Can You Get Viagra on the NHS: Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction

The Process of Getting Viagra on the NHS

In order to get a Viagra prescription, you will need to make an appointment to see your doctor. They may wish to carry out an assessment of your erectile dysfunction to determine what the cause might be. Erectile dysfunction can be a result of existing health and lifestyle factors such as diabetes, smoking and obesity. To get Viagra on an NHS prescription, you will need to meet a certain criteria. You can only get a prescription for Viagra from the NHS if you have a certain medical history or existing condition such as:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Prostate issues
• Parkinson's
• Spinal chord injury
• Kidney failure
• Spina bifida
• Certain genetic conditions

There is usually a limit of 4 tablets of Sildenafil per month that can be prescribed on the NHS. If you wish to have more, you will need to obtain a private prescription. You can also buy Viagra over the counter, however, it is usually cheaper to obtain privately. 

How Much is Sildenafil on an NHS Prescription?

As of April 2022, the price of any item on an NHS prescription is £9.35. This price usually increases once a year and is likely to increase to £9.55 by April 2023. You do not have to pay for a prescription if you fall into a certain category. For example, if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes or cancer, you are over 60, you are receiving income support or jobseeker’s allowance. You should ask your pharmacist if you are unsure whether you have to pay for your prescription or not. If you receive 2 or more regular prescription items per month, you could qualify for a “prescription prepayment certificate”. This is a scheme where you pay £30.25 every 3 months, or £108.10 every 12 months. The prescription prepayment scheme allows you to receive an unlimited supply of medication within the period you have paid for.

Where Can I Get Viagra?

Viagra is not available on the NHS as it is blacklisted, which means a doctor cannot prescribe it on an NHS prescription (unless you have certain medical conditions). If you wish to obtain Viagra (the branded version), you will need to make a private appointment with a doctor. A doctor will probably charge for their time, and you will have to pay for the private prescription at a pharmacy. (If you make a private appointment with your registered GP, they are unlikely to charge you, but you will still have to pay for the cost of the medication on a private prescription). High street pharmacies can charge any price they like, and tend to sell Viagra at a higher cost to online pharmacies.

Alternatively, you can get Viagra from online doctors and clinics, after completing an online assessment. Prices are usually cheaper and you will avoid paying a consultation fee.

If you wish to obtain generic Viagra, the non-branded version, it is at your doctor's discretion, whether they prescribe it to you or not. This is because Sildenafil is now available over the counter, so you may be instructed to purchase it from a pharmacy.

Viagra Connect is available to buy online, as well as in most high street pharmacies. If you choose to visit a pharmacy, you will need to have a consultation with a pharmacist before purchase.

Is it Safe to Buy Viagra and Sildenafil Online?

Before ordering any prescription medicine online, it is important to check the validity of the website. All online pharmacies must display an EU Common Logo (please note, due to Brexit, UK pharmacies are exempt from this as of 1st January 2021). This ensures that the pharmacy you are purchasing from is legal and the medication you are buying is genuine and safe to use. You can also visit the General Pharmaceutical Council to check that the pharmacy is registered. These measures are a legal requirement for all online pharmacies, and are put in place to protect buyers. Websites that do not have this information on their site are illegal and you run the risk of ordering medication that may be counterfeit.

Can Get Viagra Without a Prescription at an Affordable Price?

Unless you fall under a category where you can get Viagra on the NHS, obtaining Viagra on a private prescription is costly. The cost effective option is to obtain it over the counter from a pharmacy. Alternatively, you can buy Sildenafil and Viagra (the non-branded version) for much cheaper online. You will need to complete a consultation to ensure that treatment is suitable.

What Else Does the NHS Offer for Erectile Dysfunction?

If Viagra doesn't seem to be the best option for you, don't worry. There are different erectile dysfunction treatments available, and your doctor can help identify the best approach suited to your individual needs.

The NHS offers a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments including vacuum pumps which promote blood flow into the penis, injection therapies, penile implants and counselling. They might also advise certain lifestyle changes and recommend vitamins and supplements that could help you to get and maintain stronger erections. Each of these options comes with its own set of advantages and possible side effects, which should be discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider.

Moreover, there are additional oral erectile dysfunction medications on the market similar to Viagra that may work better or have fewer side effects for some individuals. If you're considering over-the-counter options, Viagra Connect might be worth exploring to see if it meets your needs. Before proceeding with any treatment, your doctor will evaluate your overall health to determine the safest and most effective options for you.