1. As a general principle, I have been very hesitant to prescribe a drug within the first year of use, no matter what the class of drug. Rare, but serious, side effects may not be noticed during drug trials, even with "large" studies involving a few thousand subjects. Even if one excludes fatalities or side effects requiring withdrawal, the full side effect profile is not evident for a year or two. Even a NSAID had to be withdrawn in the early 80s.
Of course, I don't buy software either until it's out for 6 months with the theory that major bugs will be fixed by then.
2. I don't do research in this field, although, since I do biochemistry, I could probably understand it. However, after a VERY brief overview, it appears that Viagra will affect NO-related signalling mechanisms. It is evident that these signalling mechanisms are important for many basic functions which I won't list as I'm not an authority. Perhaps I will look at it in more detail at some time, but my statement is on basic principles, not on specifics.
That being said, I might still buy stock in Pfizer as well as Vivus. Even if Viagra has a problem, the worst thing that can happen is to lose some money. That's entirely different than losing a patient. I would probably also be willing to enter subjects in properly designed studies of the drug (Viagra). |
