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With a prescription, you can buy Viagra and its generic form sildenafil online. The different options may vary by process and price.
- Best way to get Viagra in person: At a doctor’s office
- Most convenient way to get Viagra online: Hims
- Best way to get Viagra and other ED treatments online: Roman
- Most affordable way to get Viagra online: Optum Store
- Best way to get affordable sildenafil pills: Lemonaid
- Best alternative to Viagra: Eddie by Giddy
- Cheapest alternative to Viagra: Pal-Penile Adjustable Loop
Viagra, also known as the “little blue pill,” is the brand name of an erectile dysfunction (ED) medication.
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.
ED, a condition that makes it challenging to get or maintain an erection, is common. According to the
Viagra is an effective treatment option for the condition. But getting your hands on it requires a prescription. Keep reading to find out more about Viagra and where to get it in person and online.
Talk with a doctor
ED can occur for many reasons, including underlying health conditions. Before you start taking any medication, it’s a good idea to connect with a doctor to determine whether there’s something else going on, and if there’s another treatment to consider before taking medication.
Viagra is a prescription drug that treats ED. The main active ingredient is sildenafil, which is the generic form of Viagra.
Sildenafil helps with ED by increasing blood flow to the penis. This allows you to get and keep an erection when sexually aroused.
The brand-name drug was initially manufactured by Pfizer. But since the patent expiration, other companies now produce and sell less expensive generic versions of the medication.
What can Viagra treat?
Viagra primarily treats ED. It’s approved to treat ED in adult males.
This drug works by allowing more blood to flow into the penis. It normally works within 1 hour after it’s taken. Over time, Viagra is then slowly removed from the body. About 4 hours after taking a dose, the body will have cleared half of the dose.
The generic version of Viagra, sildenafil, is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
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 easier than ever 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 if you have additional symptoms.
Why do I need a prescription?
Like most medications, Viagra has side effects that range from mild to severe. Due to these severe, but rare, side effects, Viagra requires a prescription.
Some of these potentially hazardous effects include increased cardiac risk, especially for those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, prolonged erections and priapism, vision and hearing loss, hypotension, and others.
To avoid any complications, speak with your doctor about taking Viagra, whether it’s the brand name or generic. They could have alternative suggestions that could be beneficial to you in the long run.
Since Viagra is in high demand, counterfeit pills are no stranger to the market, especially considering the ease of finding medication online. The effects of these fake pills, however, are nothing to brush aside.
These falsified pills can contain a variety of ingredients that can be harmful to your body, some that are
In addition to these contaminants having a negative effect on your overall health, they could have negative interactions with any other medications you could be taking.
If you’re interested in buying Viagra online, make sure whomever you buy from requires you to have a prescription, as that’s often a giveaway that the medication is probably fake. Stick to pharmacies and websites that are accredited and that you trust.
For more information about how to get Viagra in a safe manner, read below.
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 it can occur for various reasons, including underlying medical conditions.
Once you have a prescription, you can fill it at your pharmacy. You can also ask your doctor to send the prescription directly to your nearest pharmacy.
It's not for everyone
I decided to go in-person to my primary care doctor just down the street. We talked for about 10 minutes, and then he gave me a prescription for generic Viagra. Super simple, super easy, and my health insurance covered most of the cost too, which made it much more affordable. Ultimately it turned out that using the generic sildenafil was just a bandage for the real problem, which was that my life was too stressful. Once I took steps to de-stress my life and create good sleep hygiene, my erections started to come back without any need for medication.
Cost
Pricing depends on whether a doctor prescribes the brand name or the generic version. It also depends on your pharmacy and insurance.
Most insurance companies do not cover Viagra prescriptions. But Medicare and some private insurance plans may cover generic forms. Always check with your insurance company first to avoid a surprise at the pharmacy checkout.
You can also check out Optum Perks, owned by Optum, a partner of RVO Health, to find a pharmacy near you with the lowest price.
All prices included in this article are current as of May 2023.
Many online companies say they sell Viagra, but there are many counterfeit Viagra pills out there. That’s why it’s important to buy from a reputable company.
Each company we recommend undergoes a thorough vetting process. During this process, a team of experts carefully evaluates companies based on quality, accessibility, cost, and availability. This allows us to give you strong recommendations for products that offer good value for your money.
We also ensure that sponsors and business partners never influence our content.
In addition, we review Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, where applicable, and check to make sure none of these brands have Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
You can’t get Viagra without a prescription, so we also made sure to only include brands that require a consultation with a healthcare professional before you can get your hands on a prescription.
In the next section, you’ll see a few different options on how to get Viagra online. We chose these companies because they have positive brand reputations, good user reviews, and discreet shipping.
