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Viagra will be available to buy over-the-counter for £20 WITHOUT prescription next spring

Health regulators have granted the radical change to the sale of the erectile dysfunction drug, previously only available after seeing a GP

MEN will be able to buy Viagra over-the-counter WITHOUT a prescription for the first time from next spring, it emerged today.

The erectile dysfunction drug is currently only available to men after they have seen their GP.

But, from early next year, blokes will be able to spare their blushes and after a short chat with their pharmacist, get their hands on the medication.

A four-pack of Viagra Connect will cost around £19.99, while an eight-pack will set you back £34.99.

Doctors welcoming the change said it will make a big difference to men's lives – with around half of men affected by impotency at some point in their lives.

And experts said it will help crackdown on men buying dangerous counterfeit drugs from "illicit sources".

It comes as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency today granted the radical change to regulations, after public consultation.

Viagra Connect, which contains the same active ingredient as regular Viagra – the drug sildenafil – will be available to men aged 18 and over.

It marks the first time the MHRA have reclassified an erectile dysfunction drug from prescription only medicine to pharmacy status in the UK.

Dr David Edwards, a GP and expert in sexual dysfunction, said for blokes the ability to get an maintain an erection is of "paramount importance".

"When erection difficulties do occur, emotional and physical closeness between a man and his partner can diminish," he said.

"This can leave him with a sense of isolation and lacking confidence in day-to-day life."

He added: "Pharmacists are ideally placed to handle conversations with men about the condition.

Anything that will deter men from buying ‘dodgy’, often counterfeit drugs without any contact with a healthcare professional, is to be applauded

Dr David Edwards

"Almost all pharmacies already have a consulting room that is private, making it an okay place for men to attend.

"Anything that will deter men from buying 'dodgy', often counterfeit drugs without any contact with a healthcare professional, is to be applauded."

The change comes after an extensive and detailed review process, which included public consultation.

Pfizer, who makes the drug, said they will be carrying out training with pharmacies across the UK, ahead of the changes coming into effect in the spring.

Dr Berkeley Phillips, UK medical director at the drug's company, 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.

"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.

"As erectile dysfunction may be a sign of an underlying condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, there could also be a wider benefit to public health in the long-term.

"We hope this will also reduce the likelihood of men turning to potentially ineffective and dangerous counterfeits from illicit sources."

THE LONG HUMP

UP FOR XMAS

HAPPY NEVER AFTER

THE HARD FACTS

HOPES RAISED

CAUGHT IN A TRAP

The MHRA said their decision came after they were reassured of the drug's safety.

Mick Foy, of the MHRA, said the decision is "good news for men's health".

"The move will encourage men to seek help within the healthcare system and increase awareness of erectile dysfunction," he said.

"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."

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