madman
Super Moderator
In the Vortex of 'Viagra Madness'; Long Days for Urologist as Men Clamor for Prescriptions (Published 1998)
Dr Stanley Bloom, urologist and impotence specialist, discusses how impotence pill Viagra has increased his working hours in his Livingston, NJ, office; discusses ethics involved in dispensing pill; photo (M)
*In the early days, up to 10,000 prescriptions daily were written. Urologists were using rubber stamps to churn out prescriptions
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
The 25th anniversary of sildenafil marks a significant milestone in the history of pharmaceutical innovation. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact and legacy of the little blue pill over the past quarter-century.
METHODS
Extensive web-based research provided the primary source of information.
RESULTS
Identified in the early 1990's by Pfizer as a possible therapeutic to enhance erectile function, the speed by which sildenafil went from bench to bedside took only an unheard of 6 years. The drug unequivocally changed the sexual landscape of America and the world.In 1998, sildenafil received FDA approval for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), and men everywhere rushed to their doctors for a prescription for the blockbuster little blue pill. Sildenafil had some of the fastest prescription uptakes and sales growth of any medication ever. In the early days, up to 10,000 prescriptions daily were written. Urologists were using rubber stamps to churn out prescriptions. By 2008, themedication was bringing in $2 billion in annual sales. Since its debut in1998 until the patent expiration 20 years later, the drug resulted in at least $40 billion in revenue. How Pfizer accomplished this unprecedented success and meteoric rise is remarkable. Pfizer deployed one of the most successful advertising campaigns in history, featuring Senator Bob Dole, who openly discussed his struggle with impotence. Dole transformed the conversation, destigmatizing impotence and establishing it as a medical problem that could be openly discussed by patients and providers. ‘Erectile dysfunction' emerged as a medical diagnosis that could be treated and entered the common medical lexicon. Pfizer showed the medical community the power of a pharmaceutical company to change the mindset of the professional conversation and were even instrumental in the development of a standardized metric of erectile function, the IIEF, still used today. Now,25 years later, the patent has expired, and sildenafil is generic. Established PDE5-i competitors offer various ED treatment options. Prescriptions declined over 20% since 2012. The name-brand is no longer the market force it once was, but its impact on modern sex and men's health remains unparalleled.
CONCLUSIONS
The 25th anniversary of the little blue pill marks a remarkable journey from accidental discovery to a medical and cultural icon. Beyond financial success, sildenafil redefined discussions about modern sexuality, broke stigmas, and improved quality of life.This celebration underscores the profound, enduring impact of sildenafil on medicine and culture.
