On the NHS
You can get sildenafil on the NHS if you have erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension.
Branded versions of sildenafil such as Viagra are not available on the NHS, except in special circumstances.
Private prescription
You can also get sildenafil on a private prescription from your doctor. This means you'll need to pay the full cost of the medicine.
From a pharmacy
You can buy sildenafil from a pharmacy after a discussion with the pharmacist.
They'll ask you some questions about your general health to make sure sildenafil is safe for you to take. You can also talk to them about side effects.
If the pharmacist has any concerns about whether sildenafil is safe for you, they may advise you to see your doctor.
Online
You can buy sildenafil over the internet. Be very careful if you do this as many websites sell fake medicines.
Online medicines are not always regulated and the ingredients in them can vary from one pack to another. They can cause unpleasant side effects or may not be suitable for you.
It's best to see your doctor before buying medicines online. They know your medical history and can discuss whether you might benefit from treatment.
If you choose to buy sildenafil over the internet, make sure:
- any online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- any online doctor service is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- all doctors are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)