Posts tagged Erectile Dysfunction

We have all become familiar with the great convenience and ease of buying goods online but what about when it comes to medicines?

Buying medicines online, in the comfort of your own home, without having to take time off work or interrupt your busy schedule to visit your GP is a service we would all like to access. It becomes even more attractive if the nature of your treatment is for sensitive or intimate conditions.

But it is critical to make thorough and proper checks before making any online pharmaceutical purchases.  The risks associated with ordering meds online without due diligence are too significant to ignore.

How do you know if you are buying genuine medicines from a reputable registered seller?

It is illegal to buy any prescription only medicine unless a doctor has written a prescription specifically for you.

If a website or any seller is willing to sell a prescription only medicine without a prescription, it should be red flagged and don't buy! Avoid such platforms as they may be operating illegally and compromising your health.

How can you check that the website you want to use to obtain medicines is a legitimate online pharmacy?

All websites selling prescription medication in England should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who are a government appointed independent regulator of health and social care.

All fully approved and regulated websites should have a clickable link that will take you to the CQC register to show that they are compliant. Antrobus Medical Limited is the prescribing body for WebMed Pharmacy Ltd.

All medicines supplied from a pharmacy in Great Britain, including internet pharmacies, and must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and meet their standards.

Again, simply click on the logo which should take you through to that particular pharmacy's entry on the GPhC register.

All websites operating in the UK, but outside of England, must be registered with the equivalent body in each country: Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (Northern Ireland).

Therefore, anybody buying medicines from an online pharmacy can check if the pharmacy is legitimately registered by clicking on the logo or going directly to the GPhC website and searching their online register.

What other checks can be made?

For Data Security and Privacy

Always look for secure payment options, SSL encryption. A secure URL should begin with https rather than http. The "S" stands for secure. https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk

Reviewing customer feedback

Whilst they can be manipulated, customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous customers.

Click here for WebMed Pharmacy Trustpilot reviews.

You should be able to easily find the name, address and telephone number. An online supplier who conceals its physical address is a warning sign that their products could be dangerous.

When you order any medication from our UK registered and regulated pharmacy you can be assured that you are doing so safely, legally and discreetly.

It is important to avoid drug interactions. A significant risk of ordering medications online without proper checks is the potential for harmful drug interactions. Some drugs can have adverse effects when taken together or when interacting with certain medical conditions. A licensed healthcare provider is trained to consider these factors, whereas an unlicenced online platform might not provide the necessary guidance.

WebMed Pharmacy Ltd is fully approved and regulated, and only supplies medicines from a MHRA accredited wholesaler. You can confidently order from us, knowing that you can complete an online medical questionnaire in the comfort of your own home and if suitable can be prescribed by our GMC regulated doctor.

At WebMed Pharmacy Ltd we provide a confidential, discreet next working day delivery of your chosen medication, within a 1-hour time slot to the vast majority of postcodes in the UK or Click & Collect from a store near you, with a choice of 6,500+ pickup shops nationwide.

In conclusion, the convenience of ordering medications online should not come at the cost of your health and safety. Doing the correct checks before making any online medication purchase is not only prudent but a critical step to safeguarding your well-being.

Quick easy links to our most popular pages with the confidence of knowing we are a fully approved and regulated pharmacy, only supplying UK sourced medication:

Weight Loss

Erectile dysfunction | Sildenafil | Tadalafil

Gonorrhoea treatment | Chlamydia treatment

Hair Loss treatment | Finasteride

STI Tests | HIV Test Kits

Medically reviewed by: Super intendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 17 March 2016 
Updated and reviewed 2 May 2017
Updated and reviewed 27 February 2021
Updated and reviewed 8 December 2023

Erectile Dysfunction (or ED) is a challenge faced by many men at some point in their lives, and shouldn’t get in the way of you having fun with your partner.

You don’t need to miss out on the joy of sex because you don’t relish the idea of discussing your erections with your doctor. There is now a safe way to get treatment for erectile dysfunction from a fully registered online pharmacy in the U.K which employs its own in house doctors.

Get your prescription from a registered doctor based in the U.K without leaving home.

