Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Viagra work?

  Viagra, like other ED treatments, works to expand the blood vessels that feed the penis. Normally, in men who suffer with erectile dysfunction, the blood vessels are narrowed and do not allow sufficient blood flow to the penis. Without adequate blood flow to the penis, a satisfactory erection cannot be achieved.

  By opening the blood vessels that feed the penis, Viagra (Sildenafil) allows the required amount of blood to enter the penis for a strong erection to be achieved.

  It is important to note that Viagra does not produce an erection; it simply allows one to occur naturally. Whilst taking Viagra you still need to have sexual stimulation to produce an erection.

• What dose should I take?

  The dose of Viagra that you take will depend primarily on whether you have taken Viagra or another erectile dysfunction treatment before.

  If you have not tried an erectile dysfunction treatment before, you should start by trying Viagra/Sildenafil 50mg tablets and then adjust the dose according to your response.

  If you have taken an erectile dysfunction treatment before you can convert the doses roughly in the following way:

  Low strength

  • Viagra/Sildenafil 25mg
  • Cialis 5mg
  • Levitra 5mg
  • Spedra 50mg

  Regular Strength

  • Viagra/Sildenafil 50mg
  • Cialis 10mg
  • Levitra 10mg
  • Spedra 100mg

  High Strength

  • Viagra/Sildenafil 100mg
  • Cialis 20mg
  • Levitra 20mg
  • Spedra 200mg

  For example, if you have previously taken Cialis 20mg successfully and you wish to try Viagra or Sildenafil, you may wish to start with Viagra/Sildenafil 100mg.

• Does Viagra start working straight away?

  For most men, Viagra will start to work around 30 minutes after it is taken, although it can produce an effect after anywhere from 20 – 60 minutes.

  The time it takes to kick in can vary from person to person, as well as being influenced by other outside factors. If Viagra is taken with a heavy or high-fat meal, or with high amounts of alcohol, it can take longer to have an effect and may even be less effective.

• Does Viagra have any side effects?

  Like all medicines, Viagra can cause side effects. The good news is that they don’t affect everyone and are usually very mild if they are experienced. Suffering from side effects when taking Viagra is a sign that the dose may be too high. If you do experience mild side effects you should consider reducing the dose you are taking.

  If you experience side effects they may include:

  • Flushing
  • Headaches
  • Feeling light headed
  • Congestion
  • Indigestion

  If you experience any serious side effects, such as chest pain, dizziness, facial swelling or skin reactions whilst taking Viagra you should seek medical attention immediately.

  If you have an erection for more than 4 hours you should seek medical attention.

  You can read a full list of side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with Viagra.

• How regularly can I take Viagra?

  Viagra can be taken as often as once daily, although this is not normally required. You should not take more than one Viagra tablet or other erectile dysfunction treatment in a 24-hour period. We wouldn’t recommend taking a dose of more than three to four tablets per week.

• How effective is Viagra?

  Viagra is thought to be effective at producing an erection in around 75% of men suffering from erectile dysfunction. It is the most well-known and popular erectile dysfunction tablet that has rightly gained a reputation as an effective, trusted treatment.

  Many men find that the starting dose of 50mg is a suitable dose however it can be increased to 100mg if required.

• What happens if Viagra doesn’t work?

  It can take a number of attempts at using Viagra before it is effective. It is recommended to try taking Viagra on 8 separate occasions before increasing strength or trying a different ED tablet. Those that find Viagra/Sildenafil ineffective may wish to try an alternative ED treatment such as Cialis, Levitra or Spedra.

  Although most tablets for erectile dysfunction have a similar mechanism of action, some men may respond differently to individual treatments. If one tablet is ineffective, you may find you are more sensitive to a different treatment.

• Are there any alternatives to Viagra?

  If you find Viagra ineffective, or you would prefer to try a different ED treatment for whatever reason, The Independent Pharmacy supplies a number of alternatives. These are:

  Cialis – Cialis contains the drug tadalafil and has a longer duration of action than Viagra; it can last for up to 36 hours. Cialis is the second most popular ED treatment after Viagra.

  Levitra – Levitra contains the drug vardenafil and is similar to Viagra in many ways. It is thought that Levitra may be more effective for men who are suffering with ED as a secondary effect of diabetes.

  Spedra – Spedra is the newest erectile dysfunction treatment available and contains the drug avanafil. It is claimed to be the fastest acting treatment with it producing an effect in as little as 15-20 minutes.

