Kim Barraclough
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 23/99) - Sales for the latest drug technology battling erectile problems are anything but growing, according to a local pharmacist.

Ken Dragon, head pharmacist for Sutherland's Drugs, said since Viagra went on sale in mid-March only about 10 people have been in to purchase the new drug.

And the pharmacist adds, barely a handful of these customers have been back for refills.

"I wouldn't say it's booming. It's not flying off the shelf," said Dragon.

However, Dragon said the low sales might be due to the fact that the product has just recently hit the shelves.

Altogether, pharmacies in Yellowknife have sold about 55 boxes for an average price of about $50 - $60 per box.

The boxes contain four doses of the drug and each dose is good for one-time use.

Viagra comes in three different strengths -- 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Doctors tend to recommend that the patient start with a 50 mg dosage and move up or down as needed.

The cost of the pill is not covered under the NWT health- care plan.

Viagra is available only to males who have problems maintaining erections. It will not help one increase one's sex drive and will only work with the assistance of sexual stimulation.

The optimum time to take Viagra is one hour before intercourse is planned. It can be taken on as much short notice as half an hour or as early as two hours and still be effective.

Dr. David King, president of the NWT Medical Association said there are several possible adverse side-effects one might experience while on the drug. For instance, 15 per cent to 16 per cent of patients on Viagra will experience headaches. About 10 per cent will experience a hot, flushing sensation in the trunk and face and six per cent will suffer from some stomach discomfort. There are also several other side-effects that occur below the five per cent mark.

However, King does not feel that it is the possible side-effects holding people back from purchasing the drug. King thinks that drooping sales may have to do with demographics.

The 1996 census states that the average age of males in the North is 28. Viagra is generally prescribed to those upwards of 40 because erectile problems tend not to occur prior to that age.