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Since the early 2000s, men have increasingly looked online to manage erectile dysfunction (ED). While well-known treatments like Viagra and Cialis remain popular, newer and cheaper alternatives like Kamagra have emerged and gained attention. However, is Kamagra safe and effective? In this article, we explore what Kamagra is, the risks involved with unlicensed erectile dysfunction treatments and why the safer option is always the licensed erectile dysfunction treatments.

Before we start exploring what Kamagra is, we will go over some basics about erectile dysfunction and the popular licensed erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra and Cialis.  Use the navigational table to skip to the topics that interest you.

What is erectile dysfunction?

When you struggle to get and maintain an erection hard enough for penetrative sex, then this is termed erectile dysfunction (ED)(Muneer et al., 2014). However, we are not talking about the one-off erection failures but rather an ongoing problem that has been occurring for about six months.

The number of men experiencing erectile dysfunction is steadily increasing, and it is estimated that by 2025, about 322 million men will be having problems with their erections (Ayta et al., 1999). With numbers like these, it’s a fertile ground for unscrupulous vendors of cheap, unlicensed treatments like Kamagra to thrive.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is often an early indication that something is not quite right with your health. It is linked to chronic health issues like heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure (Orimoloye et al., 2019).

Clogged arteries limit blood flow to the penis

For a healthy erection, you need a good blood supply to the penis, and cardiovascular issues, like high blood pressure and clogged arteries, can limit this blood flow (Schwartz et al., 2011). These conditions make it more difficult for these blood vessels to dilate, meaning it’s harder to get an erection. No blood, no erection.

Erectile dysfunction, the canary in the mineshaft

So, you can kind of think of the development of chronic erectile dysfunction as a kind of canary in the mineshaft telling you about the declining health of your blood vessels.  It is now believed that there is a window of about three years from the onset of erectile dysfunction to the development of more serious heart conditions (Montorsi et al., 2003).

However, there is one long-term illness that is perhaps responsible for a large portion of this growing number of men with erectile dysfunction. It’s diabetes.

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

If there were one condition that you could pin down as responsible for the majority of cases of erectile dysfunction, it would be type II diabetes (Maiorino et al., 2014). The increased levels of high blood sugar seen in diabetes damage the blood vessels and nerves, impacting the ability to get and sustain an erection (Guay et al., 2007).

Low testosterone and erectile dysfunction

One of the first signs of low testosterone levels is erectile dysfunction (Schardein et al., 2022). So, if you are starting to notice increasing difficulties with getting an erection, it might be worthwhile to get your testosterone blood levels checked.

Free TRT consultation

If you want further advice on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), please contact us for a FREE TRT consultation. We will explain all the signs and symptoms of low testosterone and ask you to complete the Androgen Deficiency in the Ageing Male (ADAM) questionnaire. We can also review any blood results you may have and point you in the right direction for appropriate TRT if needed.

What is the active ingredient in Kamagra?

The manufacturer of Kamagra, Ajanta Pharma, a company based in India, claims that the active ingredient in Kamagra is sildenafil 100mg. Sildenafil is also the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Viagra and belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type five inhibitors. So, we will have a quick detour to learn more about the PDE5 inhibitors and how they work before returning to Kamagra.

What are PDE5 inhibitors?

The licensed medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra and Cialis, belong to a class of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. This is a bit of a mouthful, so we shortened it to PDE5 inhibitors.

Here is a list of some popular licensed erectile dysfunction treatments, along with their benefits:

How do the PDE5 inhibitors work?

All PDE5 inhibitors, like Viagra and Cialis, work by increasing blood flow to the penis, and they do this by raising the levels of a chemical called cGMP (Corbin et al.,2004). When cGMP levels are raised, the blood vessels in the penis widen, allowing more blood to flow in to cause an erection. Although we would all like to have a permanent erection, you can’t walk around with an erect penis all day. If an erection lasts for more than four hours, it is called priapism and requires urgent medical attention (Silberman et al., 2024).

