FDA-approved drug for PE now in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Dapoxetine, the first and only drug specifically developed and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE), is now available in the Philippines.

“Dapoxetine significantly improves control over ejaculation, enabling men to control and delay ejaculating, thereby enhancing sexual satisfaction of the couple while reducing personal distress and interpersonal difficulty,” said Dr. George Lee Eng Geap, consultant urological surgeon of the Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“The availability of dapoxetine is welcome news for Filipino men and their partners who are affected by PE, the most common male sexual disorder. Finally, men no longer have to risk their health and safety by trying unproven and non-FDA approved medications, herbal teas and supplements,” said Dr. Ulysses Quanico, president of the Philippine Urological Association (PUA).

Geap and Quanico spoke during the media briefing on PE organized by A. Menarini Philippines last week at the Holiday Inn Galleria in Pasig City.

Heavy emotional burden

PE is characterized by a lack of perceived control over ejaculation as well as negative personal consequences, such as distress or interpersonal difficulty, which leads to a decrease in sexual satisfaction and overall quality of life for both men and their partners.

PE is the most common sexual dysfunction in men yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The Asia Pacific PE Prevalence and Attitude Study showed that up to one in three men is afflicted with this condition.

The impact of PE on couples is evident. According to the 2013 Asia-Pacific Sexual Behaviors and Satisfaction Survey, 91 percent of men in the Philippines find it highly important that they sexually satisfy their partners. This is mainly partner-driven — men want to make their partner feel happy, loved and satisfied.

Seven out of 10 (72 percent) Filipinos surveyed were concerned about not being able to sexually satisfy their partners. Almost half (46 percent) were concerned about ejaculating too early or not being able to control when to ejaculate. 

PE can erode relationships. One in five men (20 percent) with PE says that PE can lead to relationship breakdown or divorce.

Let’s talk about PE

According to Geap, “Men with PE are often reluctant to discuss their condition or are in denial. Their partners, on the other hand, avoid raising the topic for fear of hurting the man’s feelings. This communication gap hinders PE diagnosis and treatment.”

Quanico agreed: “Because of the social stigma attached to PE, very few couples and even fewer men dare speak about it.”

To bring PE out into the open and increase awareness on the condition, the PUA and A. Menarini Philippines recently signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly implement an advocacy campaign on PE. The general public is encouraged to visit www.controlPE.ph or e-mail at [email protected] for accurate and up-to-date information about PE as well as to take the self-diagnostic test and find a doctor who can help in PE diagnosis and management.

Key role of serotonin

Although the exact cause of PE remains unknown, research has revealed that PE involves a complex interplay of both psychological and biological factors.

According to Geap, serotonin plays a central role. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain and nervous system. Studies have shown that adequate levels of serotonin in the junctions between neurons or brain cells — synapses — help delay ejaculation. Men with PE have low levels of serotonin in the synapses.

“Dapoxetine works by inhibiting a protein that transports serotonin away from the synapses, thereby increasing the synaptic levels of serotonin and consequently controlling ejaculation,” Geap said.

Dapoxetine is indicated for men with PE who are aged between 18 and 64. Proven to work effectively on the first dose for most men, dapoxetine can be taken as needed, one to three hours before intercourse, with a full glass of water. Optimal effect is usually achieved after approximately six doses taken within four weeks.

“We advise men to visit www.controlPE.ph, take the self-assessment test and, consult their doctor for proper diagnosis and management,” said Dr. Digna Almeida, medical affairs director of A. Menarini Philippines.