Viagra Connect reviews
If you’ve been looking into erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment, you may be considering Viagra. It is one of the most widely-known prescription drugs for ED. Here you can read independent Viagra reviews by people who use the medication, to help decide if it’s right for you.
Viagra Reviews: What Our Users Think
If you’ve been looking into erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment, you may be considering Viagra. It is one of the most widely-known prescription drugs for ED. Here you can read independent Viagra reviews by people who use the medication, to help decide if it’s right for you.
First, here’s a quick overview of what Viagra is and how long it takes to work.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is one of the most popular drugs in the world and has helped millions of men with ED. It is sometimes known by its generic name, sildenafil, and even referred to as “the blue pill”, owing to its appearance.
It works by helping to relax the blood vessels in your penis. This allows blood to flow into your penis and cause an erection when you are sexually stimulated.
How long does Viagra take to work?
Viagra is a fast-acting medication that starts working within 60 minutes. It can be discreetly taken before you plan to have sex.
On average, Viagra lasts for around four to five hours. This can vary from man to man. You may notice that the effects begin to wear off after three to four hours.
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate. It blocks the action of an enzyme called PDE-5. This enzyme helps to regulate blood flow to your penis. So, by blocking it, Viagra allows blood to flow freely into your penis and cause an erection, firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Viagra reviews
You can read Viagra product reviews from Chemist Click customers. These reviews have been independently collected by Trustpilot and invitations are sent to all patients. When making a decision it’s good to have the opinion of Viagra users who have experienced taking it. You can find out how real users find using Viagra and what to expect.
More independent Viagra reviews
Drugs.com, the largest and most widely visited independent medicine information website has lots of independent Viagra reviews.
Viagra 25mg is the lowest available dose of Viagra. This strength is usually used by people who have had side effects from the 50mg strength. If you are experiencing side effects such as headache, nausea and indigestion, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about lowering the dose. Here are just a few Viagra 25mg reviews from real users.
“Found that 25mg 30 minutes to an hour before sex was perfect. Took me back to when I was 20 years old, no more having to rush through before things “deflated”. Was able to last as long as I wanted.”
“I’m using the 25mg Pfizer tablets and they work amazingly well. No side effects. I now have very strong and rock-hard erections. I’m a much happier and relaxed man now.”
“I took the first 25mg tablet and within 30 minutes I had a very hard erection it was such a relief to now know I am capable of having sex again”
Viagra 50mg reviews
Viagra 50mg is the recommended starting dose. Read some independent Viagra 50mg reviews.
“One hour after taking 50mg I get a beautiful erection, sensitivity is good, climax is wonderful.”
“Was struggling to maintain an erection for 3 months, took 50mg of Viagra, worked in under an hour and it worked, despite the fact I was very anxious.”
“I take a 50mg and like clockwork I am hard in 45 to 60 minutes. No worries about keeping the erection long enough to climax. I can’t believe just how good this drug works.”
Viagra 100mg reviews
Viagra 100mg is the highest dose that you can take. It should only be used if you have tried the 50mg strength on 8 separate occasions with limited success. Read these independent Viagra 100mg reviews.
“I had given up on ever getting fully hard in my early 50’s but this stuff makes me feel like a teenager again. Took a 100 mg pill for the first-time last night and had great sex within an hour.”
“After years of ED I was finally prescribed Viagra. 50mg was only partially effective so I went onto the 100mg tablets. The effect was amazing, 1 hour after taking the 1st tablet I had the hardest erection I’d had in years.”
“When I first got 25 mg doses it didn’t work for me. I then tried the 100mg dose and it worked. So, it’s just the perfect dose. It varies from person to person and their medical conditions.”
Erectile dysfunction products compared.
Viagra vs Sildenafil
Viagra and sildenafil are essentially the same drugs. Viagra is the brand name of the drug sildenafil. Both contain the active ingredient sildenafil citrate for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Viagra is the original medication for ED that was invented and marketed by Pfizer. The drug is now sold under the generic name sildenafil by many manufacturers around the world. Sildenafil reviews are generally positive, and the results should be similar, if not identical to Viagra.
