An Alternative dosing Regimen with Tadalafil 3 Times/Week in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Italian Data from the SURE Study

Abstract

Aim.

To evaluate the preference for 2 dosing regimens of tadalafil 20 mg, on demand or 3 times/week, in Italian men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED).

Materials and Methods.

SURE is a multicenter, crossover, open-label study, involving 94 urology centers in Italy. Patients aged 18 or more, affected by ED for at least 3 months were enrolled into the study and randomized to a tadalafil 20 mg treatment on demand or 3 times/week for 5–6 weeks. After a 1-week washout period, patients were crossed over to the alternate regimen for 5–6 weeks. A treatment preference question (TPQ) was used to determine the preferred treatment regimen. IIEF and SEP questionnaires were used as efficacy measures.

Results.

1058 men, mean age 54.8 years, were randomized to treatment. Overall, 59.1% of patients preferred the on-demand regimen and 41.9% preferred the 3 times/week dosing regimen. Both regimens were efficacious and well tolerated.

Conclusions.

Tadalafil is effective and well tolerated whether used both on demand and three times/week. Patients should be given the possibility to choose the best treatment regimen according to personal needs and preferences. (Urologia 2007; 74: 30–6)