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Is Viagra Over the Counter in the US?

7 min read
Is Viagra Over the Counter in the US?

Viagra (also know as sildenafil) is not available as an OTC medication in the U.S. However, telecare services make it very simple to get a prescription, so, although there's a small additional step involved, most people find getting Viagra is fairly straightforward.

If you've searched for Viagra or similar medications online, chances are, you'll start seeing adverts for medications or supplements that claim the same kind of benefits. As well as looking at Viagra in this article, we'll also take a look at these alternatives - so you can find a solution that's exactly right for you.

Of course, as a prescription medication, Viagra should only be taken following the advice of your doctor - so talking to a medical professional should always be your first step in dealing with ED with either medication or supplements.

At a Glance

  • Viagra (sildenafil) is not available over the counter in the US—a prescription is required for legal and safe access.

  • Online telehealth services make obtaining a prescription easy and discreet, often through a simple consultation or questionnaire.

  • Over-the-counter ED supplements like L-arginine, ginseng, and yohimbe lack strong clinical backing and may carry risks or side effects.

  • Buying unregulated or counterfeit ED treatments online is dangerous and should be avoided due to unknown ingredients and potential harm.

  • Lifestyle changes and medically approved options like penis pumps and prescription meds remain the safest, most effective ED treatments.Can You Buy Viagra Over the Counter in the US?

Can You Buy Viagra Over the Counter in the US?

While some countries provide over-the-counter options, you'll still need a prescription in the US.

The UK and New Zealand have both trialled OTC options in pharmacies to provide a purchase option for customers who might be reluctant to seek help. It was also a move to combat black market counterfeit versions sold online. In 2017, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency reclassified Pfizer's Viagra Connect from a prescription-only medicine to a pharmacy medicine. This meant that after having a similar consultation as they would with a healthcare professional, to ensure it was safe for them to take, patients could buy this 50mg option over the counter. In Poland, a 25mg sildenafil tablet is available without prescription.

Despite requiring a prescription in the US, Viagra and sildenafil are still relatively easy to acquire, and often without the embarrassment many men think it will cause.

In most cases, a healthcare provider will provide a prescription after a simple consultation. Impotence and erectile dysfunction are common issues, and nothing to be embarrassed about—it's nothing new to the healthcare practitioners who carry out these checks every day, and are incredibly understanding.

For those who'd prefer to avoid a face-to-face conversation, there are plenty of online pharmacists and providers who'll evaluate the situation and provide you with a prescription after a simple telehealth appointment.

Why is Viagra Prescription-Only in the US?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pfizer's Viagra as an oral medication for erectile dysfunction in March 1998, and legislated that it should only be available as a prescription medicine. While Viagra is a relatively safe drug for most men to take, there are cases where it may impact an existing condition or react with other medicines.

Erectile dysfunction is often a side-effect or a sign of another illness, a consideration a doctor will make during their consultation. There's also a lot of activity surrounding 18 to 22-year-olds using it recreationally. Again, while it may not do too much harm or offer too much benefit, it's possible to overdose on it, and that's something nobody wants.

Are There Any Over-the-Counter Alternatives?

There are no officially FDA-approved OTC Viagra alternatives, but that doesn't stop many people from using herbal or alternative substitutes and unlicensed supplements. The following are some of those commonly offered for ED:

1. L-arginine

L-arginine is a common amino acid the body uses to make nitric oxide, a chemical that helps open blood vessels and improve blood flow. While athletes experiment with the supplement to boost cardiovascular performance, this study, carried out in the past five years, found that high doses of L-arginine improved erectile function in patients suffering from L-arginine and vitamin D deficiency, or in combination with approved ED medication for mild cases. However, further research is required to determine how effective it is as a support supplement and as a standalone option.

2. DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone helps create sex hormones, including testosterone. Production decreases with age, and low levels of DHEA can potentially increase the risk of ED. However, studies show mixed results, usually with little benefit, citing that further research is needed.

3. Ginseng

Ginseng has been used historically in Eastern medicine as an aphrodisiac, boosting sexual desire and performance. Suggested to boost libido and help sufferers of erection issues, research shows little proof, with further research needed to review its benefits.

