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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

ED medications may cause congestion

Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon The Spokesman-Review

Q. I have taken both Viagra and Cialis. They work well, but I do get sinus-pressure headaches when I take these drugs. I feel this has contributed to sinus infections that have required lengthy courses of antibiotics. Is this possible?

A. Nasal stuffiness is a relatively common reaction to drugs for erectile dysfunction like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. People who experience chronic congestion may develop an infection and sinusitis as a consequence.

Please discuss this issue with your physician. There are other ways to treat erectile dysfunction.

Q. Do nitroglycerin heart tablets lose their potency once the bottle is opened for the first use, or can I go by the expiration date on the bottle? I have gotten conflicting answers from my doctors and my pharmacist. I’m not sure what to believe.

A. Nitroglycerin evaporates easily, which is why these pills should never be left out in the open or in a plastic pillbox. Store them in the original amber glass bottle with the cap screwed down tightly.

If there is cotton in the bottle, take it out and throw it away, as it can absorb the medicine. If you replace the cap firmly as soon as you remove a pill, you should be able to rely on the expiration date on the label.

Q. I have had weakness in my arms and legs, pain in my back, aching arms, loss of memory and fatigue. I have not been able to play golf for more than two years, and I totally lost the quality of life I enjoyed prior to undergoing angioplasty and starting on Lipitor.

If there is to be a class-action suit, I would like to be included. Your article helped me understand the pain and suffering I have endured.

A. Millions of people are able to take cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor) without complications. But some experience debilitating muscle, nerve or joint pain, weakness, skin rash or memory problems.

The nutrient Coenzyme Q10 may help counteract some of these side effects. You can learn more about how to use it and alternative ways to control cholesterol in our new book, “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy” (Rodale Books).

We cannot offer legal advice, though. Several lawsuits have been filed claiming deceptive marketing of statins.