Here at Webmed Pharmacy, we specialise in helping people with conditions they may feel embarrassed talking about. We designed our family business to offer discreet support you can access remotely. Most of the time, you’ll simply complete a medical consultation questionnaire that will be reviewed by our U.K registered doctors (to make sure you’re getting the right treatment) before we dispatch your medication for next day delivery.

Get discreet next day delivery to a location of your choice

You don’t want to advertise you've just received a delivery from a pharmacy, especially if you're receiving your parcel at work. This is why discreet delivery is really important to us. We deliver in plain DPD delivery bags to a place of your choice (including pick up locations) using the reliable DPD delivery service at no extra cost.

Our delivery is next working day, as long as you order before 4pm (with the exception of weekend orders, which will be processed as if they were ordered on a Monday for Tuesday delivery). You can upgrade on a Friday to a Saturday or Sunday delivery for a small charge.

You can even track your delivery with a one-hour delivery window, that counts down to a 15-minute window as your delivery time approaches.

Now you know how easy it is to order, let’s answer your next question…

Which tablets do I need for a date tomorrow?

The best prescription for you likely depends on what you need, although when you complete the medical consultation questionnaire, our doctor may recommend a different medication for you, so use this as rough guidance.

You’re going out for dinner and you’re hoping you’ll make it to the bedroom afterwards (and enjoy the morning after too).

If you’re eating out, you’ll want to look at Tadalafil (also known by the brand name Cialis).

Tadalafil is one of our customer’s favourites because it is still effective when taken with food and the duration of action is up to 36 hours. This means you can take this on Friday and enjoy your weekend without worrying about having to take it ‘at the right time’.

Buying notes
Cialis is a brand name and is more expensive than buying similar tablets containing the same active ingredient, Tadalafil.

Both Cialis and Tadalafil require a prescription (which we can provide for free)

You’re dating regularly and can predict roughly when you’ll be having sex

Sildenafil (known by the brand name Viagra) starts to work after around 30-60 minutes and lasts roughly 4-6 hours.

It’s a good option if you know you're going to need it, and can take it early enough for it to work.

Just be aware that Sildenafil (Viagra) works best on an empty stomach so you may want to factor that into date night planning.

Buying notes
Viagra is a brand name and is more expensive than buying similar tablets containing the same active ingredient, Sildenafil. Both require a prescription which we can provide online for free.

Viagra Connect works in the same way as Viagra, but does not require a prescription and can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies.

You’re not sure when you’ll be having sex, but you need a fast-acting solution for when you do.

The most recently introduced treatment for ED may be a good fit for you. Spedra has the quickest onset of action and can have the desired effect just 15 mins after taking it.

Spedra contains the active ingredient Avanafil.

You’re anticipating frequent sex (twice a week or more)

There are daily options if you’re frequently sexually active. Tadalafil Daily (and Cialis Daily).

Both of these options have the same active ingredient and work in the same way as the other options, increasing blood flow to the penis.

Take these at the same time each day (but not with grapefruit juice) and you’ll find the low dose builds up over the first five days. After the first five days, you should be able to get a spontaneous erection without prior planning.

If I take ED medication will I have an erection the whole time?

You should only get an erection if you take these tablets as prescribed and you’re sexually aroused. If you find you have an erection and are not sexually aroused, you should call your doctor.

Can I ask your doctor or pharmacist a question?

Absolutely, If you have any questions or doubts about what treatment to take, or what’s best for you, our pharmacists are here to help. You can call us Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0161 491 1899.

Start your online medical consultant questionnaire for ED tablets here

References

1. Viagra Patient Information Leaflet  [cited 20/11/20]
   Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1072.pdf
2. Tadalafil Patient Information leaflet  [cited 20/11/20]
   Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8637.pdf

Author: Gemma Boak

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 17/02/22 

Before you skip straight to wanting a cure for erectile dysfunction, you might be wondering why it’s happening to you. Here we’ll talk through the most common causes.

First thing’s first, you’re not the first and by no means the last to have problems getting or maintaining an erection. Most men will experience it at some point in their lives and it’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about.

A lot of men put off getting help or treatment (some for around two years), when there are simple and effective erectile dysfunction treatments out there that can help straight away, without you needing a prescription.
Here are some of the causes…

Age

It’s extremely common in men aged between 40 and 70 (though that’s not to say it can’t happen at any age). In fact, just over half of men in this age bracket will suffer from erectile dysfunction to some extent, and 26% of men under the age of 40.

