Is viagra otc now?

Are you tired of your doctor looking at you with that “not again” expression every time you ask for a refill on your little blue pill? Do you cringe when the pharmacist calls out, “Viagra for Mr. Smith?” Well fear not my friend, because there is hope on the horizon! The question on everyone’s mind is: Is Viagra available over-the-counter (OTC) yet? Let’s dive into this topic and find out!

What is Viagra?

First things first, let’s establish what exactly we’re talking about here. For those who don’t know, Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It was first introduced in 1998 by Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in New York City. Since then it has become one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ED.

How does it work?

So how exactly does this magical blue pill work? Basically, it helps increase blood flow to the penis which results in an erection. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which breaks down a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When cGMP levels are increased, blood vessels relax allowing more blood to flow into the penis resulting in an erection.

Why do people take it?

Let’s be real here folks; men take Viagra because they want to be able to get and maintain an erection during sexual activity. Without going too deep into detail (wink wink), some common reasons why men may experience ED include diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol levels (source: definitely NOT personal experience).

So why isn’t it OTC already?

Great question! The short answer is that Pfizer still holds the patent for sildenafil citrate – aka generic name for Viagra – until 2020 in the United States (source: random website I found on Google). This ensures that they are the only ones who can legally sell Viagra until then.

What’s happening in other countries?

Ok, so what about other countries? Well, interestingly enough, many other countries have already approved OTC sales of generic versions of sildenafil citrate. In fact, some UK pharmacies even created a fun little slogan called “Viagra Connect: It’s Time To Say Yes!” to help promote its availability (source: also not personal experience).

Countries like New Zealand and Australia offer limited OTC access with stringent criteria including age restrictions (sorry Timmy), completing a questionnaire/findings check from a pharmacist or doctor recommendation to qualify for more than four pills (source: another random website I found).

Pros and Cons

Let’s break this down into some pros and cons real quick:

Pros

• Easier/more convenient access for people who feel embarrassed speaking with their physician/pharmacist face-to-face.
• May eliminate needlessly high healthcare costs such as co-pay/deductible by allowing customers greater flexibility over pricing competition and insurance rates.
• Could lead to physicians being consulted on specific medical conditions (eg heart-related issues) prior to patient self-diagnosis treatment.
• Makes it easier for frequent travelers going abroad that may run out going into last minute international trips since they will no longer have require prescription authorization overseas.

Cons

• Potential health risks from unsupervised use without doctor oversight—particularly those suffering from underlying medical conditions related to blood pressure disease etc—as well misuse/overuse often accompanied negatively by harmful side effects such as severe headaches vs the benefit (wonky winkymojis)

To make things simple – if you’re considering purchasing an ostensibly accessible supply of ED medication online or at your local convenience store/pub restroom – don’t do it! Beware fake suppliers peddling snake oil medicine under the pretense of legitimacy. Stick with your doctor’s recommendations and prescriptions only.

The Future

Despite the patent expiry, Pfizer has plans to still pursue an OTC approval application that may become available in 2022 following a required pharmaceutical industry consultation after review (source: yet another website). In short we’ll be waiting a little bit longer for this ease-of-access option outside certain countries’ exceptions.

But remember folks, although Viagra may not currently be OTC in the US does not take from its substantial contribution towards treating ED or allowing millions of men to promote their sexual health without losing sleep over age-related dysfunction (uh..BOOMCHA wowow! -sorry got carried away).

So pardon my pun-y summary, but seeing as how there remain extensive educational resources readily available today supplemented by encouraging physician expertise, even though OTC availability would have both advantages and disadvantages respectively, when it comes to erectile dysfunction medication like Viagra – seek genuine medical advice first!

Conclusion

Alrighty then, I hope this article entertained you while also providing some serious insights into whether or not Viagra is currently available over-the-counter domestically/ internationally or at least coming soon enough (seriously curious). Remember just because something is easy doesn’t mean it’s safe! After all- nobody wants to turn ‘Confucius say: man who purchase ED pills from random vending machine end up harder than…Buddha statue.’

(Sorry last one don’t count – couldn’t resist poking fun on various “sites” informally named…Did ya really expect me NOT revive gonzo journalism? Hmmm?)# #

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!