Dr. Gussone has contributed widely to consumer health news media, including NBC News TODAY and NBC Nightly News, and has written about his own weight loss journey for CNN. Dr.

Country	OTC Availability	Regulatory Authority	Sale Restrictions
USA	No	FDA	Prescription required
UK	No	MHRA	Prescription required
Canada	No	Health Canada	Prescription required
Mexico	Yes	COFEPRIS	Limited sale in pharmacies
Australia	No	TGA	Prescription required
Germany	No	BfArM	Prescription required
Japan	No	PMDA	Prescription required

Gussone discovered his passion for creating medical content and educating the public about health while working with CNN’s Dr.

While prescription Viagra requires medical oversight, OTC access is limited.
OTC ED solutions typically target mild or occasional symptoms.
The market for OTC ED products is growing with online sales.
Verify whether OTC products are approved by relevant health authorities.
Beware of exaggerated claims in OTC ED supplement marketing.
Combining OTC ED remedies with other medications can be dangerous.

Sanjay Gupta. He realized that the media could deliver essential health information to millions, surpassing the reach of one-on-one care in a clinical setting.

Risks when supplying over the counter

Dr. Gussone has contributed widely to consumer health news media, including NBC News TODAY and NBC Nightly News, and has written about his own weight loss journey for CNN. Dr. Gussone discovered his passion for creating medical content and educating the public about health while working with CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Potentially harmful side effects

