Product Description
- Viagra Connect is a 50mg tablet and can be purchased without a prescription
- For Male Erectile Dysfunction
- Only to be taken as and when required, 30-60 minutes prior to sexual activity
- Not to be used with other erectile dysfunction treatments
Further Information
Viagra Connect is similar to the original branded version of Viagra, both are made by Pfizer. The active drug is still Sildenafil and is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The main difference is that Viagra Connect only comes as a 50mg tablet and is classified as a “Pharmacy, P Med”, which means that it can be purchased without a prescription.
Viagra Connect belongs to the family of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. It alleviates erectile dysfunction by stimulating blood flow to the penis allowing for firmer, longer-lasting erections. There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, some can be rectified with non-pharmacological interventions, while others may need treatment.
It is beneficial to try and identify the cause of ED, simple lifestyle changes such as improving diet, exercising, sleeping well, reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and minimising stress can have a significant impact on reversing symptoms. Psychological factors that are responsible for ED sometimes resolve spontaneously. Evidence shows that over two-thirds of men suffering from erectile dysfunction have had effective results from using Viagra.
Dosage
- There is only one strength of Viagra Connect currently available: 50 mg.
- The starting dose for Viagra is typically 50mg to be taken 30-60 minutes before the onset of sexual activity and most patients find this dose to be effective.
- Although not essential, it is recommended that Viagra Connect be taken on an empty stomach to achieve maximum efficacy. When taken with food, the drug’s absorption decreases, which may delay the desired effect.
- The effects of Viagra Connect can last between four and six hours when taken correctly.
- Viagra Connect should not be taken by anyone under the age of eighteen or by those who experience no trouble in achieving an erection.
Viagra Connect vs Viagra
Viagra and Viagra Connect contain the same ingredients and are the same. The main difference is that Viagra Connect can be purchased under the supervision of a pharmacist without a prescription. Viagra Connect also only comes as a 50 mg tablet. Standard Viagra comes in three different strengths and requires a prescription from a prescriber. At the ED Pharmacy, we have our own in-house prescribers so it won’t matter which one you opt for, if you need a prescription this will be generated free of charge in-house and passed to our dispensary.
Viagra Connect (brand) vs Sildenafil (generic)
Patients should notice no difference between these two medicines other than price. The active ingredient within is Sildenafil. Viagra Connect is simply the branded version of Sildenafil therefore clinically they are the same. The brand Viagra is typically a blue-coloured diamond-shaped tablet which some patients are familiar with. There any numerous manufacturers of generic Sildenafil, the tablets tend to be blue in colour however the shape, colour and sizes do sometimes differ. It is for this reason some patients sometimes want to stick to an identifiable tablet they are familiar with and can buy without seeing a doctor for a prescription. It should also be noted that depending on which strength of generic Sildenafil you may want, you will require a prescription for this. At the ED Pharmacy, we have our own in-house prescribers so it won’t matter which one you opt for, if you need a prescription this will be generated free of charge in-house and passed to our dispensary.
Side Effects of using Viagra Connect
As with all medications, Viagra Connect can have unpleasant side effects even when taken correctly. The most common of these are:
- Muscle pain
- Nasal congestion
- diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Flushing
- back pain
These side effects are not cause for great concern and should last only a short time. However, if you experience any of the following uncommon side effects then you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Priapism – a painful erection that will not go down. This condition can permanently damage the penis so if your erection lasts for more than four hours, contact your nearest medical centre or out-of-hours service for help.
- Any severity of vision loss – A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes can be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a serious eye condition. Stop using Sildenafil immediately and seek medical help straight away if you experience this.
- Any severity of hearing loss – Some patients may experience tinnitus (a ringing in the ears) or dizziness after using Sildenafil as well as partial or complete hearing loss. Should you experience any of these, consult your doctor.
