Data on the Utilization of Treatment Modalities for ED in Taiwan in the Era of PDE5 Inhibitors

Oral PDE5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injection and penile implants are mainstay treatments for ED. Data on their utilization reflect economic aspects of ED, but are underreported. We report utilization data and user characteristics for these modalities in Taiwan between 1999 and 2011. Sales data on PDE5 inhibitors-sildenafil citrate, tadalafil and vardenafil and on alprostadil were retrieved from International Market Services Health, and on penile implants from the local importing company for them. Users' clinical characteristics were derived from one institution. Between 1999 and 2011, sales of PDE5 inhibitors increased 5.9-fold, whereas those of alprostadil and penile implants remained stable. Over 90% of PDE5 inhibitors were purchased in pharmacies without a prescription. Between 1999 and 2011, the number of patients who received PDE5 inhibitors (n=4715) exceeded those who underwent penile injection (n=333) and penile implantation (n=108). The mean age of patients with ED who first received PDE5 inhibitors tended to decrease over consecutive years. Discontinuation of treatment with PDE5 inhibitors or intracavernosal injection reached 90% within 3 years of treatment initiation. Our data on the increasing market for PDE5 inhibitors and the trend for first use of PDE5 inhibitors at younger ages highlight the growing burden of ED and the acceptance of PDE5 inhibitors as the primary treatment for ED.