Buy Viagra online
Read medical information about erectile dysfunction
Checked by doctors – medicines from the British pharmacy (tracked 24-hour service)
All men with ED should consult their doctor before taking online medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Generic Viagra is also available
The cheaper generic Viagra, called Sildenafil, has been available in the UK since the Viagra patent expired in June 2013. Sildenafil Citrate is the medical name of the active ingredient in Viagra. Generic Viagra tablets start at 95p each – brand name Viagra costs £5.
About Viagra
Viagra is a prescription drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
Viagra’ is a brand name, the active ingredient is ‘Sildenafil’.
The starting dose is one 50mg tablet in 24 hours. Adjust to 25 mg or 100 mg depending on the result.
Take 30-60 minutes before sexual activity, which usually lasts 4 hours.
Read the package insert for a complete list of side effects, warnings, and interactions with other medications.
Large meals, fatty foods, alcohol, and grapefruit may decrease effectiveness.
In the UK the patent expires in 2013 – cheaper generic Sildenafil is available.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps men to get and maintain an erection long enough for sex.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, which is medically known as a PDE5 inhibitor. Sildenafil inhibits (blocks) an enzyme that regulates blood flow in the penis. PDE5 inhibitors multiply the natural process of arousal and increase blood flow to the penis in situations of sexual stimulation. Sildenafil helps to achieve an erection, but relies on natural arousal as a trigger. It and other PDE5 inhibitors like Tadalafil, Vardenafil and Avanafil support sexual relations when erections fail to occur.
How to take
The usual first starting dose of Viagra is a 50 mg tablet for men who have not yet taken it, although men over 65 would normally start with the lowest dose (25 mg).
Viagra takes effect in 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and usually remains active for 4 hours.
If the 50mg tablet is highly effective, subsequent doses can be reduced to one 25mg tablet. If a 50mg tablet is ineffective or the duration of the effect is less than 4 hours, the dose may be increased to a 100mg tablet. Do not take Viagra more than once a day or more than one 100mg dose.
Excitement is required for the treatment to work. Viagra is most likely to be effective when taken in situations where sexual arousal is expected within one or two hours after taking the tablet. Without sexual arousal there is no benefit and the effect of the tablet simply wears off after about 4 hours.
Avoid large meals, high-fat meals, excessive alcohol and grapefruit, as these can impair the effectiveness (efficacy).
Dosage
Photo of Viagra 25mg pack
Viagra 25mg
A reduced dose is recommended if a starting dose of 50 mg is highly effective.
Photo of Viagra 50mg pack
Viagra 50mg
The starting dose is usually recommended for most men taking Viagra for the first time.
Photo of Viagra 100mg pack
Viagra 100mg
Strongest dose pill in case 50 mg is not effective.
Do not take more than 1 dose or more than 100 mg within 24 hours or combine it with other medications for erectile dysfunction.
Does it work every time?
A study with erectile dysfunction medications should be repeated at least four times before deciding whether Viagra works and before requesting a change in dosage or switching to another erectile dysfunction medication. As with any treatment, there are times when ED tablets may not work and cannot improve or overcome the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction.
Satisfactory erections require the following:
Sufficient blood supply
Excitement
Healthy nervous system
If erectile dysfunction is the result of an injury or surgery to the spine, nerves can be damaged. In this case, Viagra can help a little, but other measures such as injections or stiffening aids may be necessary.
Other causes of erectile dysfunction may require specialist treatment in addition to tablets. Some men whose erectile dysfunction has psychological causes may benefit from counselling.
Are there any side effects?
Viagra is remarkably well tolerated and free from significant side effects in the vast majority of men who take it. Viagra increases blood flow, which can have adverse effects on other parts of the body, although these are usually mild. Most men who experience side effects continue the treatment regardless.
Just over 1% of men who take Viagra experience a bluish or yellowish discoloration of their vision. This in itself is not a cause for concern and does not usually interfere with normal activities. It subsides after a few hours.
The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials were
Headache – very common and can be treated with simple painkillers like paracetamol.
Redness (redness of the skin, typically over the cheeks or on the neck).
Digestive disorders (dyspepsia) – can be treated with digestive drugs.
Visual disturbances/disturbances.
Nasal congestion – can be treated with menthol or eucalyptus inhalers.
Dizziness – if affected, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery.
In rare cases of serious side effects, seek medical advice immediately. This is especially true for chest pain (possibly heart attack), loss of vision and a prolonged and painful erection.
Priapism is the medical term for persistent, painful erections that have the potential to cause permanent damage to the penis. Priapism is rare. A prolonged and painful erection lasting more than 2 hours requires immediate emergency medical attention.
The full spectrum of side effects is also listed in the package insert that accompanies the tablets.
Warnings
During the Dr. Fox evaluation process, men must complete an erectile dysfunction questionnaire to determine suitability.
Men with the following conditions should not take Viagra without further evaluation by their family doctor
Taking medication called nitrates (often given for chest pain)
Ingestion of amyl nitrite (‘poppers’) or intended ingestion
Taking riociguat (for treatment of high blood pressure in the lungs)
Low or high blood pressure
allergies or reactions to previous ED treatments
Recent heart attack (within 6 weeks) or angina pectoris (pain in the heart on exertion) or any form of heart disease
History of strokes or mini strokes (transient ischemic attack)
History of visual disturbances caused by circulatory problems
History in the family of rare degenerative eye diseases
Severe kidney or liver disease
Peyronie’s disease – angulation or deformation of the penis
Leukemia, multiple myeloma or sickle cell anemia
Bleeding disorders (like haemophilia)
Current active peptic ulcer (peptic ulcer or gastric ulcer)
Lactose intolerant (tablets contain lactose)
Dr. Fox cannot offer ED treatment to men who suffer from any of the above conditions.
Abuse during leisure time
Viagra is sometimes used for recreational rather than therapeutic purposes. When taken in this way, especially in combination with non-prescription drugs, there is an increased risk of serious side effects, some of which can be serious.
The package leaflet (PIL) is the package insert of a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and contains information about the intake or use of a drug.
Viagra Patient Information Brochure
Connect Viagra
Viagra – the little blue pill that is recognized worldwide – changed the face of erectile dysfunction treatment when it was launched by Pfizer in 1998. With its relatively few side effects, ease of use and proven efficacy, it is no wonder that the drug has become so popular.
Viagra Connect
Viagra was under patent protection in the UK until June 2013, after which legal, cheaper versions were made available under the medical name Sildenafil.
In November 2017, the UK Medicines Agency (MHRA) approved an application from Pfizer to reclassify its Sildenafil 50mg into a P-drugs (available over the counter), which will be sold as a new product called Viagra Connect.
Alternative treatment
Other oral ED medications work in a similar way, with similar side effects. Viagra was the first drug in this class to be widely prescribed.
The following oral tablets for the treatment of ED can be purchased online in different strengths and pack sizes from Dr. Fox after the same medical consultation:
Sildenafil (generic Viagra)
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Tadalafil (generic Cialis)
Levitra (vardenafil)
Vardenafil (generic Levitra)
Spedra (avanafil)
Other treatments for ED include topical applications, injections into the penis, surgical devices, penis pumps and counseling.
Why do men get erectile dysfunction?
Many factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence). Lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, illegal drug use, but also obesity and stress can affect erection. Erectile dysfunction can also be a symptom of underlying health problems such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), heart disease and diabetes, to name a few.
Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction should inform their family doctors who will make an assessment, possibly perform tests and give advice. Family doctors are trained in ED and understand any embarrassment it may cause.