  When looking for alternative to Viagra you should always stick to licensed medicines that have been proved to be effective and undergo a strict manufacturing process. Erectile dysfunction treatment is a big market and there are thousand’s of unlicensed tablets and supplements available. Many of these undergo no regulation so you have no idea whether they work, or what you are taking! The Independent Pharmacy is a regulated and licensed supplier of Viagra and other ED medication in the UK.

• How long will my erection last?

  Your erection should last for as long as there is sexual stimulation. As Viagra only gives you the ability to achieve an erection, rather than producing an erection itself, your erection should last for a normal period of time.

  You may find that the amount of stimulation required to achieve an erection is lower than usual and therefore you achieve an erection more easily or it lasts slightly longer than normal.

  Viagra should not produce an erection that lasts for long periods of time without subsiding. An erection that lasts for more than 4 hours requires immediate medical attention.

• Can women take Viagra?

  Viagra is designed to treat erectile dysfunction in men by opening the blood vessels that supply the penis. It is not intended or licensed for use in women.

  Although there are reports of women using Viagra and having an increased sex drive or other effects, this is unlikely to be true for most women. Any effects felt are likely to be due to a placebo effect and women taking Viagra are more likely to experience side effects rather than any desired results.

• Is there anything women can take instead of Viagra?

  There are currently no licensed treatments for women to take that would produce a comparable effect to that of Viagra in men.

  There is currently a drug in clinical trials, flibanserin, which may offer some improvement for women suffering with lack of sexual desire. It has recently been approved for use in America by the FDA and is due to be reviewed by the European Medicines Commission in the next 18 months.

• Can I split or break pills in half?

  We do not recommend that you break Viagra tablets in half. This is because tablets are not always scored for accurate breaking and you are not always guaranteed to get the dose you want.

  As Viagra/Sildenafil tablets are available in a range of strengths (25mg, 50mg & 100mg), we would recommend that you purchase the strength that you require, even if this means purchasing more than one strength of tablets.

• Does Viagra delay ejaculation?

  Viagra does not have any direct effect on the time it takes to reach climax. It is designed to treat erectile dysfunction and not to prolong the time to ejaculation.

  Some men may find that because the amount of sexual stimulation required to produce an erection is lower, they have an increased time to ejaculation as a secondary effect. This is because achieving climax requires a mixture of mental and physical stimulation. Sometimes if an erection has been achieved with the aid of Viagra, it takes time for the mind to be relaxed and stimulated enough to reach ejaculation.

• Does Viagra have an effect on male fertility?

  There are no studies currently available showing a link between Viagra and any change in male fertility. Although there may be many individual stories available on the Internet claiming a decrease (or increase!) in male fertility after taking Viagra, these are not supported by any scientific evidence.

• Does alcohol have an effect on Viagra?

  Alcohol may prolong the time it takes for Viagra to have an effect after being taken. This will depend on the amount of alcohol consumed and other factors such as any food consumed.

  More importantly, alcohol decreases the sensitivity of nerves, including those in the penis. This makes it harder to produce a response to physical stimulation as sensations are dampened.

  It is not uncommon for men to experience some form of erectile dysfunction after consuming alcohol, especially after binge drinking. If you are already suffering with erectile dysfunction, high volumes of alcohol can make it less likely that treatment like Viagra will be able to effectively help you to produce an erection.

  If you are taking Viagra you will see best results if you avoid alcohol, or stick to very small amounts.

• How is Viagra different to the supplements I can buy online?

  There are many supplements available online that claim to help to treat erectile dysfunction. They include L-Arginine, Yohimbe, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Panax Ginseng, Horny Goat Weed and many more.

  The difference between Viagra and these other supplements is that Viagra is a licensed medicine (containing the ingredient Sildenafil) that has been clinically proven in clinical trials to be both safe and effective. As a medicine, it also undergoes a strict manufacturing process to ensure that every pack meets the required standards for human use.

  On the other hand, supplements like the ones named above, do not require any clinical proof of effectiveness or safety. They do not have any manufacturing legislation to ensure they are properly produced.

  In short, not only is there no definitive proof that any of the supplements available are effective, more importantly there is not always any evidence that they are safe for human consumption. This is especially true as most require high doses to be taken. Additionally, many supplements do not contain the advertised ingredients, as noted in many prominent news stories where people have harmed themselves by taking unproven supplements that have been bought online.

  We strongly advise our customers to avoid using supplements for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and stick to proven, licensed medicines.

