Viagra

Viagra is the brand name of the erectile dysfunction medication 'sildenafil' produced by the pharmaceutical developer Pfizer. It has transformed the lives of millions of men who have erectile dysfunction (ED), and has been clinically proven to help them achieve an erection strong enough for penetrative sex with their partner.

Viagra, like most erectile dysfunction treatments, is of the class of medication known as PDE-5 (Phosphodiesterase 5) inhibitors, and will only work when the user is sexually aroused. Other treatments in the same class of drugs include Cialis, Levitra, and Spedra.

What does Viagra look like?

Viagra can be referred to as the 'blue pill', giving you a hint to what genuine Viagra tablet should look like. The pills are a light blue colour and oval shaped. On one side of the pill should have "Pfizer" engraved and the other side has "VGR" along with the dosage. For example, "VGR 25", "VGR 50" and "VGR 100".

What are the benefits of Viagra?

The main benefit of Viagra (sildenafil) is to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection, however, there are other valuable factors to be noted:

• It can be used by men struggling to achieve or maintain an erection
• It can help to improve sexual confidence
• Suitable for men with coronary artery disease (as long as no other medication that interacts adversely is also being used)

An erection occurs when sexual arousal stimulates the brain, which increases nitric oxide levels. In turn, this stimulates the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the body. This relaxes the muscles in the penile wall, allowing the arteries in the penis to fill with blood, thereby causing an erection.

Men with erectile dysfunction have an impaired cGMP function, as the PDE-5 enzyme responsible for degrading cGMP in the body is overly active, preventing its correct function and thus limiting the flow of blood to the penis.

Viagra simply works through its active ingredient sildenafil citrate, which inhibits the PDE-5 enzyme for a period of time, allowing the cGMP chemical to function correctly. This means the arteries in the penis can relax and fill with blood, facilitating a stronger erection when the man is sexually stimulated.

There is also a generic version of Viagra - sildenafil, available to order via HealthExpress. The only difference here is the branded packaging. In all other ways, the generic Viagra works just as well.

What if Viagra doesn't work?

It is possible that the dosage you are taking is not adequate for you. Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg dosages. If you are on a 25mg or 50mg plan, discuss with your doctor about changing.

Secondly, you must be aroused for Viagra to work, it is not a continual medication.

Finally, there are certain conditions, foods, and drinks that may affect Viagra. This includes fatty meals around the time that you take a tablet. To optimise your medication to the fullest, we have some tips under 'How to use Viagra'.

Can women use Viagra?

Some studies have reported that Viagra works for women, however, this is not conclusive and it is currently only sold to men. At HealthExpress, we will also only provide this medication to men over the age of 18.

Research is being conducted regarding a female Viagra to combat low libido in women.

One Viagra tablet is taken 30-60 mins before intercourse when needed More than one tablet should not be taken within 24 hours. Should be taken preferably with a glass of water If a lower dosage does not provide the desired effect you may have to adjust it Store the Viagra pack at room temperature away from moisture

It is advised to avoid food and drinks that influence your blood flow. This includes milk, watermelon and grapefruit. You can find more details about safety measures and the use of this treatment in the patient leaflet, or on the Viagra questions and answers page.

How long does it last?

A standard pill usually lasts up to 4 hours in the system and should wear off after that period. The effects of the tablet do vary from person to person and due to the nature of erectile dysfunction treatments (such as Cialis, Levitra and Spedra), it should only be used once every 24 hours.

Effective within 30-60 minutes for the vast majority of users

Lasts up to 4 hours

How to make Viagra the most effective

Viagra and other impotence medications work best on an empty stomach. Fatty foods or a big meal can mean the medication takes longer to digest and take effect. It is also advised to limit alcohol consumption.

Whilst Viagra is estimated to last for up to 4 hours, this can vary depending on the individual. You may find the effects wear off within this timeframe, especially if you have done anything to impair the maximum effectiveness. It's also important not to crush the tablet and instead swallow it whole.

If you have tried everything to make Viagra work, including different dosages and the tips listed above, it is advised for you to consult with your doctor.

This erectile dysfunction treatment comes in three prescribed dosages with varying strengths of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, all of which are available to order online with HealthExpress.