He realized that the media could deliver essential health information to millions, surpassing the reach of one-on-one care in a clinical setting. Scuba diving, traveling, cinema, and perfume making Scuba diving, traveling, cinema, and perfume making Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which you have trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfying sex. Erectile dysfunction (ED, or impotence) is a condition that causes men to be unable to acquire or maintain an erection. Treatment for erectile dysfunction is aimed at enabling a man to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) supplements may help with erectile dysfunction, such as: Korean red ginseng (also called panax ginseng) Studies have shown improvements in erections Carnitine (propionyl-L-carnitine) May improve erectile dysfunctionAlso used to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) Also used to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Declines in DHEA are associated with increased incidence of EDDHEA supplements are often promoted to improve sexual health, though more study is needed Declines in DHEA are associated with increased incidence of ED DHEA supplements are often promoted to improve sexual health, though more study is needed Tell your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplement. Scuba diving, traveling, cinema, and perfume making Scuba diving, traveling, cinema, and perfume making Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which you have trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfying sex. Erectile dysfunction (ED, or impotence) is a condition that causes men to be unable to acquire or maintain an erection. Treatment for erectile dysfunction is aimed at enabling a man to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) supplements may help with erectile dysfunction, such as: Korean red ginseng (also called panax ginseng) Studies have shown improvements in erections Carnitine (propionyl-L-carnitine) May improve erectile dysfunctionAlso used to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) Also used to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Declines in DHEA are associated with increased incidence of EDDHEA supplements are often promoted to improve sexual health, though more study is needed Declines in DHEA are associated with increased incidence of ED DHEA supplements are often promoted to improve sexual health, though more study is needed Tell your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplement. Use caution with any product that claims to be a non-prescription “herbal Viagra.” Some of these products contain the viagra gel actual drug, sildenafil, which should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. They may also contain unlabeled ingredients that can cause serious side effects or interact with other medications you take. In addition to sildenafil (Viagra), medications used to treat erectile dysfunction include: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors Tadalafil (Cialis)Vardenafil (Levitra)Avanafil (Stendra) Testosterone replacement therapy Used when man's testes do not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone testosteroneDoes not work to improve sexual function in men who produce normal amounts of testosterone Used when man's testes do not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone testosterone Does not work to improve sexual function in men who produce normal amounts of testosterone Lifestyle modifications to treat erectile dysfunction may include: Weight loss in men who are obese Talk to your doctor about using different medications to treat hypertension and pain Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor Psychotherapy and psychoactive medications may be recommended for men who have erectile dysfunction due to depression and/or anxiety. Counseling with a sex therapist may be helpful for men with performance anxiety. Medical treatments used to treat erectile dysfunction may include: Penile self-injection A medication (alprostadil or papaverine) is self-injected into the two chambers of the penis that are filled with spongy tissue and blood (corpora cavernosa) to cause an erection by allowing the blood vessels within the penis to expand so the penis swells and stiffens to create a fully rigid erection A medication (alprostadil or papaverine) is self-injected into the two chambers of the penis that are filled with spongy tissue and blood (corpora cavernosa) to cause an erection by allowing the blood vessels within the penis to expand so the penis swells and stiffens to create a fully rigid erection Intraurethral alprostadil (MUSE) Uses the same medication (alprostadil) as penile self-injection but instead a man inserts a device with an alprostadil pellet (suppository) into the urethra to create an erection Uses the same medication (alprostadil) as penile self-injection but instead a man inserts a device with an alprostadil pellet (suppository) into the urethra to create an erection Vacuum-assisted erection devices Involves placing the penis into a plastic cylinder and creating a vacuum around the penis to increase blood flow into the penisA rigid ring is placed at the base of the penis to hold the blood inside the penis, keeping it erect Involves placing the penis into a plastic cylinder and creating a vacuum around the penis to increase blood flow into the penis A rigid ring is placed at the base of the penis to hold the blood inside the penis, keeping it erect Penile prostheses Surgically implanted devices that inflate to allow the penis to become erect Surgically implanted devices that inflate to allow the penis to become erect Limited blood flow to the penis Cigarette smokingObesityDiabetesHigh blood pressure (hypertension)AgingPrescription medications, such as antihypertensive medications Neurological causes DiabetesStrokeProstate surgery that damage nerves to the penisPelvic traumaSpinal cord or back injuryMultiple sclerosisDementiaPrevious episodes of prolonged erection (priapism) Prostate surgery that damage nerves to the penis Drugs that affect the nervous system or that lower testosterone levels or inhibit testosterone action NicotineAlcoholOpioidsBlood pressure medications, such as beta-blockersAntidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)SpironolactoneSympathetic blockers such as clonidine, guanethidine, or methyldopaThiazide diureticsKetoconazoleCimetidineRecreational drugs, such as cocaine and heroin Blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Sympathetic blockers such as clonidine, guanethidine, or methyldopa Recreational drugs, such as cocaine and heroin Other risk factors Chronic kidney diseasePeripheral neuropathyAutonomic dysfunctionPeripheral vascular diseaseHypogonadismEndocrine disordersBicycling Pfizer’s flagship product Viagra (sildenafil) is becoming available as an over-the-counter product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) for the first time. Marketed as Viagra Connect, the new product will aim to tap into the 4.3 million-strong market in the UK.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Viagra Generic	150mg	360 + 10 Pills	423.48€ 403.31€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	10 Pills	28.76€ 27.39€
Viagra Generic	50mg	180 + 8 Pills	158.82€ 151.26€
Viagra Soft Tabs	100mg	120 + 8 Pills	232.21€ 221.15€
Viagra Professional	100mg	360 + 6 Pills	527.09€ 501.99€
Viagra Generic	200mg	360 + 10 Pills	481.98€ 459.03€
Viagra Generic	50mg	60 + 4 Pills	83.93€ 79.93€
Viagra Generic	200mg	90 + 6 Pills	170.79€ 162.66€
Viagra Oral Jelly	100mg	30 + 5 Sachets	115.76€ 110.25€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	270 + 30 Pills	390.61€ 372.01€
Viagra Soft Tabs	100mg	30 + 4 Pills	83.06€ 79.10€
Viagra Generic	100mg	20 Pills	45.58€ 43.41€
Viagra Generic	150mg	30 + 2 Pills	72.32€ 68.88€
Viagra Generic	25mg	180 + 6 Pills	154.93€ 147.55€
Viagra Soft Tabs	100mg	180 + 10 Pills	314.95€ 299.95€
Viagra Original	100mg	22 + 2 Pills	120.71€ 114.96€

As of 27 March, people in the UK have been able to purchase the medicine from local pharmacies off-prescription.

Source Type	Examples	Reliability	Notes
Official Medical Websites	NHS, CDC	High	Accurate, evidence-based
Forums & User Reviews	Reddit, Health forums	Variable	Anecdotal, should be verified
News Articles	Medical News Today	Moderate	Provide updates but may lack detail
Pharmacist Advice	Local pharmacy staff	High	Professional guidance, trusted

The move follows a reclassification review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last November and will see Viagra becoming a key asset in Pfizer’s consumer health division. Pfizer will hope that this switch to OTC will compound some of the loss in global revenue experienced over the previous years, which has declined year-on-year from $2.5bn to $1.2bn. Revenue losses have mostly been attributed to the rise in unlicensed and counterfeit ED products available online on the black market.

