The cost of ED treatment in the UK varies considerably depending on whether you use the NHS, a private prescriber, or buy over the counter. Since generics became available, prices have dropped dramatically — but it pays to compare.
NHS Prescriptions
If your GP prescribes ED medication on the NHS, you pay the standard prescription charge — currently £9.90 per item in England (prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). One prescription item typically covers one month's supply. This makes the NHS route one of the most affordable options, especially for daily tadalafil.
Note: NHS prescribing policies for ED vary by area. Some GPs may prescribe generics freely, while others follow local formulary restrictions.
Generic vs Branded Prices
Approximate prices from GPhC-registered UK online pharmacies:
- Generic sildenafil 50 mg — from around £0.50–£1.50 per tablet
- Generic tadalafil 10 mg/20 mg — from around £1.00–£3.00 per tablet
- Generic tadalafil 5 mg daily — from around £0.50–£1.50 per tablet (often sold as 28-day packs)
- Generic vardenafil 10 mg — from around £2.00–£4.00 per tablet
- Branded Viagra (Pfizer) — from around £5.00–£8.00 per tablet
- Branded Cialis (Lilly) — from around £8.00–£15.00 per tablet
Over-the-Counter: Viagra Connect
Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50 mg) is available without prescription and typically costs £5–£7 per tablet from high-street pharmacies. This is more expensive than generic sildenafil on prescription, so if you use it regularly, a prescription may save you money.
Ways to Reduce Costs
- Ask for generics — always request the generic version rather than the branded product
- NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) — if you need multiple prescriptions, a PPC can cap your annual cost at around £108 in England
- Tablet splitting — some prescribers prescribe a higher-dose tablet to be split in half (e.g. 100 mg sildenafil split into two 50 mg doses). Only do this with medical advice and with tablets that are scored for splitting
- Subscription services — several GPhC-registered online pharmacies offer monthly subscription plans with lower per-tablet pricing
The Bottom Line
Generic ED medication in the UK is affordable and accessible. For most men, generic sildenafil offers the best value. If you prefer tadalafil's longer duration, generic daily tadalafil via subscription can also be very cost-effective.