Are Viagra and Cialis Anti-Aging Agents? 2 New Studies Say Yes!

One of the most interesting stories in pharmaceuticals is the development of Viagra (sildenafil) as a heart medication that had an unexpected but happy side effect: effective treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra and Cialis went on to become blockbuster drugs that are both generic now. 

Over the years, these drugs have had expanded uses for cardiopulmonary and prostate indications.

Recently, reports have suggested they may lower the risk of dementia.

Are there even more benefits? Two new studies suggest there may be anti-aging effects of these medications. 

STUDY 1

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in a large US commercial insurance claims database in men with a diagnosis of ED without prior cardiac events within 1 year. The tadalafil group (n = 8156) had ≥1 claim for tadalafil; the no tadalafil group (n = 21 012) had no claims for any ED medication.

The adjusted rates of adverse cardiac events were 19% lower in men exposed to tadalafil versus those unexposed. Tadalafil exposure was associated with lower adjusted rates of coronary revascularization, unstable angina, and cardiovascular-related mortality. The overall mortality rate was 44% lower in men exposed to tadalafil. Men with the most tadalafil exposure had the lowest rates of cardiac events.

STUDY 2

The UK biobank has recorded prescription medication and mortality data for over 500,000 patients for more than 40 years. A new study examined the impact of the top 406 prescribed medications on overall mortality rates within the general population of the UK.

A few drugs seem to have a beneficial effect on lifespan, including notably Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis) along with Atorvastatin, Naproxen, and Estradiol. 

CONCLUSIONS

These two database studies raise the hypothesis that men using medications for ED like Cialis and Viagra not only may have lower rates of dementia but also may have fewer cardiac events and a superior lifespan. These are wildly provocative concepts. These medications are generally inexpensive and safe. 

Perhaps a randomized study for longevity will be done. More data is needed. For now, it is comforting that new benefits are being described for both brain health and heart health. In my clinic, tadalafil is a routine daily prescription.

Clearly, data on using these medications, or similar ones, in women, and assessing brain and cardiac benefits, are sorely needed.