So, to prevent priapism, the body has an enzyme which breaks down the cGMP. The name of this enzyme is phosphodiesterase type 5. Viagra, Cialis, and all the other PDE5 inhibitors block this enzyme and indirectly increase cGMP levels. Increased levels of cGMP open up the penile blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, and voila, an erection occurs.  However, you still need the initial sexual arousal for the erection; Viagra and the other PDE5 inhibitors are not able to do this, but your mind and imagination can (Andersson et al., 2018).

What Is Kamagra?

So, now that we know a bit more about erectile dysfunction and the PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra and Cialis let’s turn our attention to Kamagra. So, what is Kamagra? It is marketed as a cheap alternative to Viagra. According to the manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma, Kamagra contains 100mg of sildenafil citrate. 

Kamagra is marketed as a low-cost erectile dysfunction treatment manufactured in India. It is sold in tablet, effervescent, and even jelly forms and is promoted online as a budget-friendly solution. However, unlike Viagra and Cialis, Kamagra is unlicensed in the UK, meaning it hasn’t met the safety standards required for legal sale. This means, despite the manufacturer’s claims, there is no way of verifying whether it contains sildenafil 100mg.

Why is Kamagra dangerous?

Without regulation, Kamagra’s ingredients and dosages can vary, posing risks to your health. Too little sildenafil and Kamagra might not work. Too much, and it could cause serious side effects, ranging from dizziness to dangerous drops in blood pressure.

With licensed medicines, you know exactly how much active ingredient is in the drug, and there is even an active drug recall process if any issues are found during the manufacturing process. None of these safeguards exist when you use unlicensed medicines; you basically have to take the manufacturer’s word for it.

With licensed medicines such as Viagra and the licensed generic sildenafil, regulatory bodies, such as the MHRA in the UK and the FDA in the US, ensure the quality of pharmaceuticals by regularly inspecting the manufacturer’s premises, procedures and drugs.

This is why the cost of drugs is so expensive; there is a whole network running behind the scenes that ensures that all the licensed drugs you take are safe. This is why the unlicensed Kamagra is so cheap; no one inspects it, and their manufacturing premises do not have to comply with any international standards such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Process) or any other standard.  This means that it’s cheaper for them to produce Kamagra because no regulatory standards are binding them.

Is Kamagra a cheaper option for erectile dysfunction?

Ever since the patent on Viagra ended on June 21, 2013, in the UK, the prices of the new generic sildenafil have tumbled. Branded medicines are more expensive because hundreds of millions of dollars are required to bring a new drug to market. It’s estimated that the cost of bringing a new drug to market is $985 million, with the average cost reaching $1.3 billion (London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). (2020).

So, to recoup their investment, pharmaceutical companies have a patent for a number of years, which gives them the sole right to produce, market, and sell the drug. Other generic manufacturers can make cheaper versions based on the active ingredient when the patent expires. When this happened to Viagra, the price plummeted for the generic sildenafil. You can now buy the complete sildenafil range at medicalmojo.co.uk

Even though these are cheaper generics, they are still licensed pharmaceutical drugs that must undergo a rigorous quality control checking procedure before being allowed onto the UK market. The same cannot be said for Kamagra.

So, the first argument for cost has been debunked with the introduction of cheaper sildenafil generics. However, many people still prefer the branded Viagra; just like other brands, it has earned its reputation for quality over many years.

What Is Super Kamagra?

You may have come across Super Kamagra online. It sounds like a new, improved version of Kamagra. However, like Kamagra, Super Kamagra is also unlicensed, and the addition of Super to its title has done nothing to improve its quality or safety.

So, what is Super Kamagra? Well, the manufacturer claims it’s a combination of sildenafil and dapoxetine, a drug typically used to treat premature ejaculation (PE). Mixing these two drugs may seem like a convenient solution, but combining them can dangerously lower blood pressure, leading to dizziness and fainting.

For those with both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, there are licensed treatments for both. It is far safer to choose from the licensed options below that take an untested, unregulated product like  Super Kamagra’s.

