Viagra can now be bought over the counter in the UK

A world first.

Men in the UK are now the first in the world able to purchase Viagra over the counter without the need for a prescription. The pill will be available over the counter from UK pharmacies from next year. The Viagra Connect pills will be made available to those over the age of 18 after a short discussion with a pharmacist. The drug has been reclassified in a bid to help those who wish to take it to do so safely. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) say that the pills are often sold unlicensed online, with over £50 million worth being seized over the last five years alone.

“This decision is good news for men’s health,” MHRA group manager, Mick Foy, said of the decision. “The move to make Viagra Connect more widely accessible will encourage men to seek help within the healthcare system and increase awareness of erectile dysfunction. “Erectile dysfunction can be a debilitating condition, so it’s important men feel they have fast access to quality and legitimate care and do not feel they need to turn to counterfeit online supplies which could have potentially serious side effects.”

Pharmacists will now be required to have a short discussion with men hoping to purchase the pills to deem if it is appropriate for them to take it or whether a visit to their GP is necessary.