BlueChew

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition that leads to a persistent inability to maintain an erection that limits your sexual performance.

ED is known to contribute to cases of 50% of the male population in the United States and primarily affects middle-aged and older men.

Certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular health, and psychological conditions, including depression and anxiety, can lead to decreased sexual performance in the middle-aged or older adult population.

BlueChew offers an online prescription of Sildenafil and Tadalafil, which are active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis used to treat ED.

Its prescription service is provided via telemedicine from a licensed medical professional without having to leave your own home.

This review explains how to get started with your BlueChew subscription process and the safety and effectiveness of its products.

Getting started with BlueChew

Treating your ED with BlueChew begins with a review of your information from a licensed provider or medical professional.

The BlueChew affiliated providers will write you a prescription after receiving your medical profile and completing the registration process.

You start by uploading a picture of yourself and uploading it to your computer or phone as you're holding up your government-issued ID. This indicates to the medical provider that your face will match your ID.

Once your profile has been verified, it will take approximately 1-2 business days for a BlueChew affiliated medical professional to review your chart.

To place your order, you will have to select either Sildenafil or Tadalafil to treat your ED, and a BlueChew affiliate will write your prescription if you are eligible after completing your medical profile.

Because each state has different laws governing telemedicine, BlueChew currently is unable to ship to the following states:

• Alabama
• Idaho
• North Dakota
• Minnesota
• South Carolina
• Puerto Rico
• Canada
• Internationally

Follow up Care

BlueChew offers free online consultation done through its website, but it depends on which state that you live. Once you have checked out, you will be asked to start a live video chat with a BlueChew affiliated medical provider.

It is important to note that the BlueChew affiliated medical provider should not replace your primary care provider (PCP).

BlueChew stresses the importance of making sure you include your PCP and keep up to date on your health and medications.

Medication Effectiveness and Studies

BlueChew offers Sildenafil and Tadalafil which are generic forms of Viagra and Cialis, respectively. The difference between these two forms is pricing, which may provide a more cost-effective method.

Both of the drugs used to treat ED at BlueChew are backed by scientific evidence and studies as they have also been FDA approved.

Sildenafil

While several treatment strategies are available to help patients with ED, Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) are commonly used as first-line intervention for ED.

The primary function of this drug is to allow for increased blood flow by facilitating the size of blood vessels.

As sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide (NO), is a neurotransmitter that serves as a major vasodilator that is involved in the erection pathway.

When taken orally, Sildenafil begins to take effect for approximately one hour and can last for up to six hours. Further, sildenafil is prescribed to be taken as needed and must be taken within four hours of sexual activity due to its shortened window of availability.

The FDA approved the effectiveness of Sildenafil through the support of 21 studies that were performed on over 3,000 men.

Dosages of 100 mg in studies used to treat ED were found to be effective and safe.

Self-reported surveys, such as the International Index of Erectile Capacity Form (IIEF), are commonly used to measure erectile performance. Higher scores on the IIEF is associated with improvements.

A study comparing the two different dosages of 50 mg and 100 mg of sildenafil to treat patients with ED found a significant increase in the frequency of sexual intercourse, improved erectile function state, and elevated sexual satisfaction and enjoyment.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is also considered a PDE5 inhibitor and is the active ingredient found in Cialis. Tadalafil and Sildenafil both serve the same mechanism of function when facilitating blood flow to the necessary erection chambers and erectile tissue of the penis.

Tadalafil has been licensed since 2003 to treat ED.

When Tadalafil is taken orally, the effects can last for 24-36 hours, which creates an optimal situation for daily dosing or serving as an as needed prescription.

For the prescribed drug, 2.5-20 mg chewable tablets are available for daily use. A review of four studies found that subjects who received Tadalafil daily led to better erectile function compared to as needed administration.

A study of 635 male patients was randomized to either the 2.5 mg treatment or the 5.0 mg treatment group. The study's findings indicate there was a significant improvement in erectile function measured by IIEF and was seen as early as one month, particularly in the 2.5 mg dosage.

Tadalafil is taken in lower dosages daily and allows for the spontaneity of sexual activities.

The Takeaway

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are active ingredients found in Viagra and Cialis, respectively. Sildenafil may work best when prescribed as needed due to its short time frame of action.

In contrast, tadalafil lasts longer in the body, which can lead to being prescribed to be taken on a daily basis or as needed.

What is Your Best Option?

Based on the information you provided in your medical history, and symptoms you indicate will essentially determine eligibility for telemedicine treatment of ED.

Once you have gained approval, frequency, or sexual activity, and interest in spontaneity, your physician will determine which plan will be the best for you.

To review, the effects of Sildenafil has a significantly shorter window when compared to tadalafil.

Possible recommendations would include careful planning so that you are taking Sildenafil approximately 4 hours before sexual activity.

Tadalafil can last up to 72 hours and can lead to more spontaneity. Tadalafil also allows for daily or as needed dosing.

The Takeaway

It is best to keep in mind your planned frequency of sexual activity and spontaneity when determining the available options at BlueChew.

Side Effects and Safety

Tadalafil has a similar efficacy and safety profile with Sildenafil and can significantly improve sexual performance.

While the drug was well tolerated, there have been some specific adverse events that have observed:

• Flushing
• Headaches
• Dyspepsia
• Visual disturbances

There have also been reports of liver toxicity related to sildenafil usage but is considered to be an extremely rare event that occurs.

A 12-month study protocol on the treatment of ED with tadalafil reported mostly mild treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAE’s) in 27% of their patients.

The reported TEAE’s from taking tadalafil were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, dizziness, and chronic gastritis.

BlueChew.com requires a review of your medical history and information to determine your eligibility in receiving the drugs available.

It is crucial to provide an accurate medical history, especially if there is any history of heart, lung, liver, kidney, or bleeding disorders.

Also, a detailed medication list is required because drugs used to treat chest pain, blood pressure, HIV, and fungal infections can interact dangerously with users taking medications to treat ED.

If you experience pain and a prolonged erection (Priapism), it is classified as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

The Takeaway

Being diligent in providing a very detailed medical history, your description of symptoms, and list of medications is vital to share with your BlueChew affiliated medical provider due to dangerous drug interactions when taking ED and certain medications.

How Much Does Treatment Cost with BlueChew?

Alternatives

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are medications that are available on similar telemedicine platforms, offering the ability to seek treatment for ED without having to leave your home, and a home delivery service.

Roman and hims are two options that offer telemedicine visits with licensed physicians, free 2-day delivery, and a detailed dosing regimen. Both options also have brand name and generic medications available.

However, the potential cost of monthly subscriptions, even for generic medications, can be high.

As the popularity of telemedicine continues to gain traction, it is still worth discussing a treatment plan with your physician and also contacting your insurance provider to determine coverage of ED treatments.

The Bottom Line

BlueChew offers an affordable and convenient method of receiving ED treatments from the comfort of your own home. The medications that are offered, if taken correctly, can be effective.

There are risks with taking these drugs to treat ED, however. It becomes imperative to provide a detailed medical history before beginning your treatment. The effects are especially dangerous if you are currently receiving treatment for related cardiovascular conditions.

When considering which ED treatment that you select, it is essential to also keep in mind spontaneity and sexual frequency as it can potentially help with your decision.