The Rise of Viagra in Man

Viagra - the first oral drug for erectile dysfunction, first launched by Pfizer back in 1998. For most part of it's life, it remained as a prescription only medication in New Zealand. In 2014, Medsafe allows pharmacist to supply Sildenafil without a prescription if they had successfully completed the approved training programme for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men aged 35-70 years.

Sildenafil comes in 3 common brands in New Zealand, Viagra, Vedafil and Silvasta. All of which can be obtained in a pharmacy without a prescription if you meet the criteria and pass the screening tool used by the pharmacist.

HOW OLD DO YOU NEED TO BE TO TAKE VIAGRA?

We are seeing customers as young as 18 years old coming into pharmacies wanting to buy Viagra, most of them wanting to last a little longer, or a couple of them believing that they have inherited a faulty gene. To buy Viagra without a prescription, you will need to be a male between 35 to 70 years. Fortunately, that doesn't mean that you are not allowed to take Viagra if you fall outside that age range. A proper assessment and consultation will be required with your GP to ensure that Viagra is safe and appropriate for you. 

Viagra will more than likely give you an erection for you younger men, but the pill may not necessarily remove those feelings of stress and anxiety which is a common cause of erectile dysfunction.

If you are over 70, you are more likely than not to be taking prescription medications to support your failing heart, or medications that helps with your depression. It is important that your GP monitors the medications you take and hence, they are only available as prescription only medication.

42% OF MEN IN NEW ZEALAND SUFFERS FROM ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Approximately one in three NZ men 40 to 70 years old might have ED. Although comparable to overseas populations, this prevalence is high. There are many factors that may contribute to ED, alcohol, smoking, stress, anxiety, medication, drug use, and age. 

HOW VIAGRA WORKS

Erection is basically having your penis pumped with blood. There needs to be sufficient blood flow to keep your penis erected and that is where Viagra comes in. It dilates your blood vessels in your penis when you are sexually aroused. If you take them just before dinner, rest assured that you will not be walking around with an erected penis for hours on end but will be able to rely on it if you get a sexual encounter at the end of the night.

HOW TO TAKE VIAGRA

Commonly, the pharmacist or your Doctor will suggest that you start with a 50mg tablet, rather than starting on 100mg which may potentially end up ruining your night with a massive headache or causing an embarrassing redness to your face and chest. If the 50mg works, then great, if you experience side effects, then you will need to reduce to 25mg the next time. If it doesn't work at 50mg, then you would top up with another 50mg or try the 100mg after 24 hours has passed. Some unlucky bloke will experience intolerable side effects at an effective dose, which unfortunately, should see your GP for an alternative, like Cialis or Lavitra.

HOW DO I GET MY HANDS ON SOME VIAGRA OR THE GENERICS

Come on down to the pharmacy and meet one of our friendly male pharmacist. We will be discrete, and a consultation room will be available for use. A blood pressure check and a series of questions will be asked to ensure that Viagra is suitable for you. We will counsel on how they are to be used and what to expect after taking a dose. How to manage side effects and medications that may interact with Viagra. Viagra cost $10.00 a tablet with the Generic Vedafil costing $5.00 a tablet (note that prices differs if you have a prescription). Pharmacist can only supply in original packaging, meaning, in quantities 4, 8 or 12. No appointment is required, but you are more than welcome to give us a call before giving us a visit to ask more questions.