Men in the UK will soon be able to buy Viagra over the counter for the first time after the erectile dysfunction drug was reclassified.
Those aged 18 and over will no longer need to see a GP for a prescription after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that it is changing the status of Viagra Connect tablets so they can be sold in pharmacies following a conversation with a pharmacist.
US pharmaceutical company Pfizer said it is working on plans to launch the non-prescription version of the medicine in the UK in the spring of 2018. A four-pack of the sildenafil tablets will cost around £19.99 and an eight-pack £34.99. Men who buy it will be advised that they can take a 50 mg tablet an hour before having sex, but should not use more than one pill a day. Sildenafil is already available on NHS prescription free of charge.
The decision to reclassify the drug follows a public consultation, the MHRA said. Pharmacists will be able to determine whether treatment is appropriate for the patient and can give advice on erectile dysfunction, usage of the medicine, potential side effects and assess if further consultation with a general practitioner is required.
“The move to make Viagra Connect more widely accessible will encourage men to seek help within the healthcare system and increase awareness of erectile dysfunction.”
Mick Foy, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
But some men, including those with severe heart problems, those at high risk of heart problems, liver failure, kidney failure or those taking certain “interacting medicines”, will still need to be prescribed the drug under the supervision of a doctor.
It is hoped that making the drug more widely available will mean than men who may have not previously sought help will be more likely to do so. Health officials also hope the move will also help steer people away from buying drugs websites operating illegally.
The MHRA said that erectile dysfunction medicines are a “popular target” for criminals selling unlicensed and counterfeit medicines, over the past five years the Agency has seized more than £50m of unlicensed and counterfeit erectile dysfunction medicines.
“This decision is good news for men’s health,” said Mick Foy, MHRA’s group manager in vigilance and risk management of medicines. “The move to make Viagra Connect more widely accessible will encourage men to seek help within the healthcare system and increase awareness of erectile dysfunction.
“Erectile dysfunction can be a debilitating condition, so it’s important men feel they have fast access to quality and legitimate care, and do not feel they need to turn to counterfeit online supplies which could have potentially serious side effects.”
Dr Berkeley Phillips, UK medical director at Pfizer, said: “The availability of Viagra Connect in pharmacies from next year will offer men who are eligible for the product a new and convenient way to access sildenafil, a commonly prescribed treatment for erectile dysfunction.
“We understand some men may avoid seeking support and treatment for this condition, so we believe giving them the option to talk to a pharmacist and buy Viagra Connect could be a real step forward in encouraging more men into the healthcare system.
“As erectile dysfunction may be a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, there could also be a wider benefit to public health in the long term. We hope that this forthcoming new opportunity to purchase a genuine treatment via pharmacy will also reduce the likelihood of men turning to potentially ineffective and dangerous counterfeits from illicit sources.”
How the product will be sold is not knownA spokesperson said: “We regularly check market demand for popular treatment options for erectile dysfunction, which we often find on the internet and from dubious advertised pharmaceuticals. We believe selling Viagra Connect in existing pharmacies through our store of currently held treatment options, re-enters pharmacies, or individuals who haveVDH or sell medically-assisted treatment, makes them more likely to seek emergency medical treatment for erectile dysfunction. This is analysis and not a specific target.
“We believe the availability of Viagra Connect in pharmacies means there is a relatively new target for criminals selling unlicensed and counterfeit medication, which offer a significant market demand.
Sildenafil Citrate Tablets are used to treat men with erectile dysfunction (ED) or trouble getting an erection.
Sildenafil Citrate Tablets work by helping you to get an erection when you’re sexually aroused.
For men who suffer from sexual arousal disorders, Sildenafil Citrate tablets are not recommended for them.
The effects of Sildenafil Citrate may take up to a week or longer for some men to have an erection.
This may indicate that it has not been effective for you and that you may need to try something else before you take it.
While Sildenafil Citrate tablets may be safe for children, it’s important to talk to a doctor before taking these tablets.
Do not take Sildenafil Citrate tablets if you are a woman or a man of childbearing age.
