[Editorial] Potential misuses of Viagra

Viagra, which is called a "magic pill" for its apparently remarkable effectiveness in treating impotence in men, will finally be sold in Korea beginning next month. The new pill has been on the market in the United States and other countries for over a year causing much hype and discussion about the sex lives of men.

The delay in bringing the drug to the Korean market is mainly attributable to the worries about potential abuse and concerns over possible side effects of the drug. The Korean government conducted clinical tests of the pill on 133 men suffering from erectile dysfunction before it gave the green light to the pill. In Japan, it was allowed on the market without any clinical trials.

Another cause of the delay in the sales of Viagra was the conflicting interests of doctors and pharmacists and the government's reluctance to take sides in the bitter dispute. The two groups waged a fierce battle over the right to control prescription of the drug here. Citing the drug's possible misuse and abuse, doctors insisted that Viagra be made available only by medical prescription. Pharmacists, on the other hand, countered that the "overemphasis" by doctors on concerns of the side effects of the drug stemmed from their motivation to monopolize the profitable Viagra market.

The government's final choice was a compromise of the two positions. Men are required to get a certificate from doctors to prove that they are free from cardiovascular diseases. With such a certificate, they can purchase the pill at drug stores until next year when the government institutes a new comprehensive system differentiating the drugs which must be prescribed by doctors and the others that can be sold over the counter by pharmacists.

But the government's decision, as many civic groups point out, has various potential problems. By allowing the pharmacists to sell the drug without a doctor's prescription, the government has made it possible for anybody aged 20 or over to buy as many pills as they want. Although a limit has been put on the number of the pills that one can purchase at one time, it is not likely to be very effective. In the absence of on-line networks linking them, drug stores will not be able to check for repeat sales. A well-stocked black market for the drug is sure to emerge shortly after the drug hits the shelves of the nation's pharmacies.

The widespread availability of the pill is feared to result in the drug's overuse and misuse. Over 100 men reportedly have died after taking the pill in the United States alone. Clinical tests done by the Korean Food and Drug Administration found that Viagra causes more side effects on Koreans than people of other countries.

The hyped expectations that many Koreans have regarding Viagra adds to our concern. A recent survey by a civic group found that 45 percent of the adult population does not know exactly what the drug is. Many of them believed the pill was a tonic rather than a medicine. U.S. doctors have warned against inappropriate and experimental use of the drug. They say when young men take Viagra to enhance their sexual performance, it could cause priapism, a persistent and painful erection that could lead to permanent damage and impotence.

Equally worrisome is the social impact of the pill. The emergence of Viagra has already made sexual life and erectile problems with men a topic in ordinary conversation. Such a social atmosphere will help loosen the sexual morality in this society.

A public health education campaign on the drug is urgently needed. Under the present system, many men will likely acquire the drug without adequate instruction from their doctors.

The government should reconsider its decision to allow sales of Viagra without a doctor's prescription. In July of next year, the nation will have a new system for the prescription of drugs by doctors and pharmacists. At that time Viagra will most likely be classified as a medication that needs a doctor's prescription for its use. The government should not wait until July to place responsibility for sale of Viagra in the hands of doctors. The current system will only encourage illegal sales and dangerous experimentation which may permanently mar the image of the drug in Korea.

Updated: 09/01/1999

Korea Herald