How to Get Viagra

To help control misuse, Viagra® and other FDA-approved ED medications are only available in the United States with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. 

The process of getting a prescription for Viagra starts with an evaluation from a doctor to determine if you may benefit from this ED medication. Reputable telehealth services like Hims offer a user-friendly platform to arrange a virtual appointment, allowing you to acquire this prescription medication discreetly, or you can opt for an in-person consultation with your doctor.

While the process may initially seem cumbersome, it is essential for men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra is effective for many, but it also carries a risk of side effects if not taken correctly. Additionally, many herbal or supplement products available without a prescription advertise effects similar to Viagra, yet they often contain questionable or harmful ingredients.

Continue reading to understand how to obtain Viagra safely and efficiently.

In the United States, Viagra has required a prescription since its initial FDA approval in 1998. The same holds true for its generic version, sildenafil. To answer the question of whether you can get Viagra over the counter—no, any products claiming such availability are either sold illegally or are counterfeit.

Other FDA-approved medications for ED that also necessitate a prescription include:

• Tadalafil (Cialis®)

• Vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®)

• Avanafil (Stendra®)

Internationally, the regulations regarding the sale of Viagra and sildenafil differ. For instance, in the United Kingdom, medications containing sildenafil can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies after a brief consultation with a pharmacist, whereas sildenafil has been available without a prescription in Norway since 2019.

Why Can’t I Buy Viagra Without a Prescription?

While Viagra is often effective in treating erectile dysfunction, the risk of side effects increases when it is not taken properly or when an individual has certain health conditions. Common Viagra side effects include:

• Headaches

• Flushing

• Pain in limbs

• Muscle pain or aches

• Back pain

• Indigestion

• Diarrhea

• Nosebleeds

In rare cases, Viagra can result in severe side effects that require immediate medical intervention, such as:

• Sudden hearing loss, sometimes accompanied by dizziness or ringing in the ears

• Sudden vision loss, which may be temporary or permanent

• Dangerously low blood pressure

• Priapism, a prolonged and painful erection lasting over four hours

Additionally, it’s essential to be mindful of drug interactions with Viagra, especially concerning medications prescribed for high blood pressure or angina. Recreational substances such as “poppers” can also interact dangerously with sildenafil, leading to significantly low blood pressures.

Since obtaining Viagra requires a prescription, the process is fairly straightforward:

1. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider and express your interest in Viagra. It is generally prescribed only to adults aged 18 and over.

2. During your appointment, the doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine if Viagra is suitable for you.

3. If deemed appropriate, the doctor will issue a prescription, which you can take to a local pharmacy or an online pharmacy to purchase the prescribed dosage.

Although Viagra prescriptions are mandatory in the United States, you don't necessarily have to see your doctor in person. Here are various healthcare providers you can consult to obtain a prescription for Viagra.

Get Viagra Online with a Prescription

Obtaining a Viagra prescription via an online pharmacy is convenient, particularly for those who may feel uneasy discussing such matters in person.

Using our telehealth services, you can arrange an online consultation with a healthcare provider. In this session, the provider will inquire about your symptoms and medical history to ascertain whether Viagra, the generic sildenafil, or another ED treatment is appropriate.

Visit Your Local Healthcare Provider’s Office

Alternatively, you can secure a Viagra prescription from your primary care physician during an in-person visit. Although discussing intimate issues may feel awkward, physicians are accustomed to such conversations, and you are unlikely to share anything they haven't encountered before.

Your healthcare provider will discuss available options and, if appropriate, prescribe Viagra or an alternative ED medication that can be filled at a local pharmacy.

Consult a Urologist or Specialist

In some instances, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, such as a urologist, before prescribing ED medications. Urologists specialize in the urinary and reproductive systems. You might also be referred to a psychiatrist or another mental health professional if your ED seems related to psychological factors like performance anxiety.

Such specialists can conduct further evaluations to identify potential underlying causes of your ED, which may include:

• Assessing for physical injuries to the penis and surrounding tissues

• Testing for hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone

• Conducting tests to evaluate overall health and wellness

• Performing a psychiatric assessment

If a physical or psychological issue is identified as the cause of your ED, your healthcare provider may recommend addressing the root cause directly or in conjunction with ED treatment, which may involve a prescription for Viagra or another appropriate medication.

ED Treatment Personalized

Explore various alternatives such as:

Only procure Viagra or its generic version, sildenafil, that has been approved for sale following a medical evaluation and via reputable sources. This ensures adherence to proper manufacturing protocols and guarantees that the medication is not mislabeled or mixed with harmful substances.

Here are some tips for purchasing Viagra:

• Do not import Viagra from other countries. It is illegal to buy Viagra or other prescription medications outside the United States for personal use.
• Know where to buy Viagra. It can be found at most pharmacies and reputable online vendors. When buying online, ensure that the process includes a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider.
• If you find it in your email spam folder, ignore it. Legitimate online healthcare providers do not advertise through spam emails. If you receive unsolicited offers for a Viagra prescription via email, it’s best to steer clear. Given that Viagra is frequently counterfeited, merchants illegally selling it without a prescription are also likely to distribute fake products that may endanger your health.
• Avoid over-the-counter Viagra “alternatives.” Many market themselves as sexual health enhancers available in gas stations, online retailers, or shops, but they often contain unsafe, untested ingredients lacking FDA approval.
• Exercise caution with herbal products. Many herbal supplements claim to be effective ED treatments, yet none have proven efficacy or FDA approval.

In the U.S., Viagra and other sildenafil-related products are strictly sold as prescription medications. You can obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider, either in person or via a telehealth service such as Hims.

Be cautious of herbal supplements or products claiming to have similar active components as Viagra, as these may be illegal or counterfeit.

When buying Viagra online, ensure you have a consultation with a licensed healthcare professional who can provide medical guidance and assess your suitability for Viagra.