Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
In 1998, Viagra was introduced to the world, and the little blue pill changed lives. The drugmaker Pfizer had initially developed sildenafil (Viagra) to treat high blood pressure and angina. However, during clinical trials of the medication, researchers found that the drug was also quite effective in producing erections. Today Viagra is mostly used to treat erectile dysfunction (Erectile Dysfunction Treatments – The Best ED Cure in Check). It helps a man with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection. It does not cure erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is what is known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme that regulates chemicals in the blood, but it can make it difficult for a man to achieve an erection. Sildenafil (Viagra) helps a man temporarily maintain an erection when mentally or physically stimulated.
Often men are uncomfortable with erectile dysfunction. The more difficult it is for them to go to the doctor. The best thing they could do would be to buy Viagra without a prescription online. But there are many risks and dangers to buy Viagra online without a prescription. There are also regulations that make this impossible. Here is a look at the different methods of obtaining Viagra.
Is Viagra a Non-Prescription Medication?
In the United States, Viagra is only available by a prescription written by a licensed physician. Generic versions of the medication have been available since 2018. Generics are available at a lower cost than the brand name Viagra. However, they still require a prescription to be purchased legally.
Many feel that if other countries have changed their policies to make it available as a non-prescription medication, the U.S. should as well. In countries like the U.K., men still need to speak with the pharmacist about their symptoms, and if the pharmacist assesses that the medication is a good fit, they can buy Viagra without a prescription. Otherwise, they are referred to a physician who will evaluate them.
Why is Viagra a Prescription Medication in the U.S.?
Sildenafil is an effective medication for men experiencing male impotence. It can cause serious side effects if not used for the right disorders at the strength appropriate for each person. For this reason, men need to be evaluated whether Viagra is an appropriate treatment or whether there are other underlying health conditions.
Some of the marketing ploys can make men feel that they need to use the medication. Erectile dysfunction isn’t a part of healthy aging. It’s connected with declining health conditions rather than just getting older.
It has also been found that younger men want to use Viagra. Studies suggest that this is more of a psychological issue. Stress and anxiety can contribute to performance issues. Increasingly, it is also being used recreationally as a party drug.
Many feel that non-prescription Viagra in the U.S. is a good, cost-effective idea. With erectile dysfunction being a possible indicator of serious illness, and the prevalence of it being misused by younger men, for now, health and government professionals feel that it needs to stay as a prescription-only medication.
Is It Possible to Buy Viagra Without a Doctor's Prescription in the U.S.?
Viagra is only available in the USA with a prescription written by a licensed physician that you have consulted about E.D. Less expensive generic medications are now available, but still by prescription only.
Many health insurance companies will cover the cost of Viagra. For those who do not have health insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover it, Pfizer offers customers a discount program to assist with the cost. Lower-cost generic versions have been available since 2018, and those within the U.S. are regulated by the FDA, ensuring its safety.
The Dangers and Risks of Using Non-Prescription Viagra
Hundreds of consumers try to obtain Viagra without having a prescription written by a certified doctor. There can be several risks associated with getting and using Viagra without a proper prescription written by a qualified healthcare professional. Some of the risks are legal in nature; most are dangerous to your health.
Side Effects
Any medication can cause side effects, and Viagra is no different. Some common side effects of Viagra are:
- Headache
- Flushing (feeling of face or body being hot)
- Upset stomach/nausea
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Runny nose
- Blurred vision (If this lasts longer than an hour seek medical help immediately)
Rare Side Effects
These side effects need to be reported right away if you experience them after taking Viagra:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Erection for more than four hours
- Sudden vision loss
Health Conditions as Contraindications
For men who have certain medical conditions, it may be dangerous to use Viagra. Let your doctor know if you have:
- Heart problems – history of heart attack, angina, irregular heartbeat, recent surgery
- Stroke
- High or Low blood pressure
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Leukemia
- Retinitis Pigmentosa (genetic eye disease)
- Severe vision loss
- Loss of blood flow to the optic nerve (NAION)
- Deformed or damaged penis
- History of an erection lasting more than four hours
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Received dialysis
- Bleeding problems
- Stomach ulcers
Counterfeit Medication
In 2011 an official review of online pharmacies claimed to sell brand name Viagra. Twenty-two of the most popular sites were ordered from, and the pills analyzed. The results were shocking. Almost 80% of the reviewed sites were selling counterfeit Viagra. Artificial ingredients such as drywall powder, blue printer ink, amphetamines, and antibiotics were found in the pills. Some did contain the active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate, but not at consistent levels, which has the potential to cause harm.