• Do I need to be a particular age to take Viagra?

  There is no particular age of men that Viagra is most suitable for. Although erectile dysfunction becomes more common in men as they age, it can be experienced at any age.

  This is because as well as narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the penis, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by anxiety. ED in older men is more likely to be caused by physical causes like narrowing of the blood vessels, whereas in younger men it is more often due to physiological causes like anxiety.

  Although Viagra can be successfully used to treat erectile dysfunction caused by physiological issues, it will not treat the underlying causes. There may be underlying issues that need to be discussed with a psychologist or sex therapist.

• Can I take Viagra if I have heart problems?

  Men with heart problems should use Viagra in caution. This is because Viagra can also widen the blood vessels that feed the heart, increasing the blood flow and putting the heart under increasing strain.

  Any men suffering with heart issues should always see their doctor to discuss taking Viagra or any other ED treatment. Suitability will depend on individual circumstances and the severity of symptoms; therefore your own doctor should initiate any treatment. This ensures that a safe and appropriate solution is found.

• Are there any medicines that interact with Viagra?

  There are a number of medicines that should not be taken at the same time as Viagra due to serious interactions. Whilst taking Viagra you should avoid:

  • Nitrates – These are commonly taken for angina or chest pain and may be in the form of tablets or a spray. Common drug names include glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate.
  • Poppers (amyl nitrate) – Poppers are commonly used as recreational drugs and are also known as ‘room odourisers’.
  • Protease inhibitors (HIV treatment) - These should only be taken with Viagra under strict instructions from your doctor due to potentially serious interactions. Examples of protease inhibitors include ritonavir, indinavir and nelfinavir.
  • Alpha-blockers – These are used to treat high blood pressure or prostate enlargement. They can cause increased side effects and should only be taken with Viagra under instruction from your doctor. Examples of alpha-blockers include doxazosin, tamsulosin, and mirtazapine.

  If you experience any serious side effects such as dizziness, chest pain or an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.

• How much Viagra can I buy at a time?

  You can buy up to 32 tablets of Viagra or Sildenafil tablets online from The Independent Pharmacy. This ensure that men can buy sufficient quantities of Viagra or Sildenafil in one order whilst ensuring that we are can maintain the safe and responsible operating of our pharmacy.

• I can buy cheaper Viagra elsewhere, why should I buy it from The Independent Pharmacy?

  At The Independent Pharmacy we are constantly price checking our competitors and are proud that we offer the best value service in the UK. We are so confident in our prices that we even offer a low price guarantee where we will refund the difference plus 10% if you can find an equivalent service cheaper in the UK.

  As there is a large black market for a popular drug like Viagra, it is not uncommon for it to be commonly available from many different website and other unregulated sources. Most users of the Internet will be aware to some extent of junk mail and spam messages offering cheap Viagra from Canada, China or other countries. It is never wise to buy from these unregulated sources – you never know what you are getting, even if it looks genuine.

• Is it safe to buy Viagra online?

  It is safe to buy Viagra online as long as you are buying from a reputable source like a registered online pharmacy. There are a number of things to look out for when buying Viagra online to ensure you are buying from a reputable source, you can read about them here.

• What are the advantages of buying Viagra online?

  There are a number of advantages to buying erectile dysfunction treatment online such as:

  • Discretion – Many men do not like to discuss their condition as they may find it difficult or embarrassing. Buying online from The Independent Pharmacy bypasses the need for a face-to-face consultation without sacrificing service or safety.
  • Price – Buying Viagra or Sildenafil online may prove to be more cost effective than paying for a private prescription from a clinic or GP and then paying on the high street.
  • Quantity – Most GPs normally only prescribe around two boxes of Viagra at a time due to financial pressures on the NHS. The Independent Pharmacy allows men to buy up to eight boxes of Viagra or Sildenafil at a time to ensure an adequate supply.
  • Convenience – It is becoming increasingly difficult to get an appointment with your GP and find time away from work or family pressures to get the treatment you require. Ordering online allows you to buy at a time that suits you without the need to leave your living room.
  • Expert information – Often in busy GP surgeries and pharmacies you can end up not getting all the information you require with your treatment. The Independent Pharmacy website is information packed with everything you need to know about your condition and treatment. Plus, if you can’t find what you’re looking for our healthcare experts are available free of charge by telephone and email.

• Can I get Viagra from my GP?

