For common outcomes there was similar efficacy between PDE-5 inhibitors
Background There are no r and omised and properly blinded trials directly comparing one PDE-5 inhibitor with another in a normal home setting .
Valid indirect comparisons with a common comparator must examine equivalent doses , similar duration , similar population s , with the same outcomes reported in the same way .
The efficacy and safety of flexible-dose vardenafil (levitra) in a broad population of European men.
BACKGROUND In fixed-dose studies , vardenafil 5 , 10 , and 20 mg improves  erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction ( ED ) . Here , the efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil when used in a flexible-dose regimen was assessed . METHODS In this multicenter trial , 323 patients r and omly received vardenafil 10 mg or placebo .  After 4 weeks , patients could switch to 5 or 20 mg ( or corresponding placebo ) , or remain on 10 mg for an additional 4 weeks ; dose-switching was optional for the last 4 weeks . Efficacy variables included the IIEF-EF domain score , GAQ , and percentage of positive responses to SEP2/SEP3 questions . RESULTS The IIEF-EF domain score significantly improved from a baseline of moderate ED ( 12.6 - 13.1 ) to mild ED in men on  vardenafil  ( 21.0 - 24.2 ) compared with placebo ( 13.7 - 15.6 ) at weeks 4 , 8 , 12 , and last observation carried forward ( LOCF ) ( p<0.005 vs. placebo ) . A significantly greater proportion of men receiving vardenafil at weeks 4 , 8 , 12 , and LOCF reported improved erections ( 80 - 86 % vs. 21 - 36 % for placebo , p<0.005 ) . Successful SEP2 rates increased after vardenafil , reaching 84 % at weeks 8 and 12 vs. 49 - 53 % receiving placebo ( p<0.005 vs. placebo ) . Vardenafil improved successful SEP3 rates ranging from 58 % to 74 % compared to 22 - 34 % for placebo . The most common adverse events , flushing and headache , were generally mild and transient . CONCLUSION In this flexible dose study , vardenafil was well-tolerated , and produced clinical ly relevant improvements in erectile function in men with ED
For common outcomes there was similar efficacy between PDE-5 inhibitors
Background There are no r and omised and properly blinded trials directly comparing one PDE-5 inhibitor with another in a normal home setting .
Valid indirect comparisons with a common comparator must examine equivalent doses , similar duration , similar population s , with the same outcomes reported in the same way .