Lowest dosage - the 25mg capsules are recommended for those sensitive to higher dosages, and men over the age of 65.

Standard dosage - this is the dose usually recommended by the doctor when first using this ED treatment. This enables the user to learn whether the medication is effective or whether a dosage alteration is required.

Maximum dosage - this is the strongest dosage available and it is only recommended for men to increase to this level when there is little or no change with the 50mg dose. It is also important you have not experienced any side effects when taking the 50mg pill.

In 1989, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals developed Viagra as a treatment for high blood pressure and angina, however it wasn't very successful in initial trials and the project was abandoned. Fortunately, those involved in the trials reported an unexpected reaction to the medicine - stronger erections. Pfizer then produced and approved Viagra for erectile dysfunction in 1998 with three dosages of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

Clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of Viagra (sildenafil) in relation to the dosage used:

• 25mg - over 72% on the lowest dosage recorded a stronger, longer lasting erection
• 50mg - over 80% of men on this dosage recorded a stronger, longer lasting erection
• 100mg - 85% of men on the 100mg dosage recorded a stronger, longer lasting erection

Viagra tablets are suitable for any male over the age of 18 with erectile dysfunction. As with any medication, if you are allergic to the active ingredient sildenafil citrate then it is advised that you inform doctor as you may need to seek alternative treatments. Viagra should also not be consumed by women or children. Although the treatment is suitable for use by most men, it may not be prescribed and may be unsuitable for those who:

• Have or have had cardiovascular disease e.g. heart problems, angina or a stroke
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have low blood pressure or sickle cell anaemia
• Have galactose intolerance
• Have or have had renal dysfunction
• Have had a stroke in the past 6 months
• Have severe damage to the penis or penile deformity
• Are already on nitrate medication
• Have Peyronie's disease

It is important that you state accurately all information regarding past and current conditions when filling out the medical consultation.

Viagra is known to interact adversely with certain drugs, so it is essential to be careful with any medication taken concurrently, some include:

It is best to limit the consumption of alcohol and fatty meals before using Viagra, as they may delay the absorption of the tablet into your system.

If you have used other erectile dysfunction treatments such as Cialis or Levitra it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours (36 hours for Cialis) before using Viagra.

Viagra and Priligy

Priligy (dapoxetine) is used in treating premature ejaculation, whereas Viagra is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Both medications have an effect on blood pressure, so it is essential that moderate care is taken. You should also confirm with your doctor that you are suited to using both treatments, as side effects may also be heightened.

Can Viagra lower blood pressure?

Viagra (Sildenafil) is a medication known as a PHE5 Inhibitor that treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis.

In 2005, Viagra's active ingredient Sildenafil was also approved by the FDA as a treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension. This is a rare and life-threatening condition due to high blood pressure in the lungs. Pfizer repackaged its key ingredient and launched its new product Revatio (Sildenafil) in the same year.

Although Viagra is not marketed, or available, as a specific treatment for non-pulmonary high blood pressure, it is a side benefit of the drug. Viagra works by blocking an enzyme called PHE5 and acting as a vasodilator - allowing the blood vessels to dilate and more blood to flow to the penile tissue. This process has the secondary effect of making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body and lower your blood pressure.

A study that monitored the blood pressure of patients after taking Viagra (Sildenafil) showed systolic blood pressure drops of 8 to 10 mg Hg and diastolic drops of 5 to 6 mm Hg. The effects peaked after an hour and returned to normal after four hours.

Can Viagra lower my blood pressure too much?

Viagra naturally lowers your blood pressure, you should be cautious taking it with other medications. Viagra is safe to take in conjunction with many heart medications, but the FDA recommends specifically avoiding taking it with alpha-blockers or medications containing nitrates.

If mixed with these, your blood pressure could drop too low, and you could become dangerously hypotensive. You should always inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking, before starting Viagra.

When completing a consultation to purchase Viagra, it is important to list any high blood pressure medication including Losartan, Lisinopril, Bendroflumethiazide and Amlodipine.

Side effects can occur with all prescription medications. With this treatment you may experience the following if you are sensitive to the active ingredient 'sildenafil citrate' or PDE-5 inhibitors in general:

These usually subside as your body becomes accustomed to the dose, however, if they tend to persist, seek further advice from your GP.

