Viagra Connect (50mg) Tablets

What is Viagra Connect?

Viagra Connect is an erectile dysfunction treatment that contains sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient found in standard Viagra. However, unlike Viagra, this popular treatment can be purchased without a prescription.

However, while you don’t need a prescription to buy Viagra Connect online, you’ll need to fill out a short questionnaire before we can send this treatment out to you. This is so our team of qualified pharmacists can be sure that Viagra Connect is right for you.

How effective is Viagra Connect?

Clinical studies have shown that Viagra Connect can be effective in treating ED in up to 74% of men. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary, and factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and medication use can all affect how well the medication works.

In general, Viagra Connect is more effective in men who have mild to moderate ED. This type of treatment may be less effective in men with severe ED or those who have ED caused by underlying health conditions such as diabetes or nerve damage.

It's important to follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure the medication is working as effectively as possible. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help improve the effectiveness of Viagra Connect.

Viagra Connect vs. Viagra vs. Sildenafil

Viagra Connect, Viagra, and Sildenafil are all medications used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. While they have similarities, there are also important differences between them.

Firstly, all three medications contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil, which works by increasing blood flow to the penis, leading to an erection when you experience sexual arousal. However, there are differences in the dosages and strengths of the medications. For example, both Viagra and generic Sildenafil tablets are available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg dosages, while Viagra Connect is only available in a fixed 50mg dose.

Other differences include:

• Availability: Generic Sildenafil and Viagra are prescription medications, while Viagra Connect is available over the counter after consultation with a pharmacist.
• Formulation: Viagra and Viagra Connect are both available in tablet form, while generic Sildenafil may also be available in other forms, such as oral suspensions or injectable solutions.
• Pricing: Viagra is often more expensive than Viagra Connect and generic Sildenafil due to brand recognition and marketing expenses.

The best type of treatment for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances, and this is why it’s important to consult a healthcare specialist before treating your ED. Professional treatment plans will always have a better chance of working because they are tailored to your individual needs.

How to take Viagra Connect

To take Viagra Connect, simply follow the instructions below:

• Take one tablet approximately one hour before sexual activity. Do not take more than one tablet in a 24-hour period.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.

To get the most out of your treatment, try the following:

• Get in the mood. Viagra isn’t an aphrodisiac; you need to be experiencing sexual arousal for it to work. You and your partner should engage in foreplay before you have sexual intercourse, just like you would if you weren’t taking medicine for erectile dysfunction.
• Watch what you eat. Viagra Connect can be taken with or without food, but it may take longer to work if taken with a high-fat heavy meal. So try to have a light meal like a salad if you are planning on taking the medication.
• Get familiar. If it’s been a long time since you had an erection, try masturbating before you initiate sex so you can get used to the feeling of having an erection and experiencing physical sexual arousal again.
• Keep trying. If Viagra Connect doesn’t work the first time, don’t worry; getting used to having an erection again can take a while. Do not take more than one tablet per day — doubling up on the medication won’t enhance its effectiveness, and will increase the risk of serious side effects.
• Always read the instructions. You can find more information about your medication in the Patient Information Leaflet. This guide will tell you exactly what you need to do to achieve the best possible results from your treatment.

Viagra Connect ingredients

Each Viagra Connect tablet contains sildenafil in the advertised strength of 50mg. This is the standard dosage.

Each tablet also contains microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), lactose monohydrate, triacetin, indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132).

Viagra Connect side effects

Like all medications, Viagra Connect can cause adverse side effects in some people, although not everyone will experience them. Some of the most common side effects of Viagra Connect include:

• Headache
• Flushing (redness, feeling of heat, or tingling sensation in the face, neck, or chest)
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion, stuffy nose or runny nose
• Dizziness
• Abnormal vision issues such as blurry vision or changes in colour vision
• Back pain, abdominal pain or muscle pain

These adverse effects are usually mild to moderate in intensity and go away on their own within a few hours. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, or any signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention immediately.

In rare cases, Viagra Connect can cause more serious adverse side effects, such as:

• Priapism (an erection lasting longer than four hours)
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Seizures or convulsions

If you experience any of these adverse side effects, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional immediately.

