This is a multicentre, cluster-randomized, open-label flexible dose study with a 2x2 factorial design with administration of vardenafil at a dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg doses in males with erectile dysfunction.The treatment period is for 12 weeks, after a 4 week unmedicated period for subjects taking ED medication. For ED treatment-naïve subjects (ie, previously not treated with ED medication), the unmedicated period can be only 2 weeks.Approximately 150 investigational centres may be utilised with approximately 10 subjects screened and entered into a 4 week treatment free period at Visit 1 to subsequently enroll approximately 1380 subjects to therapy. Each centre should enroll 10 subjects. Sites should try to recruit approximately 50% of subjects who have not previously tried oral PDE5 inhibitor therapy for erectile dysfunction. An attempt should be made to enroll subjects whose partners are interested in being involved.Sites will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive either the education intervention at the Primary care Physician (PCP) level, at the subject level, both levels or no intervention (usual care). The PCP education program is an accredited CME program and included a comprehensive overview on the screening and diagnosis of ED, the available treatment options and appropriate treatment selection, as well as subject and partner counseling. The subject education was a two-pronged approach which included physician-to-subject instruction and a direct-to-subject education method. After the unmedicated period, treatment was initiated with vardenafil 10 mg tablets for 4 weeks. This will be followed by a flexible dose titration period of 4 weeks during which subjects may maintain the previous dosage regimen or will step up to 20 mg of vardenafil or will step down to 5 mg vardenafil. There is a final 4 week treatment period where the previous dosage regimen is either maintained, increased or decreased by one step according to the three applicable dosage strengths of vardenafil (5, 10 or 20 mg). The highest applicable dosage regimen of 20 mg vardenafil will not be exceeded. A 24 hour follow-up phone call is required within 24 hours of the last dose of vardenafil to collect data concerning serious adverse events, if needed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,029
The Primary Care Physician (PCP) received the educational intervention
The Subject received the educational intervention
Both the Primary Care Physician (PCP) and the subject received the educational intervention
No education provided to either the Primary Care Physician (PCP) or the subject.
Effect of education of the primary care physician or of the subject, in treating erectile dysfunction with vardenafil, relative to usual care, on the subject's treatment outcome of ED and quality of life.
Time frame: 12 weeks
To assess the safety and efficacy of vardenafil in Canadian men, when it is prescribed by the PCP, rather than specialist, and to compare the efficacy in these subgroups of subjects.
Time frame: 12 weeks
To assess the effectiveness of the physician education program(s) by means of a questionnaire.
Time frame: 12 weeks
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