The drug is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Sildenafil Citrate tablets are only intended for use in men and should not be used in women, unless prescribed by a doctor.
This drug should not be used for men or women who are allergic to any of its components.
This is not a complete list of Sildenafil Citrate tablet uses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using Sildenafil Citrate tablets for the first time.
If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double up on your doses.
Do not take double or extra doses.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this drug.
Do not take Sildenafil Citrate tablets if you are a woman, a man of childbearing age.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this drug.
Sildenafil Citrate tablets are not recommended for women because they may cause birth defects and other problems. Sildenafil Citrate tablets should not be taken if the use is not for women.
Sildenafil Citrate tablets are only intended for use in men and should not be used in women. Women should not take Sildenafil Citrate tablets if they are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment.
This drug should not be used if you are allergic to any of its components.
Sildenafil Citrate Tablets should not be taken with food.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are both effective medications for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). However, their mechanisms of action are different, and they often need to be taken on an as-needed basis to help prevent potential side effects. In this,, we'll compare sildenafil and tadalafil for the treatment of ED. We'll also examine their ways of using these medications to help treat PAH, a common condition that can cause difficulty in urinating.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It can be caused by various factors, including physical and psychological factors.
raints such as age, diabetes, obesity, stress, and anxiety.
The way sildenafil works is by helping to increase blood flow to the penis. This can lead to a firm and lasting erection when sexually stimulated.
One of the ways sildenafil helps to increase blood flow is by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This allows the smooth muscle cells in blood vessels in the penis to allow more blood to get into the penis, which can help to produce an erection when sexually stimulated.
tadalafil, or, helps to increase blood flow by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This allows smooth muscle cells in blood vessels in the penis to allow more blood to get into the penis, which can help to produce an erection when sexually stimulated.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can vary in severity from person to person. Factors such as age, diabetes, stress, and other medical conditions can contribute to ED. Factors that can lead to include:
If you have ED and have been prescribed sildenafil (Viagra), you may wonder, "What caused ED?" Sexual stimulation is essential for an erection to occur.
ED can also be caused by other conditions, such as blood clots, diabetes, and cancer.
Tadalafil and sildenafil work by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps produce an erection. Tadalafil is also approved for treating conditions such as:
It's important to note that tadalafil and sildenafil are not approved for the treatment of ED. It's important to consult with a doctor before taking any medications for conditions like:
Both sildenafil and tadalafil are PDE5 inhibitors, which means they don't automatically go into phosphodiesterase type-5. However, PDE5 is commonly found in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels in the penis, which allow more blood to get into the penis. This can help produce an erection when sexually stimulated.
is one of the most popular and effective ED medications for the treatment of ED. However, there are some key differences between sildenafil and tadalafil. Understanding these differences can help doctors and patients make informed decisions about treatment options.
The primary difference lies in the dosage you take. Sildenafil can be taken daily at lower dosages, while tadalafil can be taken at higher dosages. The maximum recommended daily dosage for erectile dysfunction is four encounters, and doctors can prescribe a daily dose of four. However, this can vary from person to person.
For this reason, doctors may prescribe a lower maximum daily dosage of sildenafil or tadalafil compared to Viagra. This can help doctors and patients feel more comfortable taking them.
Viagra has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
Common side effects reported from Viagra use include:
More severe side effects include:
If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a severe adverse reaction to this medication that require immediate treatment.
As with all prescription medications, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you currently manage. Tell them about any and all medications, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Viagra. Viagra can interact with bodily substances, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.
Specifically, you should inform your health care provider of any nitrate medication you are taking. Remember to mention any herbal products you use, especially St. John’s wort.
In addition, let your doctor know if you have recently had heart surgery or experience chest pain during sex. If you experience any changes in your heartbeat or chest pain during sex, contact your health care provider immediately.
as soon as possible ( best prices before $20 per tabletPossible side effects may include:
In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before starting this medication.
In Dis, Instructing You to Take Sildenafil If you take sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, notify your doctor right away. The possibility of taking sildenafil more than once may occur. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
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