Viagra vs Cialis
Viagra and Cialis are oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. They are both phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. However, Cialis lasts much longer. Cialis can last for up to 36 hours whereas Viagra has a duration of up to 4 hours. Cialis can also be taken as a daily dose for a continuous effect when you are sexually stimulated. To see an in-depth comparison of both treatments, click here.
Cialis works within 20 to 30 minutes. Cialis is typically quicker to respond compared to Viagra which takes around 30 to 60 minutes.
Both Viagra and Cialis have similar side effects, but they may last longer with Cialis. However, Viagra has more common side effects that aren’t as frequently encountered when taking Cialis.
Viagra and Cialis have similar success rates in clinical trials. They both are effective in over 80% of those that use them.
Similarly, to Viagra which can be bought under the generic name of sildenafil, Cialis is the brand name for the drug, with the active ingredient tadalafil, that can be purchased in generic form. Tadalafil reviews are also positive, with most men experiencing good results.
What is the price of Viagra?
The cost of Viagra will vary depending on where you but it from. Viagra prices may vary if you buy online or from your local pharmacy. The price will also depend on whether you buy branded Viagra or you choose the generic version, sildenafil tablets.
You can safely and discreetly buy Viagra online from our UK pharmacy. You simply need to complete an online medical consultation for our clinicians to assess. They will then issue a free of charge prescription, if appropriate. Your medication can then be dispensed.
At Chemist Click, you can treat your erectile dysfunction for as little as £5.89 for a 4-pack of Sildenafil 25mg tablets. The 4-pack branded Viagra 25mg tablets retail at £17.96. You can choose to buy your Viagra in a variety of tablet quantity packs. These range from a 4-pack to buying a pack of 64 tablets. The more tablets you buy in a packet the cheaper each individual tablet is.
Once you have purchased your Viagra tablets, they will be discreetly delivered to you.
Viagra results
Viagra is proven to be a highly effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It works for 4 in 5 men.
Our Trustpilot Viagra reviews and other independent reviews from the large impartial medicine website, Drugs.com also advocate the effectiveness and safety of Viagra. The Viagra reviews illustrate users’ pleasure with Viagra with 82% of reviewers* reporting a positive effect of using Viagra. It treats erectile dysfunction and allows for a fulfilling sex life in 80% of users.
Here is what our average customer thought of Viagra medication:
Effectiveness: The average user finds Viagra helps them to get and keep an erection when sexually stimulated.
Value: Whilst Viagra is expensive, the generic version, sildenafil, can be purchased at a much cheaper price.
Ease of purchase: Many men prefer the discretion of buying from an online pharmacy.
Viagra Connect reviews
Viagra Connect rated 4.45/5 in 75 reviews from verified Dr Fox customers.
Read 75 reviews
took effect quickly, did what it said on the tin.
Not that great really, works for about one session. Cialis is much better and lasts a few days.
Dr Fox response:
Thank you for your review and very sorry to hear the tablets did not work for you. All medicine supplied is genuine UK licensed products. Please contact your regular doctor as tests and alternative treatment may be required. Unwanted medicine may be returned for a refund.
Seems not to be quite as potent as the standard Viagra but similarly fewer side effects, or at least, less severe side effects as the original Viagra. A good choice I’ve found.
Great service fast delivery of goods all products working very well amd great prices
Amazing it changed my life and made me more confident
They were good and there was an improvement but not as good as the Sildenafil for me personally.
Notes
As a fully regulated service, all Viagra Connect packs supplied must be UK licensed, which requires each batch produced undergo quality control checks – further details.
Reviews of Dr Fox service
www.doctorfox.co.uk is a member of the Trusted Shops programme. All customers can review the service 14 days after making an order.
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Independent reviews
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Reviews of Viagra Connect
See Trustpilot reviews from Superdrug Online Doctor’s Viagra Connect users
Reviews of Viagra Connect
See Trustpilot reviews from Superdrug Online Doctor’s Viagra Connect users
“As long as a doctor or pharmacist has approved treatment for you, Viagra Connect is a safe and effective medication for most men.” – Dr Zenon Andreou
“As long as a doctor or pharmacist has approved treatment for you, Viagra Connect is a safe and effective medication for most men.”
Below are Trustpilot reviews from patients who’ve ordered Viagra Connect from Superdrug Online Doctor. Since Viagra and Viagra Connect are essentially the same medication, you can also check out user reviews of Viagra treatment for erectile dysfunction at drugs.com.
