Viagra, too, has a dangerous side effect, a possibly deadly interaction with heart drugs known as nitrates. Uprima does offer some unique advantages, according to officials with TAP, a joint venture between Abbott Laboratories and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. A pill that is absorbed under the tongue, Uprima works by stimulating production of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends a signal for an erection. Viagra, by contrast, is swallowed and increases blood flow to the penis. In three clinical trials of men with varying degrees of impotence, Uprima took effect in as little as 15 minutes.
Current therapies are limited.
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