What is Viagra Connect®?
Viagra Connect® is a treatment for erectile dysfunction available in the UK without a prescription. It is intended for men aged 18 and over who have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual activity, often referred to as erectile dysfunction problems.Viagra Connect® contains sildenafil 50mg, the same active ingredient used in prescription Viagra, and is supplied through regulated UK pharmacies following a short online or in-pharmacy health consultation.If suitable, it can be purchased online and discreetly delivered to your home.
Is Viagra Connect® available without a prescription?
Viagra Connect® was made available over the counter in the UK in 2018 to make treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and erection problems (EP) more accessible.
Previously, men needed a GP prescription to access sildenafil-based medicines such as Viagra. While prescription treatment remains available, many people prefer a pharmacy-led option due to convenience, privacy, and speed of access.
Viagra Connect® requires you to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure it is suitable for you. This helps confirm suitability and ensures it is appropriate for you based on your health and any current medications.
This safeguard is an important part of the process and helps identify whether erectile dysfunction may be linked to an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.
What is Viagra Connect® used for?
Viagra Connect® is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as erection problems.
It may help men who experience difficulty:
- Getting an erection
- Maintaining an erection
- Achieving an erection firm enough for sex
Viagra Connect® requires sexual arousal to be effective.
How Viagra Connect® works
Viagra Connect® contains sildenafil, a type of medicine known as a PDE5 inhibitor.
Sildenafil increases blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal by relaxing blood vessel walls. It works by supporting the body’s erection process when you are sexually stimulated.
It does not work without sexual arousal and will not cause an erection on its own.
How effective is Viagra Connect®?
Viagra Connect® is a clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- Over 1 million men in the UK have used Viagra Connect® since launch¹
- 74% of men reported improved erections when taking it²
These results reflect both clinical evidence and real-world use in treating erection problems.
Is Viagra Connect® suitable for me?
Viagra Connect® is suitable for many men with erectile dysfunction, but it is not suitable for everyone.
A pharmacist or online clinician will review your health information before supplying.
It may not be suitable if you:
- Take nitrate medication for heart conditions
- Have certain heart or cardiovascular conditions
- Have severe liver or kidney disease
- Have been advised to avoid sexual activity
- Have certain rare eye or blood conditions
This ensures Viagra Connect® is appropriate for you to use.
Always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.
How to take Viagra Connect®
Viagra Connect® is taken daily as a single 50mg tablet with water, approximately one hour before sexual activity.
- Take on an empty stomach for best effect
- Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours
- Avoid excessive alcohol as it may reduce effectiveness
How long does Viagra Connect® take to work
Viagra Connect® usually begins to work within:
- Usually works in 25 minutes
Its effects can last for:
- Up to around 4 hours
Timing may vary depending on food, alcohol, and individual response.
Safety and side effects
Like all medicines, Viagra Connect® can cause side effects. The most commonly reported include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Mild visual changes (such as blurred or tinted vision)
These are usually mild and temporary.
If side effects persist or become severe, medical advice should be sought.
Always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Buy Viagra Connect® online
If Viagra Connect® is suitable for you, it can be purchased online from a regulated UK pharmacy following a confidential consultation.
Once approved, it can be delivered discreetly to your home.
1Estimated from reported Viagra Connect use since launch (Kantar 2019, Viagra Connect Omnibus survey, 1,499 men 35 yrs+) & UK male population 35+yrs.
2Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablet. Summary of Product Characteristics, February 2023
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