That doesn’t mean you should accept it as a way of life – there are treatments suitable for any age, which we’ll go through later on.

Lifestyle

A few simple changes to your lifestyle, for example being more active and changing your diet can all have an effect. It’s also recommended you drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week and stop smoking or using recreational drugs. It’s worth checking your BMI and losing weight if needed.

Psychological causes

When erectile dysfunction happens suddenly (and/or only with your partner), it’s often thought to be due to psychological causes.

Stress (could be work, financial or personal issues) can be a trigger, as well as anxiety, depression or an after-effect of sexual abuse in the past or present. If it’s happened once, then you may feel a fear of failure for it happening again.

Physical causes

If erectile dysfunction comes on slowly over time, then there may be an underlying health condition that’s causing it, which your GP can help diagnose.

They will check hormone levels for reduced testosterone and thyroid disorder, and for signs of vasculogenic conditions, for example high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which can affect blood flow.

It’s worth mentioning that erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign (up to 3 to 5 years) of heart problems.

Other neurogenic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, a stroke or multiple sclerosis can also cause ED.

Side effects from medications/surgery

Certain medications for depression and heart disease are known to cause erectile dysfunction. What’s more, surgery and/or treatment for bladder, prostate and rectal cancers can also have an effect.

Treatment for erectile dysfunction

If you identify with any of the above causes, then you may be able to make some simple adjustments to your lifestyle or it may be worth seeking additional advice from a healthcare provider to get to the bottom of it. Bear in mind it can also be a combination of factors.

Buy erectile dysfunction treatment online There are erectile dysfunction tablets available without a prescription. We offer a discreet service with next day delivery – our friendly pharmacist Margaret can help you decide which is best for you.

Or if you prefer to read more about your options first, these may help you decide:

What are the best value erectile dysfunction pills in the U.K?

What’s the best erectile dysfunction treatment: Sildenafil or Tadalafil?

Stay safe when buying medicines online

References

Erectile Dysfunction - Sexual Advice Association [accessed 16/09/21]

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) - NHS (www.nhs.uk) [accessed 16/12/21]

One Patient Out of Four with Newly Diagnosed Erectile Dysfunction Is a Young Man - The Journal of Sexual Medicine [accessed 20/09/21]

Author: Gemma Boak

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 13/10/21

More than fake news

We have all become familiar with the great convenience of purchasing goods online but how safe and reliable can the relatively uncontrolled web be, when it comes to buying medicines?

Buying medicines online, in the comfort of your own home, without having to take time off work or interrupt your busy schedule to visit your GP is a service we would all like to access. It becomes even more attractive if the nature of your treatment is for sensitive or intimate conditions.

Webmed Pharmacy Ltd, a fully approved and Regulated UK Pharmacy, only supply medicines from UK wholesalers.

You can confidentially order by completing a confidential online medical consultation and, if suitable, will be prescribed your treatment by our GMC regulated doctor.

Webmed Pharmacy specialises in treatments where patients may feel embarrassed or awkward talking to their GP; or simply find it difficult to get an appointment; or aren’t able to take time off from work.

We provide a secure next working day delivery; within a 1 hour time slot, to the vast majority of postcodes in the UK. Or you can Click & Collect with a choice of 4,500+ pickup shops.

All our products are delivered in discreet packaging with no mention of the contents or where it is from.

A simple guide of how to check for genuine medicines online 

Regulated

All websites selling prescription medication that is issued by a General Medical Council (GMC) doctor in England, should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC are a government appointed, independent regulator of health and social care. They should have a clickable link that will take you to the CQC register to show you that they are compliant*
*or equivalent regulator in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales

Registered

To check if the website is legitimately registered, click on the logos which should take you through to their registers.

Reliable

With a 5* Trust Pilot score and an out-of-hours service for confidential advice and delivery of test results; we aim to offer an unrivalled personal service when it means the most to you.

We care at Webmed Pharmacy Ltd.

Written by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 03/02/20

Updated and reviewed 27/02/21

As we settle into another lockdown you may be wondering how you can spend your Friday nights now your favourite pubs and restaurants are shut.

