Given the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and the proliferation of ineffective dietary supplements, Kano has sided with medicine. Our service is based on online medical consultations with specialized professionals, in order to offer scientifically validated treatments.
We have made the decision to prioritize proven solutions, as we know our patients are looking for an effective and serious response to their erectile dysfunction issues. Rather than betting on dietary supplements with questionable efficacy, we provide quick access to recognized treatments such as sildenafil and tadalafil, generic or otherwise, ensuring appropriate medical follow-up.
The difference between a drug and a dietary supplement is therefore clear: one is based on rigorous scientific studies and a medical prescription, while the other is more about general well-being without any real guarantee of effectiveness.
At Kano, we have made the choice of medical efficiency to allow our patients to regain a fulfilling sex life without wasting time or money on uncertain solutions. One pill, a proven effect, a direct solution: that is our commitment to men's intimate health.
The IIEF-5 Index is a recognized tool to assess erectile function. Answer 5 questions and discover your score and options in complete confidentiality.
IIEF-5
Over the last six months
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