OTC pills often promote to men under 50 as a quick fix.
Use of OTC ED medication should never replace medical diagnosis.
Unregulated products may contain harmful or unlisted ingredients.
Some OTC ED aids contain illegal or banned substances.
Always review the label and ingredients list carefully.
Consult a doctor if OTC products do not work or cause side effects.

The MHRA seized more than $67m worth of these medicines in the past five years. Sales are expected to decrease further as a result of the recent approval of two Viagra generics from Teva and Pfizer in December 2017, two years before the original patent expiration. Around a fifth of men (4.3 million) in the UK suffer from a form of erectile dysfunction, however the uptake of the drug through prescription is low with 2,958,199 filed in 2016 (NHS Digital). At a price point of $7 per pill, the Viagra Connect product is more expensive than the prescription form. Nonetheless, Pfizer will hope the over-the-counter strategy will encourage consumers to move away from counterfeit products, and later seek professional help to encourage prescription sales. (CNN) -- The United Kingdom will be the first country where consumers can buy the drug Viagra without having a prescription, the drug's maker, Pfizer, announced Tuesday. The UK's regulatory body, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said the reclassification moves the erectile dysfunction drug from a prescription-only medication to a pharmacy medication.

Brand/Type	Cost per Dose (USD)	Availability	Notes
Prescription Sildenafil	20-50	Prescribed only	Brand name or generic options
OTC Viagra-like products	8-20	Readily available	Often cheaper, variable quality
Prescription Viagra (original)	50-80	Prescription only	Original brand, high cost
OTC Sildenafil (generic)	8-12	Varies	Generic options, may be less reliable

The move is expected to help clamp down on unregulated sales of the popular drug.

Viagra (sildenafil) for ED: a proven treatment to increase penile blood flow

Consult with a board-certified physician.

"Erectile dysfunction medicines are a popular target for criminals selling unlicensed and counterfeit medicines," the regular agency said in its announcement. In the past five years, it has seized more than $66 million (50 million British pounds) in unlicensed and counterfeit medicines for erectile dysfunction, it said.

The concept of OTC Viagra is more common in discussions than in practice.
Many so-called OTC Viagra products are illegal or unapproved.
Pharmacists generally cannot dispense prescription ED medications OTC.
Online vendors may falsely claim OTC availability to attract customers.
Due diligence is essential to avoid counterfeit or dangerous products.
Responsible use of ED treatments involves medical supervision and advice.

Struggling sales

"Making this medication more widely available will help direct men who might not otherwise seek help into the healthcare system and away from the risks that come with buying medicines from websites operating illegally," the announcement said. In a statement, Pfizer said that over-the-counter sales will begin in the spring to men 18 and older with erectile dysfunction viagra cream after a consultation with a trained pharmacist. Men who have severe cardiovascular disorders or are at high risk of one, those with liver or severe kidney failure, or those who are taking medications that could interact will still need to see a doctor. The drug will be sold as Viagra Connect, a 50-milligram tablet with the same active ingredient as the current prescription drug. The original Viagra, available in 25 milligrams, 50 milligrams and 100 milligrams, will still require a prescription.

What else should you do for your ED?

The drug can cause side effects including headache, heartburn, diarrhea, nosebleeds, difficulty sleeping, muscle aches, changes in vision and sensitivity to light, according to the National Library of Medicine. Numbness, tingling or burning in arms, hands, feet or legs may also occur. More severe side effects can include an erection lasting more than four hours, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision loss, dizziness, fainting and ringing in the ears. Patients who experience any of these symptoms associated with Viagra should contact a doctor. The little blue pill, as it's familiarly known, was created by British scientists at Pfizer in 1989 under the chemical name sildenafil citrate as a heart medication for the treatment of high blood pressure and angina, a type of chest pain associated with coronary heart disease. Men who have severe cardiovascular disorders or are at high risk of one, those with liver or severe kidney failure, or those who are taking medications that could interact will still need to see a doctor. The drug will be sold as Viagra Connect, a 50-milligram tablet with the same active ingredient as the current prescription drug. The original Viagra, available in 25 milligrams, 50 milligrams and 100 milligrams, will still require a prescription. The drug can cause side effects including headache, heartburn, diarrhea, nosebleeds, difficulty sleeping, muscle aches, changes in vision and sensitivity to light, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Understanding Sildenafil

