Effect of the new 75-mg orodispersible film of sildenafil on erection and sexual quality of life: insights from an observational study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe newly devised orodispersible film (ODF) of sildenafil is the first phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) available in a 75-mg dose. This intermediate dose and the particular properties of the ODF formulation can improve the clinical management of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients.AimWe investigated the effects of the sildenafil ODF 75-mg dose on both sexual quality of life and erectile function based on the results from an observational study in daily practice in Italy.MethodsThis study was a post hoc analysis of results from an observational, real-life study carried out in ED patients at 6 treatment centers in Italy. All subjects were asked to take the prescribed dose of sildenafil ODF at inclusion (visit 1) and to return for a control visit (visit 2) to confirm or adapt the prescribed dose after a minimum of 4 weeks. An end of study control visit (visit 3) was performed after additional 4 weeks.OutcomesErectile function, assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function–Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain; sexual quality of life, measured using the sexual quality of life instrument for men (SQoL-M).ResultsAmong the 36 subjects initially recruited for the 75-mg dose, 5 patients dropped out of the study (2 at visit 2 and 3 at visit 3), none of whom due to treatment inefficacy or serious adverse events. At visit 2, the mean (SD) IIEF-EF scores significantly increased (∆ = 7.97 [4.71], P < 0.0001) as SQoL-M scores also did (∆ = 10.76 [10.46], P < 0.0001). At visit 3, IIEF-EF and SQoL-M scores were still significantly improved compared to baseline (∆ = 10.64 [7.01], P < 0.0001, and ∆ = 18.15 [12.32], P < 0.0001, respectively). By ANCOVA, we found no significant effects for age, BMI, previous use of PDE5i, presence of metabolic comorbidities, or smoking habits on study outcomes at both visits 2 and 3.Clinical implicationThe new 75-mg ODF sildenafil formulation is a safe and effective treatment for ED, significantly improving both erectile function and sexual quality of life in patients undergoing treatment.Strengths and limitationsThis is the first study assessing the efficacy of the sildenafil ODF 75-mg dose in a real-life setting. However, the small sample size, possible underlying cultural factors, and limited availability of clinically relevant data may have affected the reliability of our results.ConclusionThe use of the 75 mg ODF formulation for sildenafil represents an effective and safe novel treatment option for ED patients.