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With a prescription, you can buy Viagra and its generic form, sildenafil, online and in person. Read on to find out how to get Viagra from your local pharmacy or through the mail.
- Best overall: Hims | Skip to review
- Best for other ED treatments: Roman | Skip to review
- Best for sildenafil: Lemonaid | Skip to review
- Best for affordability: Optum Store | Skip to review
- Best for in-person care: Meeting with your doctor | Skip to review
Viagra, also known as the “little blue pill,” is the brand name of an erectile dysfunction (ED) medication. The main active ingredient is sildenafil, which is the generic form of Viagra. Sildenafil helps with ED by increasing blood flow to your penis. This allows you to get and keep an erection when sexually aroused.
Approved for medical use in the late ’90s, the medication skyrocketed in popularity and became the go-to prescription medication for people wanting to treat ED. The brand-name drug was initially manufactured by Pfizer. But since the patent has expired, other companies can now produce and sell less expensive generic versions of the medication.
ED, a condition that makes it challenging to get or maintain an erection, is common. According to a
This drug works by allowing more blood to flow into your penis. It usually works within
Viagra is an effective treatment option for the condition. But getting your hands on it requires a prescription.
If you’d like to get a Viagra prescription in person, you can talk with a doctor. Make sure they’re aware of any medications or supplements you’re taking.
Your doctor will also ask you about other symptoms you might be experiencing. ED is common but can occur for various reasons, including as a result of underlying medical conditions.
Once you have a prescription, you can fill it at your pharmacy or ask your doctor to send it directly to your nearest pharmacy.
| Method | Price* | Generic, brand name, or both? | Doses | Initial consult available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hims | • starting at $139 per dose of Viagra • starting at $4 per dose of sildenafil | both | • 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra • 25, 50, and 100 100 mg for sildenafil | yes |
| Roman | • $4–$10 per dose of sildenafil • $90 per dose of Viagra | both | • 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra • 25, 50, and 100 mg for sildenafil | yes |
| Lemonaid | $2 per 20-mg pill | generic only | 20 mg | yes |
| Optum Store | • starting at $6 per dose of generic • starting at $80 per dose of Viagra | both | • 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra • 20, 25, 50, and 100 mg for sildenafil | yes |
| Doctor’s office | varies based on medication and pharmacy | both | based on a doctor’s recommendation | yes |
*Prices accurate as of November 2023
You can’t get Viagra without a prescription, so we made sure to include only companies that require a prescription or provide a consultation with a healthcare professional who can write a prescription.
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In addition, we review BBB ratings (where applicable) and check to make sure none of these brands have Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Yes. You need a prescription for both Viagra and generic sildenafil. You can get a prescription either in person or online. With an ever-growing number of telehealth companies providing remote services, it’s easy to skip an in-person doctor’s visit and request a prescription online.
Keep in mind that you’ll still need to make sure the doctor you’re talking with knows about any other medications you’re taking and any additional symptoms you have.
Take Viagra as directed. While various dosages are available, it’s important not to take more than your doctor prescribes.
While Viagra is considered safe to use, some people may experience side effects such as:
- headaches
- flushing
- stomach troubles
- stuffed or runny nose
- back and muscle pain
- dizziness
Possible serious side effects that require emergency attention include:
- chest pain
- trouble breathing
- vision changes
- prolonged erection, lasting 4 hours or more
Additionally, some medications can interact negatively with Viagra, including:
- antibiotics
- nitrates
- antivirals
- blood pressure medications
Always tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Some drug interactions cause severe or fatal side effects.
Talk with a doctor
ED can occur for many reasons, including as a result of an underlying health condition. Before you start taking any medication, it’s a good idea to connect with a doctor to find out whether something else is going on and whether there’s another treatment to consider before taking medication.
Since Viagra is in high demand and it’s easy to find medications online, counterfeit pills are no stranger to the market. But the effects of these fake pills are nothing to brush aside.
