Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
Costs for medication are high, especially if you are without insurance. Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED) is particularly expensive. A prescription is also required to purchase it in the US.
As an alternative, more consumers are turning to the internet to find the products they need. Medicine is one of those items many look for. As Amazon is the largest online shopping space, it’s only natural for people to consider trying to source Viagra.
Is Amazon the Marketplace for Everything?
Amazon is a buying site that seems to have everything you might ever want or didn’t know you needed. They do have some medical products listed, but there are strict regulations that must be followed by dealers.
Because Viagra is available by prescription only, it is not allowed to be listed for sale on the website. Amazon has a policy that states that any medication cannot be sold on the website if it is:
- Prescription-only
- Use requires supervision by a medical professional
This includes sales of the generic versions or supplements that contain the active ingredient that is found in the prescription medication. Sales of supplements must comply with all local, state, and federal laws. Amazon has a policy in place as to how those products are listed for sale.
Why Are Some Medications Found on Amazon?
When a search is done on Amazon for Viagra or sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), the medication itself should not appear in the list of products that are for sale. If it does, then the listing should be reported to Amazon. The policy is to keep consumers safe by not allowing sales of prescription level drugs.
Some medications are found on Amazon for sale. These should only be drug products approved by the FDA for non-prescription, over-the-counter purchases. There are specific guidelines that sellers must follow to list these products.
What Happens If You Search for “Viagra” on Amazon
You can search for whatever you wish on Amazon; it doesn’t mean they will sell it. Putting ‘viagra’ in the box will bring up a host of products, none of which will be the prescription drug.
The most common result of this search will be over-the-counter treatments for ED, such as horny goat weed or L-Arginine. There are also a number of books that have been written about Viagra, and a host of these will also appear as available products.
Prescription medication is not available from Amazon’s central store. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has very clear rules on this.
A Note About FDA Approval
Many times, consumers think about buying a supplement to treat their health condition instead of getting a prescription from their doctor. There are many supplements on the market that claim to be like or better than Viagra, and it can be tempting to buy them. Often though, it can be quite dangerous to do so.
The FDA does not approve manufacturers or supplements. Beware of labeling that claims that the active ingredient is FDA-approved. It does not mean that the active ingredient is safe in the dosages used in the non-prescription products.
Only drugs that are for sale over the counter should be found listed for sale. Products must be the original manufacturer’s packaging. Identifying codes put on the package by the distributor or manufacturer must be displayed.
Viagra on Amazon: What are Amazon Innovations?
Amazon has provided a feature on Alexa that allows them to ask questions about prescription medications. This service can help people avoid adverse drug interactions. Not only could the service help save someone’s life, but it can also lower the overall cost of healthcare in the US.
Amazon has teamed up with a company called Ominicell to provide medication management features for Alexa owners. Customers can set up medication reminders as well as a request by voice to refill prescriptions. Services are limited to one pharmacy chain in the Midwest and one on the east coast of the US.
A new program called Amazon Care has been launched. Both in-person and virtual telemedicine care is available to company employees in Seattle. Prescription drug delivery to home or office is available to their employees.
Is it Possible to Buy Viagra on Amazon?
Amazon has a strict policy that excludes the sales of prescription medication on their main website. In North America, Viagra is available by prescription only. Supplements found on this website must meet guidelines as well. They cannot contain any active ingredient that is dispensed as a prescription only.
Heading over to their subsidiary Pillpack will allow you to purchase Viagra. However, you must follow the telehealth guidelines, which include acquiring a prescription.
Prescription for Viagra Online as Amazon Alternative
If you are considering purchasing non-prescription supplements on these websites, read the labels. Supplement sellers on sites such as Amazon y and other websites make many claims about their merchandise. These products must meet stringent guidelines by the FDA on how these products are listed.
The best way to get treatment for erectile dysfunction is to speak with your primary care physician about your condition. Online doctors and pharmacies are available for consultation as well. Make sure that the care you are getting is from a licensed and legitimate source, whether online or in person.
Since Viagra and the generic version sildenafil are prescription medications, many wonder how they can buy it online. There are some guidelines to consider when getting Viagra or sildenafil online. Before looking for a prescription online, there are other steps to take.
Visit the Virtual Doctor
You may not have discussed erectile dysfunction with your doctor before. It is essential to share all the symptoms you are experiencing so that the doctor can give a proper diagnosis. Ask questions about the prescription you are provided so that you understand how it will treat your condition.
It is always best to talk to your primary care physician. There are telemedical services that doctors use to talk to patients online. Several websites offer such services, and by following the instructions, one can get an appointment quickly.
Telemedicine provides virtual video appointments with a doctor, much like talking with someone on Facetime or Skype. It can be done conveniently from home. It is a great resource to get treatment for common ailments and medical concerns.
You will need to fill in some personal details on the website to get an appointment with a doctor. You can arrange one that suits your schedule, and you don’t have to spend time driving or sitting in a waiting room. The GP will ask questions on the video chat to determine if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Legitimate Pharmacy
When you take your prescription into your neighborhood pharmacy, likely, you haven’t given a second thought as to whether it is a legitimate one or not. The situation is quite different when buying medications online. Extra vigilance is required to make sure that what you are buying and where you are purchasing it from is real and safe.
Many pharmaceutical websites have been designed to look professional. Many are legitimate, but some are not. To spot a fake online pharmacy site, look for these signs:
- A pharmacy that allows purchase without a prescription
- Ships prescription drugs worldwide
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- The website is sub-standard with grammatical mistakes and broken links
Before buying from a pharmaceutical website, make sure that it is:
- State-licensed pharmacy
- In good standing with the licensing agency
- Has a physical address in the United States
- Provides a local phone number
- Features bios of the licensed medical staff
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is a professional association of the State Boards of Pharmacy. A seal of compliance called the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites TM Seal (VIPPS) should be displayed on the website. This is a sign that the pharmacy is following federal and state rules.
- Report Suspected Unlawful Sales of Pharmaceutical Drugs on the Internet
Buying Controlled Substances Online: DEA Warning – Purchasing drugs online may be illegal and dangerous. URL: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ - Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet. What to look for when buying medicines online. In: U. S. Food and Drug Administration. URL: https://www.fda.gov/
- How to Buy Medicines Safely From an Online Pharmacy. In: U. S. Food and Drug Administration. URL: https://www.fda.gov/
- How to Buy and Use Medicine. In: USAGov, the Official Guide to Government Information and Services. URL: https://www.usa.gov/medicine
- Drugs & drug paraphernalia. Amazon Policies, agreements, and guidelines . URL: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/external/200164490