Most convenient way to get Viagra online
Hims
- What’s offered: Brand-name and generic versions of Viagra. There are also other ED treatments and medications for premature ejaculation.
- Price: $139 per use, or $3 per dose for sildenafil pills. There’s also a $5 medical fee tacked onto the first purchase.
- Doses: 25, 50, and 100 milligrams (mg)
To get started with Hims, you’ll first fill out your info online. A licensed healthcare professional will review your information and get back to you to complete the free consultation.
The initial consultation is completed via messaging. The doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask follow-up questions in the secure online message portal. If they determine ED medication is right for you, they’ll provide a prescription plan. Getting a prescription typically takes about 24 hours.
This is the most expensive option on our list because Hims sells both Viagra and sildenafil in packs of five or six. However, the cost per dose is similar to the other services we featured: $139 for Viagra and $3 for sildenafil.
Customers give the company mixed reviews. Some negative reviews complain about shipping and billing issues, but they rarely complain about the medications.
Pros
- It’s convenient, private, and quick.
- The subscription model means you don’t have to actively think about ordering your next prescription.
Cons
- Online visits might not be as comprehensive as in-person ones.
- Online physicians don’t have your complete medical history unless you tell them.
Best way to get Viagra and other ED treatments online
Roman
- What’s offered: generic and brand-name Viagra, as well as other ED medications
- Price: Sildenafil starts at $4 per dose, and Viagra starts at $90 per dose.
- Doses: 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra and 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg for sildenafil
To use Roman, you need to have been seen by a healthcare professional for any reason within the last 3 years. You’ll fill out an initial questionnaire that a licensed doctor or nurse practitioner will review, usually in 24 hours.
After this, you have the choice of chatting with a physician by phone, video, or messaging. In most cases, your online visit is free. However, for the Testosterone Health Program, you will be charged $25 after the end of your visit. These online visits do not include the cost of the prescriptions
Shipping is discreet and quick. Customers seem mostly happy with the service. However, some complain about unauthorized renewal charges and slow shipping.
On the BBB website, as of March 2023, Roman has an A- rating.
Pros
- No in-person appointment is required.
- Monthly subscription service is convenient.
Cons
- Service isn’t available in all states.
- Might not be worth it if you have good insurance.
Most affordable way to get Viagra online
Optum Store
- What’s offered: generic and brand-name Viagra, as well as other ED medications
- Price: Viagra starts at $80 per dose, and sildenafil starts at $6 per dose.
- Doses: 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra, 20 mg for sildenafil
Optum is an online pharmacy that connects you virtually with a licensed healthcare professional. No real-time visit is required. Instead, you’ll be prompted to share your ED symptoms and medical history, and a qualified medical professional will review your responses, usually within a 24-hour timeframe.
The initial consultation is free, leaving you to only pay for your prescriptions. Optum providers provide prescription refills for up to 90 days. Follow-up check-ins cost $15.
Shipping is free and discreet. There are limited reviews for the service, so it’s tough to determine reliability at the moment.
Pros
- No need to make an appointment, virtual or in-person.
- Signing up is a simple, no-frills process.
- The initial consultation is free.
Cons
- This option doesn’t include face time with a medical professional.
- This option doesn’t take insurance.
- Currently, there are limited customer reviews of the service.
Best way to get affordable sildenafil pills
Lemonaid
- What’s offered: There’s generic sildenafil, as well as a range of other services.
- Price: $2 per 20-mg pill
- Dose: 20 mg
To get a sildenafil prescription through Lemonaid, you need to complete an online appointment with one of the service’s doctors or nurse practitioners. If you’re given a prescription, the company will send it to a partner pharmacy. The partner pharmacy will then deliver it to you for free.
Although their mail-order pharmacy doesn’t take insurance, you can take your prescription to your pharmacy and avoid up-front costs if you have insurance.
The majority of reviewers are happy with Lemonaid telehealth services, describing it as fast and affordable. However, some people complain about long wait times and customer service issues.
Pros
- It’s easy to use.
- The service is affordable.
Cons
- There’s no insurance coverage.
- It’s not available in every state.
Best alternative to Viagra
Eddie by Giddy
- What’s offered: This is a wearable ED device.
- Price: $188 for a single pack
This alternative to ED medication is an
Unlike a cock ring, the Eddie product by Giddy is easy to remove, thanks to its adjustable band design.
Shipping is free. If it doesn’t work for you, you can return the device or get it resized for free.
The device has mixed reviews online. The most common complaint is that it’s tough to get the sizing right. The company has responded to most of the complaints.
Pros
- There’s no need to worry about drug interactions or side effects.
- The device is designed to enhance your partner’s pleasure.
- This is made to be easy to remove.