Contents
View Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
View Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
What do reviews of Viagra Connect say?
- Effective – it works in 46-87% of patients
- Very safe – side effects are usually well-tolerated
- It takes around an hour to start working and is effective for 4-6 hours
The review of the decision to offer Viagra Connect as an over-the-counter medication – this was in the works from March 2017. Some of the reasons for making Viagra Connect available prescription-free include:
- More men with erection problems could get help
- The number of men looking for illicit treatments for ED could be reduced
- Pharmacists can offer a wider range of treatment in face-to-face consultations
- You may not need to see a doctor to receive ED medication
- The regulation of Viagra in the UK can be improved, making it safer to buy
The active ingredient is tried and tested – Viagra Connect contains the same active ingredient as Viagra and Sildenafil, two medications that are well-established for treating erectile dysfunction. Medications containing Sildenfil work in a similar way to other erectile dysfunction medicines. But Viagra Connect, unlike other treatments, is be available to buy over-the-counter.
How do people find using Viagra Connect?
Feedback is generally positive – many patients and their partners gave positive views after trying erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines containing Sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in Viagra Connect. Although these reviews could be useful if you’re considering ED treatment, it is important to remember that they are not as important as the professional opinion of a doctor or pharmacist.
Patient accounts – below are some patient reviews for medications containing Sildenafil:
“I started having trouble getting and maintaining an election so asked my doctor about the problem. He prescribed Viagra and it works great. One hour after taking 50mg I get a beautiful erection, sensitivity is good, climax is wonderful. My wife loves it and climaxes every time, sometimes twice. Side effects can be a flushed skin about an hour in and sometimes a bit of a headache (not severe, but there). Two Aspirin fix things. Wonderful product. Happy wife, happy life!”
“Yes, I achieved good erections after about 40 to 50 minutes and yes, I could repeat the experience a week or two later, however, the side effects drove me away from it.”
These reviews were taken from drugs.com. There are some side effects can occur in some men who use medicines containing Sildenafil. They usually aren’t serious and can be discussed with a doctor if they occur.
This kind of medication is gaining popularity – statistics show that one in ten men suffer from an erectile problem in the world. In the UK, the number of men being prescribed medications containing Sildenafil are rising, making it an increasingly popular medication.
Does the NHS recommend using Viagra Connect?
Yes – medicines containing Sildenafil are one of the first line treatment options for erectile dysfunction. This means that medicines containing Sildenafil (including Viagra Connect) meets all of the safety and effectiveness standards required by the NHS.
The NHS won’t need to offer Viagra Connect – this is because it will be available over-the-counter, so the NHS doesn’t need to give out prescriptions for it. However, the NHS will continue to offer other medications which contain Sildenafil under prescriptions.
Viagra Connect is supported by the UK government – as well as the NHS, the The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also support Viagra Connect. The MHRA are the UK government’s agency for reviewing healthcare in the UK. They have led the way in introducing Viagra Connect and have done so because of how safe a treatment option it is.
What are the reviews for buying Viagra Connect online?
The experience of buying online is generally positive – reviews for buying medicines containing Sildenafil from online services such as ours are generally positive. In December 2017, Superdrug Online Doctor service held a Trustpilot rating of 9.3 out of 10 for our online consultation service with customer reviews such as “efficient”, “fast”, and “discreet”.
Our service has been reviewed very positively – our online consultation service is registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission, the organisation that controls the quality of service provided by the NHS and private medical providers. The latest CQC inspection was held in May 2017 and it found our online service to be “safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led”.
It is important to be cautious when buying products online – not all outlets are regulated by bodies such as the CQC, meaning that you are not guaranteed safe and effective treatment. You may be putting yourself at risk of additional unwanted side effects from a product that is not genuine.
How does Viagra Connect compare to other treatments?
The main difference between Viagra Connect and other medications is that it doesn’t require a prescription – because Viagra Connect is available over-the-counter, it is easier to access than other medicines that contain Sildenafil. This means that you do not require a prescription to receive your supply of Viagra Connect.
