Viagra Connect Frequently Asked Questions

About Viagra Connect:

Q: What is Viagra Connect?

A: Viagra Connect is the first medicine available without a prescription in the UK to help men with ED symptoms. Available to buy from the pharmacy and registered online pharmacies.

Q: What does Viagra Connect do?

A: Viagra Connect is a medicine that helps adult men with erectile dysfunction (ED) – the medical name for erection problems (EPs). It’s available from online pharmacies (and regular bricks and mortar ones) and you don’t need a prescription to buy it.

Q: What’s in Viagra Connect?

A: 50 mg of the active ingredient sildenafil.

Q: How does Viagra Connect work?

A: It relaxes the blood vessels in your penis so more blood can flow into it. That means when you are sexually aroused you get and keep an erection hard enough for sex.

Q: How long does Viagra Connect last?

A: It stays active in your body for up to 4 hours. It then gets broken down by the liver and is removed in the faeces and urine.

Q: What are the side effects of Viagra Connect?

A: All medicines can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effect of Viagra Connect, affecting more than 1 in 10 men, is a headache. To find out more read the Patient Information Leaflet available from the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).

If you have experienced side effects when taking Viagra Connect, you can report them to MHRA YELLOW CARD SITE.

Q: Is there such a thing as ‘Herbal Viagra Connect’?

A: No. If a product is advertised as ‘Herbal Viagra Connect’, it is not Viagra Connect. Viagra Connect is not a herbal medicine.

About Erectile Dysfunction:

Q: What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED)?

A: If you cannot get or keep an erection hard enough for sex, you may have a medical condition called ED.

Men can experience symptoms in different ways:

• Some men do not get an erection at all

• Some men get an erection, but cannot keep it long enough for sex
• Some men get an erection, but it is not hard enough for sex

For some men with ED, it can be difficult to get or keep an erection every time they try to have sex. For others, symptoms can happen just once in a while.

ED is a common medical condition that has nothing to do with masculinity. 4.3 million men in the UK* experience symptoms, so don’t worry – if you’re experiencing ED symptoms you are not alone. You can take action to get help.

Many men ignore their ED symptoms for years, because they are too embarrassed to see a healthcare professional, but the symptoms of ED can be treated in most cases.

Q: What causes erectile dysfunction?

A: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is generally due to physical causes, although psychological issues and some types of medication can also cause ED.

The main physical cause of ED is not enough blood flowing into the penis, so a man cannot get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited.

This happens because the small blood vessels that supply the penis during an erection become blocked or narrow.

Smoking, high cholesterol and lack of exercise can cause this problem, as can high blood pressure and diabetes.

ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions even if you feel healthy.

While not all men with ED will have other health problems, it is always best to talk to a pharmacist or see your doctor who can fully assess your health and treat any condition you might have that could be causing ED symptoms.

Q: How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

A: Men who are unsure if their erection problems are symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) can benefit from talking discreetly with a pharmacist.

The pharmacist will not give you a physical examination or ask you personal questions about your sex life – they will just ask you a few questions about:

• Your general physical health
• Any medicine you might be taking
• Your symptoms, to ensure that you have the symptoms of ED

This is to confirm that any treatment is suitable for you.

If Viagra Connect is right for you, the pharmacist will explain how to take it correctly for the best results. You should also see your doctor within 6 months of your first purchase of Viagra Connect to get a health check-up.

If Viagra Connect isn’t right for you, the pharmacist will refer you to your doctor who can discuss alternative treatment options with you in more detail.

Q: Can the symptoms of erectile dysfunction be treated?

A: Making a few lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms:

• Losing weight through healthy eating
• Taking regular exercise
• Reducing stress
• Stopping smoking
• Moderating alcohol intake and avoiding recreational drugs

Where lifestyle changes do not work, the following medical interventions are possible:

• Oral medicines (pill by mouth), such as Viagra Connect
• Injectable medicines
• Devices and implants
• Psychosexual counselling
• Specialist help from a urologist

Q: How does Viagra Connect help treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

A: Viagra Connect is a medicine that treats erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms in men aged 18 years and older. Viagra Connect increases the blood flow to the penis to help men get and keep an erection that lasts long enough for sex. Viagra Connect will not give you an instant erection. You need to be sexually aroused for Viagra Connect to work.

About taking Viagra Connect:

Q: How long does Viagra Connect take to work?

A: About 30–60 minutes. You need to be sexually aroused for it to help give you an erection, but Viagra Connect works for up to 4 hours after you take it.

Q: How often can I take Viagra Connect?

A: You can only take 1 Viagra Connect tablet a day.

Q: Can I take Viagra Connect if I’m taking other medicines at the same time?

A: Some medicines can’t be taken with Viagra Connect. If you are taking other medicines, talk to your pharmacist about them. You’ll find more about this in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Q: Can I take Viagra Connect if I don’t have ED?

A: No. Viagra Connect will not help you if you do not have ED symptoms. It will not enhance your erection, sexual performance or help with other conditions, such as premature ejaculation. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor about any health concerns you may have.

Q: Can I take Viagra Connect if I have other health conditions?

A: Some men will have health issues that would make them unsuitable candidates for Viagra Connect. You will also be asked about your health before you can buy the product.

Q: Can women take Viagra Connect?

A: No. Only men aged 18 years and older with erectile dysfunction (the medical name for erection problems) can take Viagra Connect.

Q: What should I do if I’ve taken more than 1 tablet by mistake?

A: If you take more than 1 Viagra Connect tablet in a day you should seek medical advice.

Q: How do I get the best results from Viagra Connect?

A: Follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet inside the Viagra Connect pack, or read the short guide above.

Q: What if Viagra Connect doesn’t work?

A: Viagra Connect should work the first or second time you try it. If you still aren’t getting and keeping an erection after several separate attempts, talk to your pharmacist or see your doctor. They will be able to talk to you about different treatments, or any other issues with your health that might be contributing to your erection problems.

*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]

Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains Sildenafil. For erectile dysfunction in adult men. Always read the leaflet.

VIAC-2021-0002 July 2021