Viagra to Be Available Over-the-Counter in the UK Next Year

UK’s MHRA reclassified Pfizer’s Viagra (sildenafil), allowing it to be sold over the counter without a prescription, branded as Viagra Connect. Previous versions of the tablet will still be available as a prescription medicine.

As a “pharmacy medicine,” pharmacists will be able to determine whether treatment is appropriate for the patient and can give advice on erectile dysfunction, usage of the medicine, potential side effects, and if further consultation with a general practitioner is required.

The MHRA said this decision would help lessen the risks that come from illegally buying medicines online, with erectile dysfunction medicines being a popular target for unlicensed and counterfeit drugs. Pfizer plans to launch Viagra Connect in the UK in spring 2018.