Sildenafil and other active ingredients – medicines containing Sildenafil (including Viagra Connect) come under a family of medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors. Sildenafil and the other drugs in this family seem to be equally effective, so it might be helpful to take your lifestyle into account. For instance, if you would prefer not to have to arrange a consultation for your supply of medicine, Viagra Connect may be suitable for you. However, the characteristics of other PDE-5 inhibitors may mean that another ED medication is more suitable for you.
| Medication | % of men it works for | How long it works for | How long before sex should you take it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Connect, Viagra, and generic Sildenafil | 65% | 4-6 hours | 60 minutes |
| Cialis | 62% | 24-36 hours | 30 minutes |
| Levitra | 59% | 4-6 hours | 25-60 minutes |
| Spedra | 41-47% | 4-6 hours | 15-30 minutes |
Cialis and Spedra, for example, may be suitable for you if you do not want to plan sex in advance. This is because Cialis works for over a day in some men and Spedra does not take a long time to take effect.
Viagra Connect and other treatment options – The main difference between medications like Viagra Connect and other therapies is that medications are easier, effective, fast-acting, and can help a wide range of people with erection problems.
Many non-medication options are available in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). There are lifestyle changes that you could make to improve erections, whether or not these are used with ED medication:
- Losing weight if your BMI is above the ideal range
- Eating a healthy diet with low saturated fat and lots of fruit and vegetables
- Stopping smoking
- Cutting down on drinking alcohol
Also, there are alternative therapies available if you would prefer not to use ED medication:
- Alprostadil (a medication applied to the penis)
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Psychological or psychosexual therapies (for example, counselling or CBT)
- A penis pump or penis ring
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery
- Treating the medical condition that causes ED (if applicable – can include diabetes, high blood pressure)
How can I try Viagra Connect?
If you are an adult man with erectile dysfunction (ED), you can use our online consultation system to get your supply of Viagra Connect:
- Complete a short online questionnaire to see whether you can use Viagra Connect safely. You will be asked questions such as any medical conditions that you have and other medications that you are already taking
- Once you have completed the questionnaire, a doctor will review your answers to see whether there are any medical reasons that mean you should not use Viagra Connect
- If it’s right for you, your supply of Viagra Connect will be sent the next day in the mail
How do I know if I need Viagra Connect – you may need Viagra Connect if you have e rectile dysfunction. This is when you repeatedly can’t get or keep an erection which is hard enough to have sex with your partner. This is very common, especially in men who are over 40 years old. At some point in their lives, men are likely to experience this. But if this starts to occur regularly, you may want to get treatment for it. Not only could it cause stress in a relationship, but it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem.
How should I try Viagra Connect – Viagra Connect should be taken around one hour before sex. It’s important to bear in mind that your body might need some time to get used to the medicine and that Viagra Connect might not work the first time you take it. You may need to try Viagra Connect up to eight times (no more than once per day) to see the full effect.
With food or alcohol? – Viagra Connect can be taken with or without food. However, you might find that Viagra Connect takes a little longer to work if you take it with a large meal. Alcohol can impair your ability to get or keep an erection so we advise that you do not take Viagra Connect with a large amount of alcohol.
You should not use Viagra Connect if you:
- Are allergic to Sildenafil or any other ingredients of Viagra Connect
- Are taking certain medication for your blood pressure
- Have a serious liver or heart problem
- Have recently had a stroke or a heart attack
- Have certain eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa or NAION
Sources
Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2014). Erectile dysfunction. NICE. [online] Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/erectile-dysfunction#!scenario [accessed 12th January 2018].
Culley, C. et al (2002). The efficacy of sildenafil citrate (Viagra®) in clinical populations: an update. Urology, 60(2): 12-27.
Milipharm Limited (2014). Sildenafil. EMC. [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7124.pdf?filename=PIL.7124.pdf [accessed 12th January 2018].
NHS Choices (2017). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 12th January 2018].
Scaglione, F. et al (2017). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: pharmacology and clinical impact of the sildenafil citrate orodispersible tablet formulation. Clinical Therapeutics, Feb; 39(2): 370-377.
Can I Buy Viagra Online? Everything You Need to Know
Although erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an upsetting diagnosis for some, many people find their condition is treatable. Viagra, also sometimes called the “little blue pill,” may help.
If you’re looking for convenience or discretion, that little blue pill is available online for direct-to-consumer delivery. However, you still need a prescription.
