Monitoring
Patients receiving a PDE5 inhibitor must have regular follow-up of
efficacy, side effects, and any relevant change in their health status
(especially cardiovascular health) including medications.
Failure to respond to PDE5 inhibitors may be due to:
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Drug interactions
- Food interference with absorption
- Timing and frequency of dosing
- Lack of adequate sexual stimulation
- Heavy alcohol use
- Patient’s relationship with his partner
A patient who fails the initial trial of PDE5 inhibitors (after above factors are modified) may be given a different PDE5 inhibitor or proceed with other more invasive therapies for erectile dysfunction.