Can You Buy Viagra Over The Counter in the UK?

What are OTC medicines?

OTC medicines are available without a doctor's appointment or prescription, but some may require a quick consultation with a pharmacist or healthcare provider first. 

If you have erectile dysfunction you may be wondering if you can purchase ED medication such as Viagra over the counter. This article will explain the difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect so that you can decide if either one sounds like a good option for you.

What is Viagra?

Viagra was the first oral tablet medication to become available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. 

The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil which increases blood flow to the penis to help men to achieve and maintain an erection. 

Sildenafil is available for use as a generic version of Viagra. 

Viagra and Sildenafil come in doses of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. 

50mg is the standard dose given to healthy males over the age of 18. Doctors can prescribe lower or higher doses than this depending on your medical history and the effects that 50mg has had on you. 

What Viagra can you buy over the counter?

Viagra is available via a GP prescription and requires a health check and consultation to find you the correct dosage and for your GP to decide whether Viagra is a suitable option for you. 

Viagra Connect works similarly to Viagra but it is only available at a set dose of 50mg and requires a pharmacy consultation for purchase over the counter. 

Both Viagra and Viagra Connect contain the active ingredient Sildenafil and work in the same way. The only difference is that Viagra Connect is available OTC because it only comes in a 50mg dose.

If you purchase Viagra Connect over the counter then you should consult your doctor within 6 months for a clinical review.

What makes Viagra different from Viagra Connect?

Viagra and Viagra Connect share many similarities but there are a few differences. 

The differences include:

Viagra:

• Only available with a GP prescription

• Available on the NHS

• Doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg

Viagra Connect:

• Available over the counter

• Not available on the NHS

• Comes in a dose of 50mg

Does Viagra Connect work as well as Viagra?

Yes. Viagra Connect is just as effective as Viagra. 

Both need to be taken at least an hour before sex and the effects last for around 4 hours. 

Whilst Viagra and Viagra Connect work for most men there are circumstances in which your 50mg dosage of Viagra may need to be increased or you may find that it doesn't work at all. 

In this case, Viagra will need to be prescribed to you by your GP. You can only get the highest 100mg dosage of Viagra from your doctor. 

Alternatively, you may experience side effects such as a runny nose or a headache and only a GP or healthcare provider will be able to prescribe you a lower 25mg dosage of Viagra if deemed appropriate.

Is Viagra stronger than Viagra Connect?

Viagra is available in a stronger dose of 100mg whilst Viagra Connect is only available in a 50mg dosage.

If you are a healthy male above the age of 18 with no allergies or known adverse reactions to ED medication you will likely be prescribed 50mg of Viagra by a GP, which is the same strength as Viagra Connect.

Does 100mg last longer than 50mg?

While a 100mg dosage of Viagra is higher than a 50mg dosage of Viagra, both dosages last the same amount of time - around 4 hours.

No matter your dosage of Viagra, you take the tablet in the same way and it lasts for the same amount of time. 

How do I take Viagra and Viagra Connect?

Viagra and Viagra Connect need to be taken in the same way. 

You should take a tablet at least 1 hour before you plan on engaging in sexual activity and no more than once in 24 hours. 

The tablet should be swallowed whole on an empty stomach and you should avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol as these can interact with the treatment. 

Where can I purchase Viagra?

If you have a GP prescription for Viagra, you can pick it up from your nearest pharmacy or GPhC-approved online pharmacy. 

If you wish to purchase Viagra Connect, you can have a consultation with a pharmacist in-store or complete a consultation with Pharmacy2U and have it reviewed online by a clinician. 

At Pharmacy2U, we are a trusted NHS partner that proudly serves hundreds of thousands of patients each month. We give you control of all your healthcare needs including erectile dysfunction treatment. 

Advice and information to help erectile dysfunction