Today, several telehealth companies, such as Roman, Hims, and Lemonaid, have doctors and other licensed medical professionals on hand to prescribe the appropriate medication, if necessary.
Keep reading to learn more about how Viagra works, its alternatives, and how Viagra compares with other ED medications that can be purchased online.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
ED is very common. In the United States alone, researchers estimate around 30 million men have the condition.
ED is defined as the inability to develop and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity or penetrative sex.
Changes in some lifestyle habits, such as activity levels and nutrition, can make a positive difference, as well as the use of medications in some cases.
Viagra is a brand-name prescription drug approved to treat ED. Viagra contains sildenafil, which belongs to a class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Viagra is the well-known brand-name version of this medication. It works by increasing blood flow to your penis, which helps you have and keep an erection. However, it only works if you’re sexually aroused.
Viagra is approved for use in those who are 18 years and older.
Though Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer, plenty of other companies also make and sell less expensive versions of generic sildenafil pills.
- Have an accurate diagnosis and prescription: Remember that Viagra and generic sildenafil are not available over the counter — you need a prescription. Some companies have healthcare professionals on their team who can assess you before your purchase and make an accurate ED diagnosis.
- Use a licensed pharmacy to avoid counterfeit medications: Oral medications for ED are among the most counterfeited medications in the world. Online pharmacies can sell counterfeit medications, so it’s important to do your research before you buy from any retailer.
- Buy from online pharmacies operating in the country and state you live in: In 2014, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that 97% of the internet pharmacies it examined were not compliant with federal laws, state laws, or industry standards.
Counterfeit Viagra is known to contain amphetamines, toxic chemicals, the wrong dose of active ingredients, and even blue printer ink.
It’s a good practice to avoid international websites. Each country has its own governance when it comes to manufacturing. Stick to reputable sites and pharmacies you can trust.
If you’re interested in buying Viagra online, read on to learn more about the considerations you should make.
We chose the following brands based on user ratings, discreetness, and our product selection guidelines. This includes verifying Hims, Roman, and Lemonaid claims that a doctor or other qualified or licensed medical professional is involved in determining the appropriateness of the prescribed medication.
The companies listed here, except for Eddie by Giddy, have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and rating of A or above.
Keep in mind that none of the services listed here are covered by insurance.
Best overall
Hims
Hims is a telehealth company that provides both prescription and over-the-counter generic and brand-name medications. The brand focuses mainly on five Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications, including Viagra.
The first step is a consultation with an online qualified medical professional who will make a diagnosis and prescribe the best ED treatment for you. They’ll also answer any questions you have, and they may be contacted in the future to make treatment adjustments.
If you’re prescribed Viagra, you can purchase it in doses of 25, 50, or 100 milligrams (mg). Hims recommends taking Viagra anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. You can purchase a one-time order or sign up for a subscription plan that sends you a monthly supply of the pills in discreet packaging.
Best for variety
Roman
Roman is a healthcare technology company that sells FDA-approved men’s health products.
The first step is to schedule a $15 consultation with one of their licensed healthcare professionals to assess your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan. If Roman’s products or telemedicine is not a good fit for you, Roman will refund you your money.
Not all of Roman’s ED products require a prescription. However, you need one for Viagra. Roman sells both generic Viagra and brand-name Viagra, and they’re available in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets.
After you place your order, Roman will ship your items for free in discreet packaging. The company can also send your order to your local pharmacy for an added fee. If you want to make changes to your order, Roman offers free unlimited follow-ups with their healthcare professionals.
Best budget option
Lemonaid
- Price: Generic Viagra is available from $25 to $65 based on the dosage. Sildenafil is also available through Lemonaid at a lower price.
Lemonaid is a telehealth medicine service that connects people with healthcare professionals. It offers highly competitive mail-order pharmacy pricing.
After you select the condition you want to be treated for, Lemonaid asks you to complete an online assessment.
If you’re a good candidate after the medical review, you pay a $25 flat fee for a consultation with a licensed medical professional. Lemonaid offers a range of ED pills, including 20-mg sildenafil pills.
Lemonaid will then prescribe you treatment for your ED, and send your prescription to the company’s mail-order pharmacy.
