In March 2018, the MHRA reclassified sildenafil 50 mg under the brand name Viagra Connect as a pharmacy medicine (P medicine). This means you can buy it from a pharmacy without a prescription, but only after a consultation with the pharmacist.
How the Pharmacy Consultation Works
When you ask for Viagra Connect, the pharmacist will carry out a short, confidential assessment. They will ask about:
- Your general health and medical history
- Any medications you currently take — particularly nitrates, alpha-blockers, or other blood pressure medicines
- Whether you have had a recent cardiovascular event
- Your symptoms and how long you have experienced ED
The consultation usually takes 5–10 minutes and can often be done in a private room. If the pharmacist determines that Viagra Connect is safe for you, they will supply it.
What You Get
Viagra Connect is available in packs of 4 or 8 tablets, each containing 50 mg of sildenafil. The recommended dose is one tablet taken approximately one hour before sex, with a maximum of one tablet per day.
Who Cannot Buy It Over the Counter?
The pharmacist will not supply Viagra Connect if you:
- Take nitrate medications (e.g. isosorbide mononitrate, GTN spray)
- Have severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled blood pressure
- Have severe liver impairment
- Are under 18
- Have certain rare inherited eye conditions
In these cases, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP for a full assessment.
Is It the Same as Prescription Viagra?
Viagra Connect contains exactly the same active ingredient — sildenafil citrate — as prescription Viagra. The only difference is that Viagra Connect is only available in the 50 mg strength, whereas prescription sildenafil comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Cost and Alternatives
Viagra Connect typically costs between £20 and £30 for a pack of four tablets. Generic sildenafil on prescription — either NHS or private — is usually significantly cheaper. If cost is a concern, it may be worth requesting a prescription from your GP or a GPhC-registered online prescriber.
Online Purchases
You can also buy Viagra Connect from online pharmacies registered with the GPhC. Always check for the official GPhC internet pharmacy logo on the website to ensure you are buying from a legitimate source.