Premature ejaculation treatments

At Medical Mojo, we also have a wide range of treatments for premature ejaculation. Although some of the local anaesthetic creams are used in an unlicensed application for premature ejaculation, they are nonetheless licensed for their intended license purpose. This means they are manufactured according to GMP regulations, and the MHRA regulates their supply. The same cannot be said for the unlicensed Kamagra.

What is Kamagra oral jelly?

Kamagra is also sold as an oral jelly and is cleverly marketed as an easier-to-swallow alternative to tablets that the manufacturer alleges works faster. However, like Kamagra tablets, Kamagra oral jelly is unlicensed and unregulated. This means you cannot know the precise dose you are taking, making side effects unpredictable.

How does Kamagra work?

The manufacturers claim that Kamagra that it contains sildenafil and so works to cause an erection by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis. This makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. While this is sildenafil’s general effect, there is no way to confirm if Kamagra contains the right amount or even the correct ingredient. Without this information, taking Kamagra is a gamble on both effectiveness and safety.

How does Kamagra compare to licensed erectile dysfunction treatments?

Kamagra claims to offer the same benefits as licensed ED drugs like Viagra and Cialis, which are carefully tested and approved for safety. Licensed erectile dysfunction treatments have strict quality controls, ensuring they contain exactly what they advertise. Kamagra, however, doesn’t go through the same rigorous testing, making its safety and effectiveness uncertain.

Choosing licensed treatments means being confident in their ingredients, doses, and effects. Licensed medications are also backed by years of clinical research, so potential risks are well-documented and managed by professionals.

Is Kamagra safe?

In short, no. Kamagra’s unlicensed status means it hasn’t been approved by the UK’s regulatory body (MHRA) for use as an erectile dysfunction treatment. Without approval, there is no way to confirm its ingredients, dosage, or effects. This uncertainty can lead to serious risks, including:

  • Lack of effectiveness: If the stated ingredients are missing or insufficient, this means an erection will occur.
  • Overdosing: If there’s more of the active ingredient than claimed, you could experience severe side effects, such as a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
  • Unknown fillers: Kamagra may contain “filler” ingredients that you may be allergic to, or that are unsafe.

When taking unlicensed medication, you’re at risk for serious side effects and, in some cases, even death. The real question is: Are the risks of Kamagra worth it, especially when safe, licensed erectile dysfunction treatments are readily available?

No, Kamagra is not legal in the UK as it contains sildenafil 100mg citrate—a prescription-only active ingredient. This means that it can only be supplied against a valid prescription. If you have bought the Kamagra without a prescription, then you have made an illegal purchase.

Over the years, authorities have seized large quantities of counterfeit erectile dysfunction treatments like Kamagra, cracking down on unlicensed products that pose a public health risk. Though buying small quantities will not get you arrested, it does open you up to potential risks like identity theft or counterfeit products. Also, why would you expose yourself to such risks when Medical Mojo provides you with a quick and easy way to purchase licensed erectile dysfunction treatments online?

Fortunately, there are safe and legal alternatives to Kamagra. Most contain sildenafil or similar ED treatments like tadalafil. Approved options include:

These medications can be purchased from legitimate online pharmacies, like medicalmojo.co.uk, after completing a short medical questionnaire, ensuring the treatment is safe for you. This process guarantees that you’re getting genuine, effective medication without the risks associated with unlicensed products like Kamagra.

Final thoughts on Kamagra

Kamagra may seem like a cheap fix for erectile dysfunction, but its unlicensed status and lack of regulation make it a risky choice. With a range of safe, affordable, and legally-approved ED treatments readily available, there is little reason to gamble with your health. At Medical Mojo, we strive to make all our treatment options affordable to increase access to these important medicines. So, there really is no need to expose yourself to any health risks by choosing an unlicensed medicine like Kamagra.

Want to learn more about Viagra, sildenafil and other erectile dysfunction treatments?

Do you want to learn about erectile dysfunction and the different PDE5 inhibitor options available, like Viagra? Have a read of some of our in-depth, fully referenced blogs below:

Getting guidance for erectile dysfunction

Don’t feel shy talking about erectile dysfunction; as we mentioned previously, think of it as the canary in the mineshaft, warning you that something is wrong with your blood vessels. The sooner you address your health issues the more chances that you can stop or even reverse any damage done to your health.