Taking Viagra can cause mild or serious side effects. Mild effects may go away in a few days or a couple of weeks. These side effects can include:
- headache
- flushing
- indigestion
- stuffy nose
- back pain
- muscle pain
- nausea
- dizziness
- rash
If these side effects don’t go away after a week or so, talk with your prescribing healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Serious side effects are uncommon but may occur. Call your prescribing healthcare professional right away if you experience serious side effects, such as:
- sudden vision loss in one eye
- sudden decrease or loss of hearing
- allergic reaction (hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
- priapism (long lasting and sometimes painful erections)
- low blood pressure
- fast heart rate
To avoid buying counterfeit medications, look for the following:
- reputable retailer
- consultation with a licensed medical professional
- licensed pharmacy that asks for a prescription from your doctor
- licensed pharmacy with an address in the United States
- FDA-approved medications
- clearly labeled containers with the name of the medication and dosage
- licensed pharmacist who is available to answer any questions afterward
What makes a reputable online pharmacy or health platform?
There should be multiple, clear ways to contact a customer service representative, such as a pop-up chat window, an email to send questions, a contact form you can submit, or a phone number you can call.
The company may have a medical advisory board and a network of licensed healthcare professionals.
As a user of their services or platform, it should be easy for you to see information about the nurse practitioners and physicians you work with, such as medical license and credentials.
Looking for an alternative to Viagra?
In addition to Viagra, there are several other PDE5 inhibitors and ED medications that may be able to help if you find that Viagra isn’t effective for you or the price is outside of your budget.
There are also wearable devices like the Eddie by Giddy that are designed to be worn around the penis to help regulate blood flow. They may help some people maintain an erection without medications.
If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, you’ll need to talk with a healthcare professional first. The FDA requires a prescription for Viagra, both for the brand-name medication and its generic, sildenafil.
Your doctor may offer you a prescription for Viagra if they decide it’s the safest treatment option based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. There are also other options they can talk with you about.
If you experience a painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, seek emergency care immediately, as it may be a sign of another urologic condition.
Seek a doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects:
- allergic reaction, like skin rash, itching or hives, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- fast, irregular heart rate
- hearing loss
- vision changes
- seizures
Some ED medications are PDE5 inhibitors that relax smooth muscle tissue and increase blood flow. There are four main types of PDE5 inhibitors:
Other ED treatments involve the use of other medications or can supplement your use of sildenafil to go hand-in-hand.
Can I buy Viagra over the counter?
Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication, meaning it’s not available over the counter from your local pharmacy.
But with telemedicine, you don’t need to visit your doctor in person to get a prescription for Viagra or another ED medication.
What are Viagra’s side effects?
According to the National Health Service, side effects occur in more than 1 in 100 people who take sildenafil. However, pills that contain sildenafil citrate are generally safe to use under a doctor’s supervision.
The side effects most commonly associated with Viagra include:
- headaches
- flushing
- upset stomach
- abnormal vision
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle and back pain
- dizziness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following side effects:
Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of side effects. Speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice about side effects.
These side effects often go away on their own. If they don’t, reach out to your prescribing healthcare professional.
How long does Viagra take to start working? How long does it last?
Most of the time, Viagra starts to work after 30 minutes. Some people note that Viagra works faster when taken on an empty stomach.
The effects of Viagra usually last around 4 to 5 hours and start to wear off after that. If your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical attention immediately.
It’s important to talk with a doctor if you regularly experience ED and want to start taking Viagra.
When shopping for Viagra online, look for services that are FDA approved and involve a personalized approach with a medical professional. Only purchase medication from reputable retailers.
Iman Balagam is a writer based in Houston, Texas. When she’s not laughing at her own jokes, or buying overpriced chia pudding, she can be found reading fiction novels, catching a spin class, doomscrolling through TikTok, or waiting for her delayed Spirit flight to board. You can see more of her work on her website.
Last medically reviewed on November 17, 2022
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- About sildenafil (Viagra). (2022).
nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/about-sildenafil-viagra/ - Blackstone EA, et al. (2014). The health and economic effects of counterfeit drugs.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4105729 - Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. (2017).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts - Jackson G, et al. (2010). Counterfeit phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors pose significant safety risks.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2009.02328.x - Yoo H, et al. (2017). Comparison of pharmacokinetic characteristics of sildenafil citrate chewable tablets and film-coated tablets in healthy male subjects.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7033379/
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Can I get Viagra from a pharmacy?