Uncommon

Whilst uncommon, occasionally these side effects can occur. If they don't pass with time, it's important to seek your doctor's advice:

Rare

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects if consumed with Viagra. Sweating, headaches, dizziness and heart palpitations may be experienced. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol before or after taking impotence treatment.

If you do experience any adverse effects as a result of using this treatment, it is advised that you see your doctor or healthcare specialist as soon as you can.

An allergic reaction to any medication requires emergency medical help. If you do experience any facial swelling or difficulty breathing, then stop taking Viagra immediately and seek medical help as soon as you can.

If you need any further information regarding the side effects of Viagra, health benefits or precautions, please feel free to contact us, visit your local health advisor, or read more in the attached patient information leaflet.

Will I experience side effects?

Whilst we have listed a few side effects, including those classed as 'common', it doesn't mean they are likely to occur. In fact, even common side effects have a low probability. It's also worth mentioning that many side effects are so light in nature that they aren't noticed or highly manageable. A higher dosage can mean an increase chance as well.

Yes, you can order Viagra pills here online. As a prescription-only treatment, it is essential that you first complete our free online consultation, which is then reviewed by one of our doctors.

Can I buy Viagra without a prescription?

It is not possible to buy Viagra online or in-person without a prescription first. This is the same for all impotence medications. If you come across any websites selling Viagra without a prescription, or they don't require you to complete a consultation, it is best to avoid completely.

Viagra is a prescription only medication due to the possibility of side effects that occur in a minority of users. If the tablets affect an underlining heart condition, in particular, it's important to disclose this to the doctor as well as your medical history.

Viagra without seeing a doctor

A doctor's approval is mandatory when obtaining Viagra, however, this doesn't mean you have to see a doctor in-person if you're looking for discretion. Confidentiality regarding sexual health is understandable and Viagra can be purchased online from our registered pharmacy with no need to physically book and attend a doctor's appointment.

• Fast, free delivery - order before 4.30pm and receive your treatment the next day.
• Free online consultation service with one of our doctors.
• Discreet packaging - we don't include any branding or pharmacy logo on our packaging meaning you can get your treatment delivered anywhere.
• Only proven and high quality prescription medication is available and approved by the National Pharmacy Association.
• All-inclusive confidential service.

Is it safe to buy Viagra online?

We can guarantee that the medication purchased on HealthExpress is genuine prescription drugs that require a consultation reviewed by a doctor registered in the UK. Our doctor individually reviews every consultation to ensure the medication, quantity, and dosage is safe for you to use. Viagra is prepared by our UK based pharmacy where it is checked again before being securely dispatched.

Our service at HealthExpress has all the relevant and mandatory safety certificates including the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), General Medical Council (GMC) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC).

Getting Viagra delivered in the UK

All our treatments are sealed and delivered in discreet packaging to you wherever you are in the UK through our free next day delivery service.

Delivery of Viagra at HealthExpress is by Royal Mail or private courier. Our next-day delivery is free of charge and will arrive at your chosen address the next day. This is on all orders completed and approved by our doctor by 4.30pm Monday through to Friday. This means we deliver on Saturdays. This service is across the UK.

We also offer a nominated day delivery meaning you're in control of when and where your medication is sent.

We have UPS Pick-up Points if you'd prefer collecting from a local shop in-person.

How do I know if it's authentic Viagra?

Viagra will come in genuine packaging including blister packs for the tablets. Every medication will come complete with the patient leaflet, which must be thoroughly read before use. At HealthExpress, our process includes checks from our doctor as well as the UK registered pharmacy to ensure the authenticity of Viagra. If you are unsure in any way, you can contact our Customer Service for further validation, or check our safety certificate present on the home page on this website.

Is my personal and medical information safe online?

When buying Viagra online, a consultation must be provided and this must be reviewed by a UK certified doctor. This means providing your complete medical history and personal details in our online consultation. All data on HealthExpress is encrypted and will not be shared with third parties.

Do you have any other queries or observations?

If you have any further questions regarding Viagra that we haven't answered here, you can always contact our Customer Service Team via email, phone or Live Chat available Monday to Friday 8am-5.30pm.