If you’re worried about erectile dysfunction (ED), you’re not alone: 4.3 million men in the UK are affected by erectile problems*. The good news is you can talk to your pharmacist about it, and there is an over-the-counter medicine available that may be able to help. Here’s what to expect when you see your pharmacist.
* Men reporting occasional and frequent difficulty getting or maintaining an erection [ref. Kantar TNS Omnibus Survey Dec 2010 – in a survey of 1,033 men]
Advice from a healthcare professional
Pharmacists are highly-trained healthcare professionals and discussing health problems with customers and advising on the benefits and risks of treatment options is an integral part of their role. As well as easing the pressures on GP services, community pharmacists are trained to listen to your health concerns about ED and might recommend VIAGRA Connect®. If it is suitable, you will be able to buy it there, without a prescription, though you should also consult your GP within six months of starting to use it.
Privacy
There’s no need to worry about anyone in the pharmacy queue overhearing your conversation about ED. More than 90% of UK pharmacies have a private room or consultation area where you can have a discreet chat with the pharmacist. Simply ask one of the pharmacy staff if you can have a private conversation with the pharmacist and they will arrange it for you. You don’t even need to tell them what you would like to discuss.
No physical examination or embarrassment
Pharmacists have had training to help advise men with ED. What they won’t do is give you any kind of physical examination. They’re simply interested in your health and finding a suitable treatment for you. The pharmacist will not ask you personal questions about your sex life – they will just ask about your general physical health and any medicine you might be taking. This is to see what would be a viable treatment for you.
Questions about your health
Your pharmacist will ask you questions about your general health. Mention any conditions you may have, such as heart problems, diabetes or high blood pressure, and be honest about drinking and smoking. Smoking and excessive drinking may be causes of erectile dysfunction.
Questions about medications you may be taking
Your pharmacist will need to know what medications you are taking. Some medicines, including diuretics, antihypertensives and anticonvulsants may themselves cause ED. Be completely honest about any medication you are taking. Some types of medication interact with VIAGRA Connect®, therefore your pharmacist will advise if you are suitable or not for the product.
Recommendation for over-the-counter medicine
Once the pharmacist is completely satisfied that VIAGRA Connect® is suitable for you - and you wish to purchase the product – they will tell you how to take it correctly. VIAGRA Connect® works by relaxing the blood vessels of the penis, so more blood can flow into it causing an erection when you are sexually aroused. After sex, your erection should go away as it would normally. Make sure you read the patient information leaflet inside the packet.
Recommendation to see your GP
If, after talking to you about ED, the pharmacist thinks you are not suitable for VIAGRA Connect® or has any concerns about your health or the medications you’re taking, they will recommend that you see your GP. Even if Viagra Connect® is suitable and the pharmacist has sold it to you they will recommend that you make a follow-up appointment with your GP for a health check within the first six months of taking it.
Your pharmacist won’t be able to supply VIAGRA Connect®:
- If they believe it is not right for you
- If you’re under 18 years of age
- If you’re taking certain medications or have certain health conditions
- If you do not have symptoms of ED (the medicine does not enhance erections or sexual performance or treat other conditions such as premature ejaculation)
- If you’re a woman
VIAGRA Connect® is the first medicine available without a prescription in the UK to help men with erectile dysfunction. VIAGRA Connect® is available to buy from the pharmacy and registered online pharmacies.
VIAGRA Connect® 50mg film coated tablets. Contains Sildenafil. For erectile dysfunction in adult men. Always read the leaflet.
For more information on ED and VIAGRA Connect®, visit viagraconnect.co.uk.
PP-VCO-GBR-0172