Sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA)

The anti-impotence drug Viagra has made its debut in China following successful trials of the drug on hundreds of men across the country.

A hospital in the southern city of Shenzhen, close to Hong Kong, is reported to have written the first prescriptions for six patients, including a 70-year-old man.

According to some reports, tens of millions of Chinese men suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction.

However, the company behind the pill, US drug giant Pfizer, says it does not yet know exactly how big their market will be.

It says sales will depend in part on improving the ability of Chinese doctors to diagnose sexual problems and on more Chinese men overcoming their embarrassment.

“If we are successful, it means that we are reaching patients who are currently suffering in silence,” said Koenraad Bosteon, chairman of Pfizer’s Chinese arm.

Fake viagra

The introduction of Viagra has aroused widespread curiosity in China, a country that has a long-standing preoccupation with drugs designed to increase sexual potency.

During local trials of Viagra, correspondents say many Chinese drug producers rushed to capitalise on the publicity, selling fake versions, or their own drugs under similar names.

In April, one company was ordered to withdraw pills marketed as “Weige” - meaning “Great Man” - because of its resemblance to Viagra.

Nicknamed “Big Brother Wei”, the pill has been available on the black market for almost two years since it was first introduced in the United States.

Correspondents say that, for many Chinese men it is not just an interest in sex but the belief that intercourse helps to prolong life, which has for centuries led them to try a variety of sexual tonics.

Among the more traditional remedies for impotence have been potions made of Chinese herbs, tiger bones, deer antlers and even seal penises.

Sexy actress CARMEN ELECTRA’s wedding night with husband DAVE NAVARRO was ruined, after they both took VIAGRA pills to spice up the night.

The couple, who wed on 22 November (03), were hoping to enjoy an endless night of passionate sex, but ended up instead with excruciating headaches.

Rocker Navarro says, “My doctor gave me Viagra for a wedding gift and he said, ‘Hey have a good time on your wedding night!’ I’d never tried it. We had a 30-minute love-making session that was amazing, but I had an eight-hour headache!”

Electra adds, “I took it too, because now they say it’s great for women.”

I am 52 years old. I take Atenolol for mild high blood pressure. After taking the blood pressure medicine for about a year, I noticed that my erections were not as firm or lasting as before. So, I consulted with a doctor and got a prescription for Viagra. The first experience after taking 50 mg was unbelievable. Within 15 minutes I was rock hard with much more girth. I couldn’t wait to get my wife into bed. She loves getting on top and couldn’t believe how hard and larger I was. We had fabulous sex and I came like a fire hose. I have experimented with dosage and now find that 25 mg about one half hour before sex is perfect for me. I’m rock hard and can go forever. I can achieve another hard-on within a half hour after and can keep going for as long as she wants. Some nasal congestion right after taking, but it is worth it. Works good for masturbation too. Thanks Viagra.