Whatever the cause of your erectile dysfunction, the team at Medical Mojo are here to help. We can guide you on the correct treatment, advise you on what to do when the PDE5 inhibitors don’t work, and even help you design a completely personalised solution. So, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Why choose Medical Mojo for erectile dysfunction treatments and sexual health support?

If you’re considering sildenafil or looking for other ways to tackle erectile dysfunction, then it must be safe and appropriate for you. Our healthcare questionnaires are designed to ensure that the treatment is safe for you, but if you want to learn more or need further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Medical Mojo offers private, supportive telehealth services for men facing sensitive issues like erectile dysfunction. Their team of expert pharmacists, doctors, and therapists are ready to provide guidance on all ED treatment options, helping you make informed, confident choices.

The benefits of using Medical Mojo for erectile dysfunction and your sexual health

  • Private, non-judgemental consultations from the comfort of your home
  • Personalised treatment recommendations
  • Health screenings to confirm the ED treatment is both safe and effective
  • Ongoing support
  • No-nonsense advice to allow you to get the most from your treatments
  • Holistic advice on lifestyle changes to support sexual health
  • A focus on evidence-based medicine

With Medicalmojo.co.uk, you’ll gain a realistic understanding of what to expect from your erectile dysfunction treatments. This helps you to set healthy expectations and make well-informed treatment decisions. For more information, please contact us.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

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References:

  1. Muneer A, Kalsi J, Nazareth I, Arya M. Erectile dysfunction. BMJ. 2014 Jan 27;348:g129.
  2. Ayta IA, McKinlay JB, Krane RJ. The likely worldwide increase in erectile dysfunction between 1995 and 2025 and some possible policy consequences. BJU Int. 1999 Jul;84(1):50-6
  3. Orimoloye OA, Feldman DI, Blaha MJ. Erectile dysfunction links to cardiovascular disease-defining the clinical value. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2019 Nov;29(8):458-465.
  4. Guay AT. ED2: erectile dysfunction = endothelial dysfunction. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007;36(2):453–463.
  5. Schwartz, B.G. and Kloner, R.A., 2011. Cardiovascular implications of erectile dysfunction. Circulation123(21), pp.e609-e611.
  6. Montorsi F, Briganti A, Salonia A, et al. Erectile dysfunction prevalence, time of onset and association with risk factors in 300 consecutive patients with acute chest pain and angiographically documented coronary artery disease. Eur Urol. 2003;44:360–4.
  7. Schardein, J.N. and Hotaling, J.M., 2022. The impact of testosterone on erectile function. Androgens: Clinical Research and Therapeutics3(1), pp.113-124.
  8. Eardley I, Ellis P, Boolell M, Wulff M. Onset and duration of action of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;53 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):61S-65S.
  9. Evans JD, Hill SR. A comparison of the available phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a focus on avanafil. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015 Aug 12;9:1159-64.
  10. Porst, H., 2004. Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors: a critical comparative analysis. EAU Update Series, 2(2), pp.56-63.
  11. Corbin JD. Mechanisms of action of PDE5 inhibition in erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res. June 2004; 16(1)Suppl 1: S4–7. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901205, PMID 15224127.
  12. Silberman M, Stormont G, Leslie SW, et al. Priapism. [Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459178/
  13. Andersson, K.E., 2018. PDE5 inhibitors–pharmacology and clinical applications 20 years after sildenafil discovery. British journal of pharmacology175(13), pp.2554-2565.
  14. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). (2020). Average cost of developing a new drug could be up to $1.5 billion less than pharmaceutical industry claims. [online] Available at: https://www.lse.ac.uk/News/Latest-news-from-LSE/2020/c-March-20/Average-cost-of-developing-a-new-drug-could-be-up-to-1.5-billion-less-than-pharmaceutical-industry-claims [Accessed 31 Oct. 2024].

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