Guidelines to Order Online Safely:
- Look for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site accreditation. This ensures that your purchase is from a secure website.
- Make sure that a valid prescription is required from a qualified medical doctor.
- Legitimate sites have U.S. phone numbers, physical addresses, and email contact is listed on the website to prevent unregulated medications from out of the country being sold.
- Only three strengths of Viagra are available – 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg in tablet form. The brand name Viagra is blue. The tablet is shaped like a diamond with rounded corners. VGR with the active ingredient amount (for example, VGR50) is stamped on one side of the pill, and PFIZER is stamped on the other side.
- If the website says "soft-tab," "Jelly," "super active," or has any similar description, it is not a legitimate brand name Viagra. It likely has little to no active ingredient or other dangerous ingredients added to them.
Can I buy Viagra Without a Doctor's Prescription in Canada?
A prescription is required to purchase Viagra from Canadian Pharmacies. It is tempting to buy medications from Canada since the cost is often much lower than in the U.S. Technically, it is illegal for Americans to purchase medicines outside of the U.S.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed bills to allow personal use purchases. U.S. Customs often will look the other way if documentation is provided validating the condition, and a proper prescription has been written to treat the condition that has been submitted. Personal use amounts are no more than 90 days of treatment at a time.
Using an Online Doctor as an Alternative
Some primary care physicians have embraced virtual availability and made it a part of their practice. Patients can send questions via video visits or even messaging in some cases. This helps physicians offer continuity of practice.
Using Telemedicine provided within your health care network is the best way. Primary care physicians and specialists that work with the system are all certified and professional. They have full access to records, labs, and medications and, in this way, can offer safe, convenient evaluations.
Sometimes men are reluctant to approach their doctor about E.D. treatment. It is thought that only one-quarter of American men suffering from E.D. is receiving the appropriate treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your primary care physician about erectile dysfunction, some companies are offering online consultations to break down barriers.
Virtual doctor’s appointments appeal to those who prefer convenience and anonymity. Entrepreneurs, not doctors, run many of the companies. Carefully review the website you are planning to use. Make sure that medical advice comes from qualified healthcare professionals.
Check physician review sites to see what others have to say about the doctor you are considering consulting. These sites often contain information about the doctor’s training, any areas of interest, and bedside manner.
Costs of each site vary depending on the patient’s insurance coverage. Lab fees and medication costs are extra. Others may be priced higher, so make sure that you understand precisely what fee levels are and what services they include.
How Can You Get a Viagra Prescription Without Seeing a Doctor?
Telemedicine allows a person to get a prescription from the comfort of your own space without having to wait in a doctor’s office. With over 60% of patients comfortable with seeing a doctor by video, it is one reason for the growth of the industry.
There are two common ways that telemedicine visits work:
- Live Video Conference
- Remote Patient Monitoring
Video Conference
Typically, a patient can make an appointment with their physician using an app or software on a computer or mobile device. The patient usually signs a consent form before the video appointment. Appointments in this manner are often more flexible than the standard 9 to 5 office hours.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring can be done by video, over the phone, and sometimes an online questionnaire is part of the appointment. Treatment covers a broad range of medical concerns. It is affordable, efficient, and flexible. A service like this can include consults for erectile dysfunction problems.
In both cases, you speak to a physician who will assess whether E.D. treatment is needed. If so, the physician will write a prescription, and it can be submitted electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. All this is done with confidentiality and discretion.
Get follow up care with your primary care physician or with the one consulted with the online system if you have questions or need further attention. Never use Telemedicine if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Go to a local hospital or call 911.
Conclusion: Viagra Without A Prescription Is Not Legal
Patients, insurance companies, and employers are all looking for ways to save on skyrocketing health care costs. This is the prime reason many go looking abroad for their medical needs. There could be legal implications in buying and importing medications from outside the U.S.
The best approach is to talk to your physician in person or a qualified doctor through Telemedicine. Speak openly with these professionals to get the best treatment for erectile dysfunction. Your physical and mental health will be maintained, and your wallet will thank you.
- 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
- Viagra (summary of the European public assessment report (EPAR) for Viagra). In: European Medicines Agency. URL: ema.europa.eu