One of the most fun replacements we can think of is to enjoy spending quality time with your partner in the bedroom. And while having an early night might be tempting if you’re overrun with kids, we’re talking about sex.

But what if sex is the cause of a great deal of anxiety? The great news is that if you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction, there are lots of things you can do to get your confidence (and your sex life) back on track.

More men are familiar with ED than they’re letting on

The first thing you need to know is that you’re not alone. Erectile dysfunction is something that affects more than half…yes half of men over the age of 40. (1)

So why are you not chatting about this at the bar with your mates?

Don’t worry, we know the answer already. It’s embarrassing, frustrating and it can be depressing. And because we know how you feel, we have developed a service that takes all of the embarrassment out of treating your erection problems (but more on that later).

Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction help by improving blood flow to your penis when you get sexually excited. This helps whether you are simply ‘a bit soft’ or you lose your erection part way through sexual playtime.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is usually a symptom of another condition, which is why it’s important to see your G.P. as soon as you are able to.

The main culprits are:

• Physical problems which cause narrowing of the blood vessels going to the penis. This can be associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Physical injury and hormonal problems can also cause this.
• Psychological factors include stress, anxiety, depression and relationship problems.
• Side-effects of other medications including those for high blood pressure, prostate problems, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety. You can find out more about specific medications here.
• Lifestyle can also contribute to ED, so if you’re overweight, smoke, drink excessively or take recreational drugs, you are more likely to suffer from these symptoms.(2)

Buying Viagra online in the UK

Viagra is one of the more well known erectile dysfunction drugs but what you might not know is that Viagra is actually a brand name.

Sildenafil is the active component in Viagra, and since the patent (legal property of the formula and manufacturing rights) expired, you can now buy Sildenafil much more cheaply than you can buy Viagra.

Sildenafil (Viagra) starts to work after around 30-60 minutes and lasts roughly 4-6 hours (3).

It’s a good option if you know you're going to need it, and can take it early enough for it to work. Just be aware that Sildenafil (Viagra) works best on an empty stomach so you may want to factor that into date night planning (we recommend reading the next section about Tadalafil if you're going for a dinner date).

Contrary to what you see in comedy sketches on T.V., you should* only get an erection if you are sexually aroused, so it should be ok to take before bedtime.

Do you need a prescription to buy Sildenafil (Viagra)?

Whether you are buying in person from a pharmacy, or from a GPhC registered online pharmacy like Webmed Pharmacy, some of these tablets require a prescription.

Need a prescription
(we can write you one free of charge) 

• Sildenafil (25mg, 50mg & 100mg tablets)
• Viagra (25mg & 100mg) 

Can buy without a prescription

• Viagra Connect (50mg tablet)
  

When you order with us, you simply complete an online medical questionnaire so our doctor can assess whether the prescription is suitable for you. The doctor then issues a prescription electronically to our pharmacy where we dispense and deliver it directly to you in anonymous packaging using DPD next working day delivery (or local drop off point).

Buying Tadalafil (Cialis) online in the U.K

Tadalafil works in a similar way to Sildenafil as it increases blood flow to the penis.

Tadalafil is the name of the active component of Cialis, and like with Viagra, Cialis is the brand name and is usually more expensive to purchase.

There are some distinct advantages to using Tadalafil compared to some of the other erectile dysfunction medications out there (it’s certainly one of our favourites) because it does two things that we think are beneficial to many couples.

1. It is still effective if taken with food, so your dinner date plans can go ahead as scheduled.
2. The duration of action is up to 36 hours. So you can take this on Friday night, and get your flirt on all weekend without having to worry about taking a tablet ‘at the right time’. For this reason Tadalafil is sometimes referred to as ‘the weekend pill’ (4).

If you like the idea of being able to get an erection whenever you want, you may want to try Tadalafil Daily. This is a lower dose taken on a daily basis so you can be ready for action anytime and any place you choose.

Do you need a prescription to buy Tadalafil (Cialis)?

Whether you are buying in person from a pharmacy or from a GPhC registered online pharmacy like Webmed Pharmacy, all of these tablets require a prescription.

We can write you a prescription for free using our discreet online service.