4. Yohimbe

Yohimbe promotes norepinephrine production, a valuable neurotransmitter that helps men get an erection. While this 2013 study showed some positive results in combating impotence, another suggested there isn't enough research available for combating ED, while showing a range of serious side effects, occasionally linked to heart attacks and seizures.

5. Propionyl-L-carnitine

Propionyl-L-carnitine acts as an antioxidant, and is used in blood flow and circulatory issues, and is also considered an ED supplement. A 2018 study showed that a supplement may help those whose L-carnitine and vitamin D levels decreased during sildenafil use, but little research is available for its use in standalone ED cases.

How Effective Are OTC ED Treatments?

Given the past studies, there isn't much proof that OTC ED treatments are effective. Some have shown minor improvements, and might help when combined with prescription medicines, but if you've already got a prescription, your doctor will probably recommend that you stick with just that, perhaps suggesting you adjust the dose if required.

If you're going to try supplements, it's vital that you consult your doctor about how you might respond to them, whether they'll interact with other medications you might take, and how they might impact your health.

Other ED Treatment Options

Now we've largely ruled-out supplements and ingredients that claim to offer ED benefits, it's a good idea to look at other ways of treating ED symptoms:

1. Alternative Prescription ED Medications

The FDA-approved medications that have continuously been shown to be widely effective against erectile dysfunction are: Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, and a few others - taken orally, injected, or applied to the penis as a cream.

Properly prescribed, these are some of the safest and most effective ED solutions available.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Given that erection performance is almost always linked to blood flow and cardio health, simple changes that include more exercise, a healthier diet, weight loss, stress reduction, better sleep quality, stopping smoking, and lower alcohol intake can all help improve mild ED.

3. Penis Pumps

Penis pumps work by creating a vacuum around the penis, drawing in the necessary blood to create an erection. They're safe, pain-free when used correctly, completely legal, discreet, easily bought, and are a buy-once-use-forever product.

Long-term, regular use showed patient and partner satisfaction at between 82 and 89%, with erection quality of over 90%. Partnering a penis pump with a penis ring—a constriction band designed to keep the blood in the penis—is an excellent and efficient method of combatting erectile dysfunction.

4. Injectable Medications & Surgery

In the most severe cases, implants, surgery, and injectable medicines are considered for ED. However, many doctors now consider pumps to be the first line of treatment and are hesitant to recommend surgery as a first option.

The Risks of Buying Viagra Without a Prescription

If you buy any ED treatment that isn't registered, there's no guarantee of what's in it. Just because it's on sale to the public doesn't mean it's safe. The FDA can't test everything that goes to market, but it has a list of OTC ED alternatives that may be dangerous because they contain harmful substances. Given that approved medication is readily available, it just isn't worth the risk.

If any product suggests that it's a herbal or legal alternative to Viagra or sildenafil on its packaging, we'd suggest you stay well clear and go through the proper channels. Licensed telehealth outlets provide the prescription you need after a simple phone consultation with a registered pharmacist or by completing an online questionnaire.

There's no way of judging the correct dose with counterfeit options, or knowing exactly what dangerous ingredients they contain. Even Pfizer's Viagra has a lengthy list of potential side effects, with around 40% of patients experiencing at least one. They range from headaches and nausea to diarrhea and loss of feeling. In rare extreme cases, some users reported loss of sight and hearing.

How to Find the Right Performance Enhancement Tool for You

When to See a Doctor

Erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of another issue: cardiovascular problems, diabetes, obesity, or psychological work, life, or relationship stress. A doctor or physician is trained to recognize any underlying symptoms and predict expected reactions to existing medicines. If you're worried about awkwardness in your consultation - don't be - they help people with ED every day. In short, if you're regularly experiencing erectile dysfunction, it's a good time to visit your doctor.

Summary

While FDA-approved ED medication isn't yet available over the counter in the US, a simple process, provided by trusted services, permits approval of the necessary prescription for the medication to be purchased online.

While over-the-counter supplements suggest efficacy, there isn't much proof to back their claims.

Black market options are incredibly unreliable and are likely to come with many dangerous potential side effects. When it comes to your health, we suggest you consult a professional if you're unsure of your next best step, keep safe, and avoid any unnecessary risk.

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