Viagra Connect

What is Viagra Connect?

Viagra Connect is an over-the-counter erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment containing 50mg of sildenafil, the same active ingredient found in prescription-only Viagra. It's available as either a tablet or an orodispersible melt, and both work in the same way.

Unlike branded Viagra, Viagra Connect doesn't need a prescription. It was reclassified from prescription-only to pharmacy medicine status in 2017, meaning it can be sold after a short consultation with a pharmacist or clinician to check it's suitable for you. It's licensed for men aged 18 and over who have erectile dysfunction, sometimes referred to as impotence.

How Does Viagra Connect Work?

Viagra Connect contains sildenafil, which belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. It doesn't cause an erection on its own; it works alongside your body's natural response to sexual arousal.

When you're sexually stimulated, your body releases chemicals that relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in. Sildenafil supports this process by blocking an enzyme called PDE5, which would otherwise limit that increased blood flow. The result is a firmer erection that's easier to maintain, but only when you're already aroused.

How Long Does Viagra Connect Take to Work?

On average, Viagra Connect pills and melts take between 30 and 60 minutes to take effect. This will vary from person to person and may not take effect at all on first use. For most, it will work the first or second time, and you can take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. You can only take one tablet a day.

If it has been some time since you last got an erection, it may take a couple of attempts to achieve one again. If you have tried across multiple days and still cannot achieve or maintain an erection, or if you feel your erection is too strong, speak to your clinician. 

How Long Does Viagra Connect Last?

Viagra Connect typically stays active in the body for up to 4 hours after taking it, though this varies from person to person, and its effects taper off gradually rather than stopping suddenly.

This doesn't mean you'll have an erection for the full 4 hours. Viagra Connect only helps you achieve one during sexual arousal, and it will subside naturally afterwards, the same as it would without the medication. An erection lasting longer than 4 hours is a medical emergency; please refer to the Serious Side Effects below.

Does Viagra Connect Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes, Viagra Connect has been shown to work in clinical trials. In studies looking at the 50 mg dose, the strength used in both the tablets and melts, 74% of men reported improved erections, compared with 25% of those taking a placebo.

How well it works can depend on the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction, and it doesn't work for everyone. It may also take a couple of attempts before you notice a difference, particularly if it's been a while since you last got an erection. If you've tried it several times without success, or you're concerned about what's causing your erectile dysfunction, it's worth speaking to your clinician.

How to Use Viagra Connect

Take one Viagra Connect approximately 1 hour before intended sexual activity. You can take it regardless of what you ate beforehand, but taking it after a high-fat meal may slow how quickly it takes effect. Additionally, do not take Viagra Connect with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this can affect how the medicine works. It is advisable not to take the medication after drinking alcohol excessively, as it may be less effective.

Viagra Connect can only work in conjunction with sexual arousal. You and your partner should engage in foreplay the same as if you were not taking the medication.

How to Take Viagra Connect Pills

Take one tablet a day as needed, approximately 1 hour before intended sexual activity. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew or crush it. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. Only take one tablet a day.

How to Use Viagra Connect Melts

Take one orodispersible film a day as needed, approximately 1 hour before intended sexual activity. To do so, carefully peel open the pouch with dry hands, not scissors or anything else sharp. Take the orodispersible film out with a dry finger and place it immediately on your tongue.

It should disintegrate quickly, with or without water. You may swallow saliva as it does so, but do not swallow the film. Allow it to fully disintegrate before swallowing.

If You Take Too Many Viagra Connect Tablets or Melts

If you accidentally take more than one Viagra Connect in a day, contact your clinician straight away. It may result in more frequent/severe side effects.

Viagra Connect Side Effects and Cautions

Any medication can cause unwanted side effects. It is important to know what could occur during treatment, the chance of side effects, and when to seek medical help.

