There are plenty of reasons why healthcare is moving online - and when it comes to treatments for erectile dysfunction, the discretion and ease of buying medication like Viagra on the internet seems like a no-brainer. The trickier part of buying ED medication online is knowing where to look, and what to watch out for to make sure what you’re buying is safe. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help simplify the process for you.
Consider your options
While Viagra is a household name and is indisputably a popular option for treating ED, it isn’t the only option out there. Sildenafil, a clinically proven ED treatment, is often sold at a lower price point as it isn’t branded.
Another popular ED treatment is tadalafil. It works in a similar way to sildenafil (i.e. it helps blood to flow into the penis and generate harder erections) but requires a shorter amount of time to take effect and lasts longer than the little blue pill. Whichever you choose is largely down to lifestyle and preference, and both are considered safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Speak to a clinician before you buy
As with any medication, it’s important to make sure that Viagra is safe for you to take and won’t interact with any other medicine you are taking. Reputable companies will always make you take an online consultation before you can purchase Viagra or any other ED treatment. Any websites that don’t have this process in place should be avoided.
While Viagra is generally safe, it isn’t suitable for patients with heart problems or those taking medicines called nitrates. In these situations, a clinician may be able to suggest some alternatives during the online consultation process - which is why it’s important to have one before you buy any medication online. This process will also help to make sure you receive the dosage of Viagra that is right for you (whether that be 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg).
Look out for scams
If you come across a website that sells Viagra for a suspiciously low price, it probably means that it’s too good to be true. A pack of 4 Viagra pills is £19.99 from Pfizer, which is around £5 per pill. Some scam websites have been reported to sell fake Viagra from as little as 50p per pill. These fake Viagra pills are potentially dangerous, as research conducted by Pfizer found that the fake Viagra being sold by counterfeit websites contained ingredients such as blue printer ink, amphetamines and even binding agents such as drywall.
The numan take
If you decide to buy Viagra online, always make sure that the company you are buying it from is reputable and is licensed to sell it. You should also make sure that the company makes you take an online consultation before they allow you to purchase Viagra, as this will help to ensure your safety.