When you order with us, you simply complete an online medical questionnaire so our doctor can assess whether the medication is suitable for you. The doctor then issues a prescription electronically to our pharmacy where we dispense and deliver it directly to you in anonymous packaging using DPD next working day delivery.

Need a prescription
(we can write you one free of charge) 

• Tadalfil On Demand (10mg & 20mg tablets) 
• Tadalafil Daily (2.5mg & 5mg tablets) 
• Cialis On Demand (10mg & 20mg tablets) 
• Cialis Daily (2.5mg, 5mg tablets) 

How to buy quality erectile dysfunction tablets online in the U.K. (and avoid illegal and potentially dangerous vendors).

It’s illegal to buy prescription only medicine unless a doctor has written a prescription specifically for you. This may be your G.P. or one of our experienced doctors.

We understand that it can feel embarrassing to have to talk to someone about your experiences which is why we make the process as quick and painless as possible. No face to face consultation is needed, our doctor will assess your suitability from the online medical questionnaire, and if additional clarification is needed you will be asked via the messaging centre on the website.

If you are looking at other online vendors then make sure they are a registered and regulated pharmacy like we are. This means you can know that you are receiving genuine, effective medication which follows the stringent quality testing and safety procedures that medicines in the U.K. must undergo.

Fake medicines are often manufactured to look identical to the genuine article so it is essential you buy E.D. tablets from a trusted vendor. You can find our quality seals, Pharmacy registration information and Quality Care Commision rating on the bottom of every page.

Other articles you may find useful:

• What are the best value erectile dysfunction pills?
  https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk/blog/cheapest-erectile-dysfunction-pills
• Why do younger men suffer from erectile dysfunction
  https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk/blog/why-do-young-men-suffer-from-erectile-dysfunction
• What’s the best erectile dysfuntion treatment Sildenafil or Tadalafill
  https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk/blog/whats-the-best-erectile-dysfunction-ed-treament-sildenafil-or-tadalafil

*Note: If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours then you must contact your doctor immediately.

References

1. Hackett et al. British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on the Management of Erectile Dysfunction in Men—2017 The Journal of Sexual Medicine Available at: http://www.bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BSSM-ED-guidelines-2018-1.pdf [cited 20/11/20]
2. Webmed Pharmacy. What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and what I can do about it [cited 20/11/20] Available at: https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk/blog/2016/09/what-causes-erectile-dysfunction-what-can-i-do-about-it
3. Viagra Patient Information Leaflet  [cited 20/11/20] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1072.pdf
4. Tadalafil Patient Information leaflet  [cited 20/11/20] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8637.pdf

All of our treatments and tests are guaranteed next working day delivery in a 1 hour time slot by dpd to all mainland UK*.

Discrete packaging

At WebMed one of our most popular FAQ’s is what sort of packaging will it come in?

We understand the need for discreet packaging and there is no mention of what’s inside or where its from. Here is a picture of a typical dpd Expresspak bag used.

Predict & Follow my parcel

dpd are our preferred carrier with their industry-leading predict and follow my parcel service. With this service you will receive a message via your chosen method, SMS or email at approximately 8am, on the day of delivery giving you your one hour delivery window. It also allows you in real time map to track the progress of your parcel all the way down to a 15 minute window so you don’t have to wait in all day.

In-flight options

If you are not going to be home, you will be offered other options:

• Leave with a neighbour.
• Change the day.
• Leave in a safe place.
• Or divert to one of 2,500+ Pickup Shops
  Click here to find a convenient store near you.
• Upgrade delivery to before 10:30, before 12, afternoon or a Saturday or Sunday.

On the day you place your order you will receive a confirmation message by your chosen method, giving you the option to divert your parcel to the nearest dpd Pickup Shop. This could be close to home, or work or on your journey and many of the stores have extended opening times.

Divert to a Pickup Shop is also available at checkout. All deliveries must be signed for unless you ask for it to be left in a safe place (includes posting through your letterbox) where you will be asked to accept a disclaimer.

All of this excellent service is included within your price. No hidden extras at the checkout.

Webmed use dpd as our preferred courier to deliver to all mainland UK*.
*Excluding the Scottish Highlands and islands where we use Royal Mail Special Delivery.

