FDA CONFIRMS 39 VIAGRA DEATHS, SAYS DRUG SAFE

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration has confirmed 39 deaths among
American men using the popular impotence pill Viagra but says it remains
convinced the drug is safe when used by the proper patients.

In an update on its Internet site, the FDA revealed that it also has
received an additional 38 reports of possible deaths among Viagra users,
but it has not been able to verify those reports' accuracy. Twenty-four
were hearsay or media reports, eight failed to show whether the men
actually took Viagra, and six involved foreign patients, the FDA said.

Even the 39 verified reports, however, don't prove the drug was to blame,
the FDA cautioned.

Viagra carries safety warnings. Doctors must not prescribe it to men who
take nitroglycerin or other nitrate-containing drugs because the mix can
kill.

The FDA also warns that the sudden exertion involved in resuming sexual
activity may be too risky for men with heart conditions; the agency urges
doctors to assess heart health before prescribing.

The FDA's death reports show that six Viagra users who died also took
nitroglycerin or other nitrates.

At least 24 deaths were deemed heart-related. Eighty-five percent involved
men who had at least one risk factor for heart disease. Fourteen deaths are
known to have occurred within two hours of sexual activity.

Viagra has been prescribed some 2.7 million times since hitting the market
in April.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)