Papa Has A Brand New Drug

An advisory panel has recommended that the FDA approve a new drug that has shown promise in the treatment of male impotence. But there are drawbacks, as CBS Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay explains.

For the estimated 30 million men who suffer from impotence, otherwise known as erectile dysfunction, there is an alternative to Viagra that is most likely coming soon.

The drug is called Uprima, the brand name for the drug Apomorphine, a whole new type of anti-impotence drug that targets the central nervous system, the brain, rather than directly acting on blood flow like Viagra.

Uprima is taken as a pill, which dissolves under the tongue by stimulating the brain chemical dopamine, in the hypothalamus. Uprima helps the brain send electrical impulses that trigger sexual arousal from the brain down through the spinal cord to the groin. That increases blood flow to the penis.

It doesn't depend on the psychology of the patient. Which means that it doesn't create desire -- it helps people get beyond desire. It's not an aphrodisiac.

Uprima takes about 15 to 20 minutes to work, which is better than Viagra, which generally takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

But it also has some side effects. It shouldn't be taken with alcohol, or your blood pressure could drop dangerously low. Basically, if you use it, no drinking is allowed. As these two things often go together, it won't be good for all men.

Also, men who are taking nitrates for heart conditions can't take this drug. Other side effects include possible nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure -- but they only occur in a small percentage of men.

Viagra doesn't work for all men, so Uprima offers an option for those people.

In a study of 3,000 men, Uprima worked about 60% of the time. Viagra worked about 70% of the time.

Tests are under way to find out if these drugs are suitable for women.

It's possible that Uprima will be on the market by the summer. Viagra has more competitors on the way, trying to cash in on the big market that Viagra has currently cornered.