Sildenafil on the NHS: Prescriptions, Cost and How to Get It

Sildenafil has been available as a generic medicine since the original Viagra patent expired in 2013, and it is now widely prescribed on the NHS.

Your GP can prescribe sildenafil if they consider it clinically appropriate for your erectile dysfunction.

Historically, NHS prescribing of PDE5 inhibitors was restricted to specific patient groups (such as men with diabetes or spinal cord injury).

Those restrictions have been relaxed, and NICE now recommends that PDE5 inhibitors should be offered to all men with erectile dysfunction as a first-line pharmacological treatment.

How to obtain an NHS prescription:

• Book an appointment with your GP or use an online GP consultation service offered by your practice
• Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, medical history and current medications
• Your GP may carry out basic health checks including blood pressure measurement and blood tests (e.g. fasting glucose, lipid profile) to rule out underlying causes
• If sildenafil is appropriate, your GP will issue a prescription that you can collect from any pharmacy

Your GP may also refer you to a specialist if they suspect an underlying cardiovascular or hormonal cause for your erectile dysfunction.

The cost of sildenafil depends on how you obtain it.

NHS prescription:

• In England, the standard NHS prescription charge applies (currently around 9.90 GBP per item as of 2026)
• In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, NHS prescriptions are free of charge
• If you hold a valid exemption certificate (e.g. for a qualifying medical condition, age, or low income), you will not pay the charge in England either

Over-the-counter (Viagra Connect):

• Viagra Connect 50 mg can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription after a pharmacist consultation
• Typical prices range from 5 GBP to 10 GBP per tablet depending on the pharmacy and pack size
• It is available in packs of 4 or 8 tablets

Private prescription or online pharmacy:

• Generic sildenafil from a regulated online pharmacy typically costs between 0.50 GBP and 2 GBP per tablet
• Always check that an online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and displays the Distance Selling Logo

Generic sildenafil is one of the most affordable erectile dysfunction treatments available in the UK.

Since 2018, Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50 mg) has been available over the counter in UK pharmacies without a prescription.

This means you can speak with a pharmacist directly, and if the medicine is suitable for you, purchase it on the same visit.

Who can buy Viagra Connect:

• Men aged 18 years or over with erectile dysfunction
• The pharmacist will ask a series of screening questions about your health, medications and symptoms
• It is not available to men who take nitrates, have severe cardiovascular disease, or have certain other contraindications

What to expect at the pharmacy:

• The consultation is usually conducted in a private consultation room
• You will be asked about your blood pressure, heart conditions, liver and kidney function, and medications
• If the pharmacist is satisfied that Viagra Connect is safe for you, they will supply it
• If any concerns arise, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP

Viagra Connect is available only at the 50 mg strength. If you need a different dose (25 mg or 100 mg), you will need a prescription from your GP or another prescriber.

As of current NICE guidance, most men with erectile dysfunction are eligible for an NHS prescription of sildenafil.

The previous restrictions that limited NHS prescribing to certain patient groups have been substantially relaxed.

Groups historically entitled to NHS-funded treatment:

• Men with diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2)
• Men who have had prostate surgery (e.g. radical prostatectomy)
• Men with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or spinal cord injury
• Men receiving treatment for renal failure (including dialysis)
• Men with severe distress due to erectile dysfunction (as determined by a specialist)

In practice, GPs now have the discretion to prescribe sildenafil to any man with erectile dysfunction where it is clinically appropriate, regardless of the underlying cause.

If your GP is reluctant to prescribe, you are entitled to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral.

The NHS also funds other PDE5 inhibitors such as tadalafil where clinically indicated, particularly for men who may benefit from a longer-acting option.

Whether you obtain sildenafil on the NHS, over the counter or from an online pharmacy, it is important to ensure you are using a genuine, regulated product.

Key safety checks:

• NHS prescriptions are dispensed through regulated pharmacies and carry no risk of counterfeit products
• Community pharmacies selling Viagra Connect are regulated by the GPhC
• Online pharmacies should display the GPhC logo and the EU/UK Distance Selling Logo. You can verify registration at pharmacyregulation.org
• Avoid unregulated websites offering sildenafil without any consultation or checks. Counterfeit erectile dysfunction medicines are among the most commonly seized fake medicines in the UK and may contain harmful ingredients

Medicines safety:

• Always inform your GP or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including supplements
• Report any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk)
• If sildenafil is not effective after several attempts, return to your GP rather than increasing the dose or trying unregulated alternatives

The MHRA regularly issues warnings about counterfeit erectile dysfunction products. Using regulated supply channels protects your health.