DPD are the 'delivery company of choice' for the biggest and best-known retailers and are the UK's number one next-day specialist.

Today in the UK, DPD delivers over 200 million parcels a year, employs over 12,000 people  and operates more than 7,000 vehicles from 65 locations.

Saturday and Sunday deliveries

At checkout we offer the option for Saturday or Sunday delivery to all mainland UK (except the Scottish Highlands and islands) by dpd for just a small cost of only £2.00.

For the Scottish Highlands, Northern Island, Scilly Isles and the Isle of Man we use Royal Mail Special Delivery offering a Saturday delivery for £4.00.

DPD Innovations

dpd have led the way with innovative technology including the “Your dpd App”, now used by more than 3.5million people.

dpd’s new £150m hub

Work is well underway on a new state-of-the-art hub in Hinkley, Leicestershire which is equivalent to 22 football pitches. Making it the largest parcel hub in Europe.

dpd Opens electric vehicle hub in central London

October 2018 saw the opening of dpd’s first all-electric vehicle depot in Westminster which will be delivering up to 2,000 parcels. They are using a fleet of 10 Nissan eNV200 all-electric vans for the last mile delivery which have a capability of making 120 drops per day. They plan to have 550 electric vehicles by 2021.

Webmed Pharmacy uses dpd as we want to offer our customers the best delivery service in the UK.

The cheapest erectile dysfunction (ED) pills are generic Viagra, called Sildenafil.

What is a generic drug?

The term "generic" refers to the active ingredient of a medicine or drug rather than to the advertised brand name under which the medicine is sold. It is a term referring to any drug marketed under its chemical name without advertising.

Pfizer made the original Viagra tablet that is often referred to as the “blue pill”. The patent expired in 2013 which then allowed other pharmaceutical manufactures to make a generic version under the name of the active ingredient called Sildenafil. They are exactly the same medically and perform in the same way with the same side-effects.

As with most branded products, Viagra is sold at a higher price, therefore the generic tablets sold as Sildenafil are much cheaper.

What is the difference between generic and branded drugs?

Medically there is no difference between a generic medicine and the branded medicine, as they both have the same active ingredients to make them perform in the same way. They only differ in the “bulking” agents used to fill the tablet as the amount of active ingredient required, in this case Sildenafil, is very small. This makes the tablets bigger and easier to handle.

The main difference between generic and branded named prescription medicines is cost with generics being much cheaper. 

Every pharmacy can choose what price they sell at, as there are no fixed prices. It will depend on what price the pharmacy can buy the drug from the wholesaler and the cost of their own overheads. They can they decide what mark-up they require and some pharmacies choose to sell some products at higher prices.  

At Webmed pharmacy we aim to keep our prices as low as possible, without compromising the quality of service, as we are the only online pharmacy to offer dpd courier guaranteed next working day as standard.

We offer a very fast, confidential and discreet service that is  fully approved and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

A large proportion of our sales are made up of returning customers as they have been delighted with our service.

What is the best brand of sildenafil?

When you choose to buy any prescription medication online, you must first of check that the pharmacy is fully approved and Regulated with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

All pharmacies using a UK General Medical Council, GMC, registered doctor to prescribe their medicines will also be registered with the UK government Agency the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Those online pharmacies who are not registered with the CQC either use pharmacist prescribers or foreign doctors.

You will then know and have the confidence that all the Sildenafil brands being offered are genuine and will work in the same way. All the pharmaceutical companies are inspected by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to ensure they manufacturer the drugs to the same quality standard. This means that the key ingredient that is referred to as the “active” ingredient is exactly the same in all brands.

The other inactive ingredients that make up the bulk of the tablet are called “excipients” and can vary.

For those people who are allergic to or have an intolerance to lactose, then the Mylan brand of Sildenafil is ideal for you as it is lactose free. You can check the additional excipients on the patient information leaflet supplied with your tablets.

Although medically all the generic Sildenafil tablets are identical, they may look different as they can vary in colour, shape and size due to the varying excipients.