  Yes, Viagra (and now Sildenafil) are available from your GP. It is possible to get generic Viagra for free on the NHS, however this is normally limited to around one box per month. Branded Viagra is no longer available on the NHS due to the higher cost compared to the generic alternative.

  Many men chose to buy Viagra online from a reputable pharmacy rather than see their GP. This can be due to the larger quantities available privately, the ease & convenience of buying online as well as the privacy of not requiring a face-to-face consultation.

• I want a specific brand of generic Viagra (sildenafil), can you get it for me?

  Since Viagra came off patent in July 2013, many manufacturers have been able to produce it. We can acquire a vast variety of different types of generic Viagra (sildenafil). Please contact us via email or live chat if you are placing an order and require Sildenafil made by a specific manufacturer.

• How does generic Sildenafil compare to branded Viagra?

  Both generic medicines (like sildenafil) and branded medicines (like Viagra) are all subject to strict regulatory control by the MHRA in the UK, requiring a UK or EU product licence number in order to be on the market. This means that the public can be confident in that medicines that are obtained from reliable sources such as pharmacies are held to strict standards of quality.

  Therefore, when comparing the same strengths of sildenafil tablets and Viagra they will contain the exact same amount of the same drug. They will also contain very similar, if not the same excipients – the extras that are required to make a complete tablet.

  This means that generics like sildenafil should have the same results as their branded equivalents as they contain exactly the same drug, at the same strength, subject to the same manufacturing requirements. This is similar to well known drugs such as ibuprofen – most people would prefer to take the cheaper generic ibuprofen tablets rather than more expensive branded Nurofen tablets that exert the same effect.

• What does Viagra look like?

  Viagra is traditionally a diamond-shaped tablet that is blue in colour. It has the letters VGR and the dosage engraved on one side, with the Pfizer logo on the other. They are never scored or white. Viagra comes in packs of four – it will never be supplied loose. This is how you know it’s genuine Viagra. Counterfeit Viagra may be a different shape, size or colour, and you may notice it has a flavour. When you buy Viagra direct through the Independent Pharmacy, you can rest assured that you’re getting the real deal.

• Do Viagra tablets expire?

  Viagra tablets generally start to become less effective after one year. It’s recommended that you get a fresh prescription if your Viagra has expired.

• Are there any foods that should be avoided when using Viagra?

  There are several factors can affect the action of Viagra in the body, one of which is food and drink. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can negatively affect the impact of many drugs – including Viagra, as it prevents the breakdown of the drug in the body. You should also avoid alcohol if you’re taking Viagra, as it many increase the intensity of any side effects.

• Where can you buy Viagra?

  Viagra is available, with a prescription, from major pharmacies, as well as range of online pharmacies. Always check that you are buying from a reputable and trustworthy site if shopping online.

• How do I buy Viagra online?

  Ordering Viagra online is relatively straightforward. You need to complete a quick (free) consultation online that will be reviewed by one of our doctors, who will then be able to prescribe Viagra to you. If they think the treatment is suitable, the drugs could be with you the next working day. The delivery of our medication is quick and discreet.

• Can you buy Viagra at Boots or over the counter?

  Yes, Viagra is stocked and available at Boots and most major pharmacies. But, remember — you will always need a prescription from your GP and you can’t just buy Viagra over the counter in the UK. At The Independent Pharmacy, we take care of the prescription for you to save you a trip to the GP!

• When should I take Viagra 100mg?

  This dosage is recommended when the 50mg dose has not worked on eight separate occasions. Your doctor will advise you on dosages in closer detail.

• Is Viagra safe with alcohol?

  In small quantities, yes. You should not overindulge with too much alcohol when taking Viagra.

• Which is better, Cialis or Viagra?

  Viagra and Cialis have very similar effects (and side effects). Some people prefer Cialis, or its generic counterpart, Tadalafil, because it lasts for up to 36 hours. This has earned it its nickname ‘the weekend pill’.

• Can I get Viagra on the NHS?

  Yes, but for cost reasons, you will be prescribed the generic pill, Sildenafil. Branded Viagra is very unlikely to be prescribed on the NHS.

• Why is Viagra so expensive?

  Viagra costs as much as it does because it’s a branded drug manufactured by Pfizer. The cheapest ED drugs will be the ones that are marketed as ‘generic’. They will be manufactured after a patent has elapsed for a branded drug, and will be sold at a much cheaper price. Generic Viagra is available as Sildenafil tablets for less than half the price.