These falsified pills can contain a variety of ingredients that can be harmful to your body, some of which are
In addition to having a negative effect on your overall health, these contaminants could interact negatively with other medications you take.
If you’re interested in buying Viagra online, make sure the website you buy from requires you to have a prescription, as the lack of a prescription requirement is often a giveaway that the medication is probably fake. Stick to accredited pharmacies and websites that you trust.
For more information about how to get Viagra safely, read below.
A 2017 study suggests that Viagra is one of the most counterfeited pills on the market. In light of this danger, it’s important to be careful and vigilant about purchasing ED pills, especially online. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you’re buying from a trusted source:
- Try to get a prescription through your doctor if you can, and get the pill through a trusted pharmacy. This is one of the easiest ways to make sure your ED pill is from a true source.
- Remember that you need a prescription to buy Viagra, even if it’s the generic form. If a website does not require a consultation from a licensed professional or a prescription, chances are it’s a scam.
- Look for multiple ways to contact customer service on the website. A good website, especially for drugs, has various methods of contact, such as email, phone, chat, and a contact form. The website should also have a legitimate United States postal address and phone number.
- Look through the website for a list of licensed professionals who work with or consult with the brand.
- Make sure the pill or brand is
FDA-approved and that the generic product is labeled “sildenafil,” as there is no other brand name for this drug, aside from Viagra and Revatio.
Viagra may not be the best option for everyone. Here’s why an alternative might be a better option for you:
- You’re not seeing results with Viagra. Some folks may experience better results with alternative medications such as tadalafil.
- You do not tolerate the side effects of Viagra or similar medications, in which case nonmedication alternatives could be a better fit.
- You’re taking a medication that may interact with Viagra.
FDA registered vs. approved
“
“FDA-approved” means the product has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
All medical devices sold in the United States must be registered with the FDA. They are divided into three classes (1–3) based on the level of risk associated with the device.
Class 1 lists devices with the lowest risk, and class 3 includes those with higher risks.
Viagra and sildenafil are both prescription medications, meaning they are not available for over-the-counter purchase at your local pharmacy.
But with telemedicine, it’s easier to get a prescription for these pills without visiting your doctor in person. Some of the services we recommend above also offer delivery of these products straight to you so you don’t have to worry about picking up your prescription in person.
Like most other medications, Viagra has side effects that range from mild to severe. Due to these severe (but rare) side effects, Viagra requires a prescription.
These potentially serious effects include increased cardiac risk (especially for those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions), prolonged erections (priapism), loss of vision and hearing, low blood pressure, and others.
To avoid any complications, talk with your doctor about taking Viagra, whether it’s the brand name or generic. They could have suggestions for alternatives that could benefit you in the long run.
Yes. The packaging should list the expiration date. Once that date passes, the drug’s potency begins to decrease. To keep Viagra and other medications as long as possible, try these tips:
- Store your medications at 68–86°F (20–30°C).
- Do not freeze or heat up medications.
- Make sure the lids on your medications are closed tightly.
- Keep bottles away from sunlight.
- Always follow the expiration date listed on the product.
Other ED medication options include:
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- avanafil (Stendra)
You might also benefit from nonprescription alternatives, including lifestyle measures such as:
- limiting or stopping smoking, if you smoke
- limiting or stopping alcohol consumption or drug use
- exercising
- making efforts to manage your weight
- seeking counseling
- trying alternative medicines
- wearing ED devices such as rings and pumps
- having surgery
Viagra might be able to improve your ED symptoms. If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, talk with a healthcare professional first. You’ll need a prescription to get started.
Thanks to emerging telehealth services, it’s now possible to get a Viagra prescription without stepping inside a doctor’s office. But be sure to provide online health professionals with your complete medical history so they know what treatment will best fit your needs.
If you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to ED, you’re probably better off meeting in person with a primary care doctor or a specialist, such as a urologist. They can assess your symptoms and determine whether an underlying condition is causing your ED, and they’ll be better able to offer solutions and next steps.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.