What is Boost?
Boost is a compounded medication combining two active ingredients: tadalafil and DHEA. It is intended only for men 18 years and older for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and/or sexual performance anxiety.
Important: Boost is a compounded medication. Although its ingredients have been FDA-approved for other uses, Boost itself is NOT FDA-approved and has not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality for any use.
- Tadalafil is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate symptoms (BPH).
- DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone supplement included to support sexual health and performance.
Note: This summary does not contain all possible safety information. It is not a substitute for advice from your healthcare provider. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
Who Should NOT Take Boost
Do not take Boost if you:
- Are taking any form of nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain/angina, such as nitroglycerin)—this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to tadalafil or DHEA in the past
- Have, or are at risk of having, hormone-sensitive cancers (including prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer)
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Talk to your doctor before taking Boost if you:
- Are already taking DHEA supplements
- Have high cholesterol
- Have a condition that affects blood flow to the heart (ischemic heart disease)
- Have a history of mood disorders (bipolar disorder, depression, etc.)
Important Warnings
Heart and Blood Pressure Concerns
- Do not take Boost if sexual activity is risky for your heart. Talk to your doctor if you have heart problems.
- Taking Boost with alpha-blockers (medications for high blood pressure or prostate issues), blood pressure medications, or more than 5 alcoholic drinks can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Hormone Effects (From DHEA)
- Boost may increase androgen (male hormone) levels and have a steroid-like effect in your body.
- Boost may lower your HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
- Boost may worsen psychiatric conditions and increase the risk of mania in people with mood disorders.
Vision and Hearing
- Stop taking Go Long and get medical help right away if you experience sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Stop taking Go Long and get medical help right away if you experience sudden hearing loss or ringing in your ears.
Prolonged Erection
- Seek emergency medical care if you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours. This condition (priapism) can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Other Precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Boost f you have:
- A history of priapism (prolonged erections)
- A previous episode of sudden vision loss (NAION)
- Liver or kidney problems
Cannabis Warning
Avoid concurrent use of cannabis products, as they may slow the breakdown of your
medication and increase side effects
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medications you take, especially:
Medication Type
Concern
MAO inhibitors
Do not use together—dangerous interaction
Nitrates (nitroglycerin, etc.)
Do not use together—dangerous blood pressure drop
Alpha-blockers
Risk of low blood pressure
Blood pressure medications
Risk of low blood pressure
Blood thinners (warfarin)
Increased bleeding risk
CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir)
May increase medication levels—dose adjustment needed
CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin)
May decrease medication effectiveness
DHEA supplements
Do not combine without consulting your doctor
Alcohol (5+ drinks)
Risk of low blood pressure
Common Side Effects
From Tadalafil:
- Headache
- Indigestion or upset stomach
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Stuffy nose
- Flushing (warmth or redness in face/neck)
- Pain in arms or legs
From DHEA:
- Possible changes in cholesterol levels
- Possible mood changes
- Hormonal effects
Special Populations
This medication is NOT for:
- Women
- Anyone under 18 years old
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (can cause harm to babies)
- Anyone with hormone-sensitive cancers
Use with caution if you have:
- Liver problems: Dose adjustment may be needed; not recommended for severe liver disease
- Kidney problems: Dose adjustment may be needed; limited use for severe kidney disease or patients on dialysis
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience any serious or unexpected side effects, report them to the FDA:
- Phone: 1-800-FDA-1088
- Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch
For complete prescribing information on the individual ingredients, see:
- Tadalafil (Cialis®): FDA Label