Possible Side Effects of Viagra Connect Pills and Melts

All medications can cause side effects, and you should know what to expect before starting/deciding on a treatment. Here are the possible side effects of both forms of Viagra Connect:

It’s important to note that the above table is not a full list of possible Viagra Connect side effects. More details can be found within the Patient Information Leaflets for both the tablets and the orodispersible films. You can report adverse reactions to your clinician or to MHRA via the Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious Side Effects of Viagra Connect

There are a number of serious Viagra Connect side effects that you must be aware of. If you experience any of these, seek immediate medical attention. They include:

• Chest pains: Occurring before, during or after sexual activity. Get in a semi-sitting position and try to relax. Do not use nitrates to treat your chest pain.
• Prolonged erection: Sometimes painful, an erection can last longer than 4 hours in rare cases.
• Vision problems: A sudden decrease or loss of vision can occur rarely.
• Allergic reaction: Symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, swollen eyelids, face, lips or throat.
• Skin reactions: Extreme skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Symptoms can include peeling and swollen skin, blistering of the mouth, genitals, and around the eyes, and fever.
• Seizure: Fits or seizures can occur rarely.

Viagra Connect Warnings and Interactions

There are risks around taking Viagra Connect melts and tablets other than side effects. They may interact with other medications in undesirable ways, or cause issues if you have pre-existing health conditions. Do NOT take Viagra Connect melts or tablets if you:

• Don’t have erectile dysfunction 
• Take nitrate medicine for chest pain, heart failure, or as a recreational drug (poppers)
• Take guanylate cyclase stimulators like riociguat for high lung blood pressure
• Take ritonavir for HIV
• Have been advised against sexual activity by a doctor or clinician because of heart or blood vessel issues 
• Have had a severe heart problem like a heart attack or stroke within the last six months
• Have unstable angina or severe cardiac failure
• Have a severe liver problem
• Have low blood pressure (below 90/50 mmHg)
• Have ever had severe vision loss due to nerve damage or have a rare inherited eye disease
• Have a penile deformity, such as Peyronie's disease
• Are a woman
• Are under 18
• Are allergic to sildenafil or any other ingredients in Viagra Connect

Precautions Before Taking Viagra Connect

There are a number of factors that may put you at risk when taking Viagra Connect. Speak to your clinician before starting the treatment if you:

• Have ever had an erection that lasted longer than 4 hours
• Have a stomach ulcer or a bleeding disorder
• Have previously been diagnosed with mild to moderate liver disease or severe kidney problems

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

There are a number of heart-specific factors that can put you at risk when taking Viagra Connect. Speak to your clinician before starting the treatment if you:

• Get breathless or experience chest pains with light to moderate activity
• Have a problem in your heart valves
• Have cardiomyopathy
• Have an irregular heartbeat
• Have had surgery to improve blood flow
• Have high blood pressure
• Have had high blood pressure in the past, even if it is now regulated

Viagra Connect and Other Medicines

The ingredients within Viagra Connect may interact with other medications. You must tell your clinician if you are taking, have taken, or may take:

• Nitrate medicines
• Riociguat
• HIV-treating medicines
• Fungal infection-treating medicines or antibiotics
• Heartburn medications
• Other erectile dysfunction medicines
• Alpha-blockers for urinary problems or high blood pressure
• Medicines containing sacubitril/valsartan for heart failure

Where Can I Buy Viagra Connect?

You can purchase Viagra Connect from either online pharmacies or in-person pharmacies, over the counter. However, you'll need a consultation first to ensure the treatment is right for you and safe to use.

Can I Buy Viagra Connect Over the Counter?

Yes, you can buy Viagra Connect over the counter. You will not need a prescription, but you will need a consultation. In most cases, this consultation will occur in person, face-to-face, and since erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing for those suffering from it, this option may not be preferable.

Can You Buy Viagra Connect Online?

Yes, you can buy Viagra Connect from reputable online pharmacies like Prescription Doctor. We require a consultation first, but ours is done entirely online by filling out a short form; no in-person appointment or phone call is needed.

Once we receive your form, our team of experienced clinicians will review it. If approved, we'll send your medication as soon as possible, including next-day delivery if approved before 3pm on a weekday.

Can I Buy Viagra Connect Near Me?

Yes, if you are based in or around the Bolton borough, you can order Viagra Connect with us and choose to collect it from our dispensing pharmacy. The pharmacy is open both weekends and bank holidays. If you live further afield, delivery may be the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Viagra Connect