Use caution with any product that claims to be a non-prescription “herbal Viagra.” Some of these products contain the viagra gel actual drug, sildenafil, which should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. They may also contain unlabeled ingredients that can cause serious side effects or interact with other medications you take. In addition to sildenafil (Viagra), medications used to treat erectile dysfunction include: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors Tadalafil (Cialis)Vardenafil (Levitra)Avanafil (Stendra) Testosterone replacement therapy Used when man's testes do not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone testosteroneDoes not work to improve sexual function in men who produce normal amounts of testosterone Used when man's testes do not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone testosterone Does not work to improve sexual function in men who produce normal amounts of testosterone Lifestyle modifications to treat erectile dysfunction may include: Weight loss in men who are obese Talk to your doctor about using different medications to treat hypertension and pain Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor Psychotherapy and psychoactive medications may be recommended for men who have erectile dysfunction due to depression and/or anxiety. Counseling with a sex therapist may be helpful for men with performance anxiety. Medical treatments used to treat erectile dysfunction may include: Penile self-injection A medication (alprostadil or papaverine) is self-injected into the two chambers of the penis that are filled with spongy tissue and blood (corpora cavernosa) to cause an erection by allowing the blood vessels within the penis to expand so the penis swells and stiffens to create a fully rigid erection A medication (alprostadil or papaverine) is self-injected into the two chambers of the penis that are filled with spongy tissue and blood (corpora cavernosa) to cause an erection by allowing the blood vessels within the penis to expand so the penis swells and stiffens to create a fully rigid erection Intraurethral alprostadil (MUSE) Uses the same medication (alprostadil) as penile self-injection but instead a man inserts a device with an alprostadil pellet (suppository) into the urethra to create an erection Uses the same medication (alprostadil) as penile self-injection but instead a man inserts a device with an alprostadil pellet (suppository) into the urethra to create an erection Vacuum-assisted erection devices Involves placing the penis into a plastic cylinder and creating a vacuum around the penis to increase blood flow into the penisA rigid ring is placed at the base of the penis to hold the blood inside the penis, keeping it erect Involves placing the penis into a plastic cylinder and creating a vacuum around the penis to increase blood flow into the penis A rigid ring is placed at the base of the penis to hold the blood inside the penis, keeping it erect Penile prostheses Surgically implanted devices that inflate to allow the penis to become erect Surgically implanted devices that inflate to allow the penis to become erect Limited blood flow to the penis Cigarette smokingObesityDiabetesHigh blood pressure (hypertension)AgingPrescription medications, such as antihypertensive medications Neurological causes DiabetesStrokeProstate surgery that damage nerves to the penisPelvic traumaSpinal cord or back injuryMultiple sclerosisDementiaPrevious episodes of prolonged erection (priapism) Prostate surgery that damage nerves to the penis Drugs that affect the nervous system or that lower testosterone levels or inhibit testosterone action NicotineAlcoholOpioidsBlood pressure medications, such as beta-blockersAntidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)SpironolactoneSympathetic blockers such as clonidine, guanethidine, or methyldopaThiazide diureticsKetoconazoleCimetidineRecreational drugs, such as cocaine and heroin Blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Sympathetic blockers such as clonidine, guanethidine, or methyldopa Recreational drugs, such as cocaine and heroin Other risk factors Chronic kidney diseasePeripheral neuropathyAutonomic dysfunctionPeripheral vascular diseaseHypogonadismEndocrine disordersBicycling Pfizer’s flagship product Viagra (sildenafil) is becoming available as an over-the-counter product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) for the first time.

Can Viagra cause a heart attack?

Marketed as Viagra Connect, the new product will aim to tap into the 4.3 million-strong market in the UK. As of 27 March, people in the UK have been able to purchase the medicine from local pharmacies off-prescription. The move follows a reclassification review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last November and will see Viagra becoming a key asset in Pfizer’s consumer health division. Pfizer will hope that this switch to OTC will compound some of the loss in global revenue experienced over the previous years, which has declined year-on-year from $2.5bn to $1.2bn. Revenue losses have mostly been attributed to the rise in unlicensed and counterfeit ED products available online on the black market. Numbness, tingling or burning in arms, hands, feet or legs may also occur. More severe side effects can include an erection lasting more than four hours, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision loss, dizziness, fainting and ringing in the ears. Patients who experience any of these symptoms associated with Viagra should contact a doctor.

UK Becomes First To Sell Viagra Over The Counter