If you’re looking to buy Viagra safely from an online pharmacy or from your local high street pharmacy you’ll be pleased to know that it is now available without a prescription. It has recently been classified as a pharmacy medicine (PMED) called Viagra Connect, which means that you can confidently purchase this erectile dysfunction medication without seeing a doctor.
However, you will still need to complete either an online questionnaire or answer a number of questions via a face to face consultation with a pharmacist so that they can check your suitability for the medication.
Can I get Viagra on the NHS?
Viagra is the branded version of the generic medication Sildenafil which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. A doctor will only issue an NHS prescription for Sildenafil if you meet certain criteria, for example you don’t have an underlying medical condition which could put you at risk of serious complications.
Is Viagra only available on prescription?
Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient of Viagra and the generic drug Sildenafil, may be prescribed on the NHS if certain criteria are met. It’s also available as a private prescription, and Online Doctor can assess your case and prescribe this and other available erectile dysfunction medications.
The erectile dysfunction medication, Viagra Connect is now available without the need for a prescription; instead you can buy it online, instore at your local pharmacy or via Online Doctor. In either case, you will need to answer some medical suitability questions, either in a confidential online consultation or face-to-face with a pharmacist.
Can I buy Viagra from a pharmacy?
You can now buy Viagra Connect 50mg from your local pharmacy, whether you choose to order online or go instore. Our LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor service offers discreet home delivery straight to your door as well as a secure Click & Collect service, so you can choose whichever option is more convenient for you.
Viagra Connect is available in packs of four which RRP at £19.99, packs of eight which RRP at £34.99, packs of 12 which RRP at £51.79 and packs of 16 which RRP at £68.48. To buy Viagra from an online pharmacy or your local store you will need to answer a number of questions online or via a face-to-face consultation with the Pharmacist so they can make sure that the treatment is suitable for you.
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Can you buy Viagra online legally?
Viagra is safe and legal to buy from online pharmacy sites in the UK, however there are also numerous websites which are not properly regulated and sell counterfeit medicines. These sites can sell fake Viagra with varying ingredients which may damage your health, that’s why it is important that you buy Viagra from trusted pharmacies or online services such as LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. Look out for the NHS logo, authorised medicines seller logo and a registered pharmacy number.
Remember, Viagra is a prescription medicine. You may only obtain it from a licensed pharmacy using a valid prescription intended for you.
Viagra Connect and Sildenafil – what’s the difference?
We’ve created a helpful table to compare generic Sildenafil with branded Viagra. If you’re looking to compare our variety of ED treatments and their active ingredients, explore your options at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.
| Sildenafil (generic) | Viagra (branded) | |
| Active ingredient | s ildenafil citrate | s ildenafil citrate |
| Available dosage (mg) | 25, 50, 100 | 25, 50, 100 |
| Pack size | 4, 8, 16 | 4, 8, 16 |
| When to take | E ffective within one hour, up to five hours | E ffective within one hour, up to five hours |
| How to take | O n an empty stomach | O n an empty stomach |
Is it safe to buy Viagra online?
Yes, as long as you are buying from a regulated source it is perfectly safe to buy Viagra from an online pharmacy. To protect your health we recommend that you buy Viagra from a registered pharmacy.
How do I get Viagra?
Viagra is available with a prescription from your doctor or the new version Viagra Connect is available to buy from a UK pharmacy. To be able to do this you will first have to either complete an online questionnaire when you purchase Viagra Connect or have a face-to-face consultation with a pharmacist in store.
Your answers from the online questionnaire will be sent to the Online Doctor GP team, one of whom will determine if you are suitable for this form of erectile dysfunction treatment. During your chat with a pharmacist instore they will assess your suitability for the medication, making sure that you are not taking any medication that could react with Viagra Connect or that you have an underlying medical condition.
Who can buy Viagra Connect?
Only men aged 18 or over can buy Viagra Connect from a pharmacy whether online or in store. If you are a woman looking to purchase Viagra Connect for your male partner you will not be able to buy Viagra Connect for them, instead your partner will have to buy it online or at their local pharmacy.
Viagra Connect, a branded version of Sildenafil, the erectile dysfunction medication, is available to buy online, at your local LloydsPharmacy or via LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor for delivery or collection.