Cons
- Not everyone is comfortable wearing this type of device.
Cheapest alternative to Viagra
Pal-Penile Adjustable Loop
- What’s offered: This is a wearable device.
- Price: $24.95 for a single device
Another non-medication option for treating ED is the Pal-Penile Adjustable Loop. The FDA-registered adjustable device is designed to be worn around the penis shaft, compressing it to increase firmness and fullness.
Like the Eddie, the medical-grade silicone ring can be adjusted to fit different penis sizes. It’s easy to release and tighten — simply pull the correct side or loosen or make it tighter.
You can purchase it directly from Reachmedical.com.
It’s tough to find reviews for this product, but the handful that exist are mixed. Some say the device works well for the first few sessions but quickly stretches and loosens so much that it becomes unusable.
Pros
- It’s inexpensive.
- It’s simple to use.
- It’s adjustable.
Cons
- Some reviews say the ring doesn’t fit tightly enough.
Take Viagra as directed. While there are various dosages available, it’s important not to take more than directed.
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
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. Examples include:
- antibiotics
- nitrates
- antivirals
- blood pressure medications
Always tell your doctor about the medications and supplements you’re taking. Some drug interactions cause severe or fatal side effects.
| How to get Viagra | Best for | Price | Generic, brand name, or both? | Doses | Initial consult? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor’s office | in-person prescription | $175 for 2 brand-name 100-mg tablets; $6.25 for 10 generic 100-mg tablets | both | based on a doctor’s recommendation | yes |
| Hims | convenience | $139 per pill; $3 per generic pill | both | 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra; 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg for sildenafil | yes; free |
| Roman | Viagra and other ED treatments | $4 per dose of generic; $90 per dose of Viagra | both | 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra; 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg for sildenafil | yes; $15 |
| Optum Store | affordability | $6 per dose of generic; $80 per dose of Viagra | both | 25, 50, and 100 mg for Viagra; 20 mg for sildenafil | yes; free |
| Lemonaid | generic brand | $2 per 20-mg pill | generic only | 20 mg | yes |
| Eddie by Giddy | alternative to Viagra | $188 for 1 device | — | — | — |
| Pal-Penile Adjustable Loop | alternative to Viagra | $24.95 for a single device | — | — | — |
Prices last updated May 2023
A
- Try and get a prescription through your doctor if you can, and obtain 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 a generic brand. If a website does not require a consultation from a licensed professional or prescription, chances are it’s a scam.
- Look for multiple ways to contact customer services on the website. A good website, especially for drugs, has various methods of contact, like email, phone, chat, or a contact form. The website should also have a legitimate U.S. postal address and phone number.
- Look through the website for a list of licensed professionals that work with or consult with the brand.
- Make sure the pill or brand is
FDA approved , and that the generic brand is labeled “sildenafil,” as there is no other brand name for this drug, aside from Viagra and Revatio.
How long does it take for Viagra to start working?
It depends on the person, but it usually takes around 30 minutes.
How long do the effects of Viagra last?
This depends on the dose. Most of the time, the effects should last around 4 to 5 hours. This doesn’t mean you should have an erection for the entire time. An erection that lasts longer than 3 to 4 hours requires an emergency room visit.
What’s the difference between Viagra and sildenafil?
Some brands and generic products could differ in color and inactive ingredients, and the branding for both Viagra and sildenafil are different. Other than that, there are no major differences. The two are chemically identical.
Does /Viagra expire?
Yes. The average shelf life of medication is about 2 years, including the time of manufacturing. To keep Viagra and other medications as long as possible, try these tips
- Store your medications between 68 and 86°F.
- Don’t 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.
Can I buy Viagra over the counter in the USA?
Viagra and sildenafil are both prescription medications, meaning they are not available for over-the-counter purchase at your local pharmacy.
With telemedicine, however, it’s easier to get a prescription for these pills without visiting your doctor in person. Some of our recommendations above also offer delivery of these products straight to you so you don’t have to worry about picking up your prescription.
What are some alternatives to Viagra?
Other ED medications include:
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- avanafil (Stendra)
According to the
- limiting or stopping smoking, if you smoke
- limiting or stopping alcohol consumption or drug use
- exercising
- managing your weight
- receiving counseling
- trying alternative medicines
- wearing ED devices, like rings and pumps
- having surgery
Viagra might be able to improve your ED. If you’re interested in trying Viagra for your ED symptoms, 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. Be sure to provide online health professionals with your complete medical history so they know what treatment would align best with your needs.
If you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to ED, you’re probably better off talking with your doctor or a specialist, like a urologist, in person. They can assess your symptoms and determine whether an underlying condition is causing ED, and they’ll be better at offering 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.