Viagra Connect warnings

While Viagra Connect is safe for the majority of patients to take, there are some warnings you need to be aware of:

• Viagra Connect can cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, especially if taken with certain medications. You should always contact a medical professional if you experience any severe side effects.
• In rare cases, Viagra Connect can cause sudden vision or hearing loss. If you experience any sudden changes in vision, such as eye pain or blurred vision, or hearing, seek medical attention immediately.
• Viagra Connect can also cause an erection lasting longer than 4-5 hours, a condition known as priapism. If you experience a painful erection lasting longer than four hours, seek medical attention immediately.

Viagra Connect can also interact with certain medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or affect the effectiveness of the medication.

When taking Viagra Connect, avoid the following:

• Nitrates: Medications used to treat chest pain or angina, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate, can interact with Viagra Connect and cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure.
• Alpha-blockers: Medications used to treat high blood pressure or prostate enlargement, such as doxazosin, terazosin, and tamsulosin, can interact with Viagra Connect and cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure.
• Blood pressure medications: Other medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, can also interact with Viagra Connect and cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure.
• Protease inhibitors: Medications used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir, can increase the levels of sildenafil in the body and increase the risk of side effects.
• Other medications used to treat erectile dysfunction: Taking Viagra Connect with other medications used for the treatment for erection problems such as Cialis (tadalafil) or Levitra (vardenafil), can increase the risk of side effects.
• Grapefruit juice: Drinking grapefruit juice can increase the levels of sildenafil in the body and increase the risk of side effects.

Keep in mind that the lists above aren’t exhaustive, so it’s important that you inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking before you start, whether you're recovering from a recent heart attack or taking something for skin reactions caused by hayfever. You can find a full list of warnings and possible drug interactions in the Patient Information Leaflet as well as access to health information on a range of different topics.

Sources

• https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-reclassifies-viagra-connect-tablets-to-a-pharmacy-medicine
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/male-sexual-problems/
• Viagra Connect Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8725/pil

How much does Viagra Connect cost?

Viagra Connect is available at cheaper prices than prescription Viagra, but not as cheap as generic Sildenafil.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as physical factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For more information on erectile function, visit our ED guide.

What's the difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect?

Viagra Connect is the over-the-counter version of Viagra. These Viagra tablets both contain the same active ingredient sildenafil, and work in the same way to treat erectile dysfunction; by increasing the blood flow to the penis.

What if Viagra Connect doesn’t work?

If Viagra Connect doesn't work, you could try a higher dose of sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra Connect, or another erectile dysfunction medication, such as tadalafil.

Are there any alternatives to Viagra Connect?

Yes, there are alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction including Levitra, Cialis, and Spedra. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and quitting smoking may also be helpful before you consider an alternative medication.

Does Viagra Connect make you last longer?

Viagra Connect can help you maintain an erection, but it does not delay ejaculation during sexual intercourse. To treat your premature ejaculation, head to our premature ejaculation treatments page.

Can You Take Viagra Connect With Alcohol?

It is not recommended to take Viagra Connect with alcohol as it can interfere with how it works and increase side effects. You should also avoid recreational drugs while taking this medication.

Can I buy Viagra Connect without a prescription?

Yes, you can buy Viagra Connect online without a prescription through The Independent Pharmacy. Upon completing a free assessment with one of our pharmacists, your treatment will be sent out quickly and discreetly for prompt delivery.

Can you get Viagra Connect on the NHS?

Viagra Connect is not available on the NHS, but Sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra Connect, is available with a prescription from wellness services.

Can women take Viagra Connect?

No, Viagra Connect is only licensed for male use in the UK.

Does herbal Viagra work?

There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of "herbal Viagra" products, and they are not recommended or licensed for treating erectile dysfunction. For the most effective treatment, always choose genuine products that have been medically tested and scientifically proven to work.

Does Viagra Connect expire?

Yes, Viagra Connect has a shelf life of about 2 years and should be used before the expiration date.

Why is Viagra Connect available over the counter?

Viagra Connect has been found to be safe for most men to take, so it doesn't require a doctor's prescription. However, an assessment with a pharmacist is still necessary before purchase to ensure it's safe for the individual.