Is Viagra safe?

People living with erectile dysfunction (ED) have access to a variety of treatment options that may help treat their symptoms. From topical creams to oral medication, to even surgery in some rare cases, help is out there. However, no erectile dysfunction medicine is as widely known as Viagra.

Viagra was launched in 1998 and was the first oral medicine available to help treat ED symptoms in men aged 18 and over. Pfizer initially trialled the ‘blue pill’ as a possible treatment option for high blood pressure and angina, but it didn’t work. Instead, men taking part in a clinical trial reported increased erections.

Viagra can only be prescribed by a clinician or a doctor. Viagra Connect 50mg is an over-the-counter medicine which contains the same active ingredient (sildenafil) as Viagra. Although no prescription is necessary, men will still need to answer a questionnaire online or in a pharmacy to check that Viagra Connect 50mg is suitable for them. 

Like any medicine, Viagra and Viagra Connect 50mg must be taken carefully and in accordance with the patient information leaflet. Taken incorrectly, it can be less effective, increase side effects and even fail to work.

How does Viagra work?

Most oral ED medicines, like Viagra, work by increasing the blood flow to the penis. This means it helps a man who takes it to get and keep an erection which is hard enough for sex. Some people think Viagra can make sex more enjoyable, but there’s no proof to back up those claims – it shouldn’t be taken unless there’s a medical need for it. It’s not an aphrodisiac and men who take it must be sexually stimulated for the drug to work. 

Is Viagra suitable for everyone?

Viagra is only prescribed after some form of assessment is carried out to check suitability. If it is prescribed to you, you should read the patient information leaflet and only take it as directed. Viagra is not suitable for everybody, especially men living with some health conditions. You should not take Viagra if you:
• Have had an allergic reaction to sildenafil or any of the ingredients in Viagra (you can find a full list in the patient information leaflet) 
• Have a rare inherited eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa
• Are taking certain medicines, including those called nitrates taken for chest pain
• Have low blood pressure
• Have recently had a heart attack or a stroke
• Have certain heart problems

There are also a number of health conditions in which men can take Viagra, but only with caution. 

What are the side effects of Viagra?

The side effects of Viagra range from mild symptoms to more serious concerns. These can include: 
• Headaches
• Feeling flushed
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Feeling sick or having an upset stomach
• A blocked or runny nose
• Back or muscle pain
• Rash
• Changes in vision (such as blurred vision or seeing a blue tinge to colours) 

A full list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.

Is priapism something to worry about?

Priapism can be a rare side effect of taking Viagra. Priapism can be a painful condition, where the penis remains erect over a long period of time. Unless treated quickly, prolonged erections can cause permanent damage to the penis and potentially impact the quality of any future erections you might have. If you’re suffering with an erection that won’t go down, the NHS recommend treating it by having a warm bath or shower, trying to urinate, exercising, drinking lots of water or taking a gentle walk. However, if the erection lasts longer than two hours you should call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. An erection that lasts an abnormally long amount of time can cause permanent damage to the penis.

Is it safe to take Viagra?

Viagra is a licensed prescription medicine and should be taken responsibly by men who have been prescribed the medicine. It should never be abused by those who want to take it recreationally. It cannot treat a low libido or increase sexual desire, and should only be used by men to treat ED. 

If you do take Viagra, it’s sensible to be aware of any side effects so please make sure that you read the patient information leaflet.

Even if you are taking Viagra to treat ED symptoms, it’s still important that you go and see a doctor about your symptoms. Sometimes ED can be caused by an underlying health issue, such as diabetes or heart disease, so it’s vital that your GP can check you over. Subsequent treatment of any underlying health condition may see your ED symptoms reduce or go away completely.

Where can I access Viagra?

You should never access Viagra from anywhere that doesn’t ask you a series of suitability questions before handing you the medicine. Not only could it be a sign that the Viagra you are trying to access is fake, but you could be putting your health at risk. 

If you are thinking about using Viagra to help with your ED symptoms, please speak to a healthcare professional or use a regulated online service like the Boots Erectile Dysfunction Online Clinic. Our clinic offers access to Viagra alongside a number of other oral ED treatments (subject to availability and clinician approval). 

You’ll only be offered treatment through our clinic once you’ve completed an online consultation so one of our clinicians can check that Viagra, or any other oral ED treatment, is suitable for you. These questions will be about your general health as well as your sexual health, but there’s no need to feel embarrassed. It’s important to answer accurately and honestly, as the medicine might not be suitable for people taking certain medication or who have particular health conditions.

What doses of Viagra are available?

Viagra comes in three strengths of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg available for prescription. Viagra 50mg (or Viagra Connect 50mg) is usually prescribed as the starter strength for people who are new to the drug. The Boots Erectile Dysfunction Online Clinic offers access to Viagra Connect 50mg and Viagra 100mg. It also offers access to generic Sildenafil in strengths of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

You may have to try Viagra on up to eight separate occasions for it to work as expected. If after eight attempts it still isn’t working out for you, you could consider a higher strength or even try a different treatment for ED which may be more suited to you. 

Never take more than one dose of Viagra in a 24-hour period. If you do take more than prescribed, contact your GP or call 111 immediately.