The patent for Viagra, owned by Pfizer, expired in July 2013, which then allowed other pharmaceutical companies to produce generic Sildenafil. There are a number of companies now manufacturing generic Sildenafil which include Accord, Ajanta, Dr Reddy’s, Mylan, Teva, Torrent and Zentiva. Even Pfizer make a cheaper generic Sildenafil that they sell cheaper than Viagra although generally more expensive than the equivalent generic brands. 

Author
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
 19th September 2019

For men who suffer from erectile dysfunction there is a product available called Cialis which is known as the “weekend pill”. (1) It performs the same function as Viagra in that it helps to maintain an erection, but Cialis lasts in the body for 36 hours so you can take the pill on Friday night and it will still be active on Sunday morning. This doesn’t mean that you will have an erection for that length of time but you will be ready for satisfactory sexual activity when you have been sexually aroused.

The active ingredient in Cialis is Tadalafil, and you can now buy generic Cialis under the name of Tadalafil which produces exactly the same effect. The big advantage is that it is much cheaper. You can buy Tadalafil 10mg and Tadalafil 20mg, the latter being the high dose. Tadalafil 10mg is the recommended staring dose, but this can be increased to 20mg if necessary if you find that it’s not as effective as you would like and you haven’t suffered from any side-effects.

You can also buy Tadalafil Daily online.  Tadalafil Daily is available in strengths of 2.5mg and 5mg. The lower dose takes 4 – 5 days to take effect, but once it has you will be able to respond to any sexual stimulation anywhere, at any time.

Tadalafil Daily tablets should be taken once a day and it’s best to take it at the same time of day. So it’s a good idea to stick to a regular time of day, like when you’re having your breakfast, so that you don’t forget. You are advised not to drink grapefruit juice when taking Tadalafil as this can affect the effectiveness of the pill. You should also not drink more than one or two units of alcohol before taking the medication because that can also affect your ability to get an erection. (2)

References

1. Summary of Product Characteristics. Cialis 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg & 20mg film-coated tablets. Eli Lilly and Company. Date of revision of the text: 03 September 2008. Accessed via http://emc.medicines.org.uk on 7/6/19 

2. British National Formulary, 76th edition. Accessed via www.bnf.org on 7/6/19.

Medically reviewed by
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
9th June 2019

Sildenafil is a generic treatment for erectile dysfunction and today you can buy Sildenafil online which many men may find less embarrassing and more convenient than having to make a journey to their local pharmacy for it.

Sildenafil (the generic form of Viagra) and Viagra are medically identical, and so are found to be equally effective.

Both products contain the identical amount of active ingredient. (1)

Until 2013 nobody else could produce Sildenafil because Pfizer had a patent. However, that patent expired in 2013 and today other companies can manufacture Sildenafil. As you might expect, generic Sildenafil tablets are less expensive than Viagra even though they contain exactly the same ingredient and produce the same effect. This has enabled many more men to be able to enjoy a more fulfilling sex life.

The only difference between generic Sildenafil tablets and Viagra are the fillers. These are used to bulk up the tablets, since the amount of Sildenafil required in each is only tiny. Different manufacturers use different fillers and that is why the brands differ in shape, colour and size. (2) A commonly used filler is lactose. Those who are lactose intolerant should carefully check the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with their Sildenafil tablets before taking them. There is one brand which does not contain lactose and that is called Mylan.   Fortunately, Webmed Pharmacy only supplies the Mylan brand of Sildenafil.

Viagra contains lactose.

Sildenafil is usually sold in white or blue tablets, the blue being a form of identification with Viagra which is sold in blue diamond shaped pills. Pfizer has trademarked the shape of its pills which cannot be copied, but they cannot trademark the colour.

Both Sildenafil and Viagra are available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets.

References

1) https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/are-generic-drugs-equivalent-to-brand-name-drugs/ (accessed on 7/6/19)

2) https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/whats-all-that-other-stuff-in-my-medicine/ (accessed on 7/6/19)

Medically reviewed by
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
9th June 2019

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem generally viewed in society as being associated with middle aged and elderly men. However, contrary to popular belief, ED can affect men of all ages, and does affect plenty of younger men. But why?

