Viagra went on sale in Boots pharmacies this week, making it the first time the medication has been available in a pharmacist-lead service. After a half-hour consultation with the pharmacist, designed to rule out any underlying health problems, patients will be able purchase a course of a prescription-only medication.
The decision follows a successful pilot scheme in Manchester, which pharmacist James Longden received a very positive response. He said, “They were really positive about it. Sometimes it can be a bit of an embarrassing subject to talk about and many didn’t know where to turn to for help.”
Experts have estimated that 1 in 10 men will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. There are three medications which can treat the problem, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra professional. However all three medications are only available with a doctor’s prescription. Some men have said that they feel uncomfortable visiting their family GP, particularly when they are members of a small GP practice or have a friendship with their doctor.
However Boot scheme will only allow men to buy Viagra if they are registered with a doctor and they must also agree to their doctor being informed of their purchase. The scheme has the support of the government, who are getting on board with the sales of medicines directly to consumers.
Currently, the NHS can prescribe Viagra, Cialis or Levitra for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. However there have been complaints that the prescriptions are not sufficient for patient’s needs – usually 4 tablets are offered per month – and some men have fallen outside of the categories entitling them to a prescription.
This has lead to a strong upsurge in the number of patients seeking Viagra and Cialis over the internet. Some of them have the good fortune – or the wisdom – to get their prescriptions from UK registered online clinics, who employ General-Medical-Council registered doctors, encourage men to inform their own GPs, and only sell medicine sent directly from official, bricks-and-mortar pharmacies.
However many men are also getting taken in by illegal companies selling counterfeit or generic versions of Viagra and Canadian pharmacy levitra. By buying such products they are putting their health at risk, for the counterfeit versions often contain dangerous substances and Viagra should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription, to prevent any contra-indications. By not consulting a doctor, they are also running the risk of overlooking any underlying health problems, often indicated by erectile dysfunction. During the Manchester trial, nearly 300 patients were referred back to their doctor after tests during the consultation revealed abnormal glucose, cholesterol or blood pressure levels.
Boots have said that they believe with 1 in 10 men experiencing erectile dysfunction but only 10% of that seeking treatment, they believe there will be substantial demand for the service.