There are numerous physical and emotional factors which can cause or contribute to ED. Anxiety is a major contributor for younger men. You may worry that your partner is negatively judging your sexual performance, or that they won’t reach orgasm. You might fear that a partner will become pregnant. These anxious feelings may result in a stress response, directing blood away from the penis to other parts of the body, and therefore causing loss of erection. (1, 2)

ED in younger men may also be caused by anxiety or stress that is not directly related to sexual activity. Just a few examples of factors which can contribute to anxiety and stress are problems in the workplace, financial struggles, ill health (yourself or a relative or friend) or a rocky relationship. All of this can have an impact on ED. What’s more, ED can cause further anxiety, worsening the problem in a cruel spiral. (2)

If you smoke and suffer with ED, you may want to consider stopping as smoking is a major cause of the condition in many men, younger and older. The components of cigarette smoke can have a damaging effect on blood vessels, including those in the penis. One such effect is the formation of plaque on the walls of the blood vessels, known as atherosclerosis. This makes the area through which blood can flow narrower, impairing the surge in blood flow to the penis that is essential for an erection. Visit your GP for help getting started on your path to being smoke free. Alternatively, many pharmacies offer a smoking cessation service, with regular meetings with a member of staff to guide you through the quitting process. (2)

Alcohol can also be a culprit. In the short term, after a session of heavy drinking, the physiological response to sexual arousal can be sluggish or non-existent, causing an episode of poor erectile function. However, this should right itself once you sober up. In the long term, persistent binge drinking can damage the blood vessels of the penis, leading to ED. Stick to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, and no more than 8 units in one drinking session. (2, 3, 4)

Being overweight or obese, particularly if you carry a lot of excess weight around the abdomen, puts you at higher risk of ED. Having a greater body mass means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body and to your extremities, such as the tip of the penis. A diet high in fat and cholesterol can also lead to atherosclerosis, as with smoking. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise at least five times a week, and reduce or cut out high fat foods such as cheese, red meat, chocolate, cakes and biscuits, and fried foods. (5)

If you’re an avid cyclist or commute to work by bike, this can work wonders for your cardiovascular health and help to keep excess weight off. But did you know that cycling for over three hours per week can be a cause of ED? Prolonged or regular pressure on the pudendal nerve, which runs through the perineum (the area separating the genitals from the anus), can damage this nerve which plays a part in erectile function. You could consider supplementing cycling with other forms of exercise, or investing in a specialised saddle which is designed to ease pressure on the perineum. (3, 6)

Taking all of this into account, it really isn’t a surprise that younger men can experience ED. There are so many lifestyle factors and health conditions which affect men of all ages and can also contribute to ED. Don’t be embarrassed to seek a diagnosis and treatment – remember there are plenty of other men in your position and your doctor is there to help. If you don’t want to see your doctor initially, Viagra Connect (sildenafil) is available over the counter in pharmacies, subject to filling out a safety questionnaire. However, you’ll be strongly advised to see your doctor within six months of starting Viagra Connect, as it is important that your doctor knows which medicines you are taking on a regular basis, as well as to rule out any serious problems which may be contributing to your ED.

Viagra Connect is available to buy from Webmed, and the prescription only ED medicines Cialis (tadalafil), Spedra (avanafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and higher strength Viagra (sildenafil) are available to purchase here, as well as the generic sildenafil and tadalafil, after a quick medical questionnaire which is reviewed by a doctor.

References

1. British Pregnancy Advisory Service. Erectile dysfunction (male impotence) [cited 24 May 2019. Available at: https://www.bpas.org/more-services-information/erectile-dysfunction/

2. International Society for Sexual Medicine. Is erectile dysfunction (ED) common in men under age 40? [cited 24 May 2019]. Available at: https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/is-erectile-dysfunction-ed-common-in-men-under-age-40/

3. NHS. Erectile dysfunction (impotence) [cited 24 May 2019]. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/

4. NHS. Binge drinking [cited 24 May 2019]. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/binge-drinking-effects/

5. The Telegraph (2018). ‘Does anxiety cause erectile dysfunction?’ [cited 24 May 2019]. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/living-with-erectile-dysfunction/does-anxiety-cause-erectile-dysfunction/

6. Men’s Health. Is Your Bike Killing Your Boner? [cited 24 May 2019]. Available at: https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19539158/can-bicycles-cause-erectile-dysfunction/

Author
Gabby Gallaher MPharm

Medically reviewed by
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
24th May 2019