In recent weeks you will have no doubt heard or seen reports about changes to Viagra and Pfizer’s patent on the drug. Since 1998 Pfizer has owned the patent on Viagra, which means in has had exclusive rights to the core ingredient Sildenafil citrate – no other manufacturers have been able to produce it.
Arguably one of the most famous sexual health drugs in the world it’s now expected that other drug manufacturers will develop and sell their own generic version of the treatment. With new generic providers on the market there will be an increase in treatment choice and prices are likely to come down across the industry, which is likely to attract new patients to the private market. It of course can only be a good thing for men who have ED.
But they must be aware that medication for ED still requires a prescription from a medical professional so it’s vital that people know the correct and trusted channels to obtain the drug safely. Those seeking treatment for ED should always be assessed by their GP, or through an accredited online service such as Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor. It is very important that an individual is personally assessed by a medical professional to ensure the right treatment is prescribed for them. Erectile dysfunction treatments are safe, but should not be taken by men with certain medical conditions, or taken in conjunction with other medications. Moreover, as the market widens, although the core active ingredient Sildenfil will not differ in alternative versions, it is possible they may contain different additives and preservatives – which the patient could react to.
It is also very important that the patient access Sildenfil through a trusted and accredited online source. Using illegal sites to obtain Sildenfil or any other medicines is very dangerous. Last year alone the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency closed 18,000 websites selling illegal medicines. However, the MHRA and I share the view that with the introduction of generic ED treatments we will see a reduction in the number of people supplying illicit versions of the medicines.so it’s vital that people know the correct and trusted channels to obtain the drug safely. Those seeking treatment for ED should always be assessed by their GP, or through an accredited online service such as Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor. It is very important that an individual is personally assessed by a medical professional to ensure the right treatment is prescribed for them. Erectile dysfunction treatments are safe, but should not be taken by men with certain medical conditions, or taken in conjunction with other medications. Moreover, as the market widens, although the core active ingredient Sildenfil will not differ in alternative versions, it is possible they may contain different additives and preservatives – which the patient could react to.
But regardless of these changes to patent, it does not alter the fact that many men still feel embarrassed to discuss their erectile dysfunction problems with their own GP. Our research has shown that a quarter of men say they have experienced problems with erectile dysfunction, yet only 18% would be willing to talk to a medical professional*. An accredited and trusted online source with UK registered medical professionals, such as Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor can circumnavigate this, offering a discreet service where men can get advice – and, if appropriate, medication. This avoids that seemingly awkward face to face consultation with a medical professional that many men it seems would rather avoid.
*Research carried out by Opinion Matters between 27th December 2012 and 9th January 2013. Survey was carried out with a representative sample of 1888 UK adults (male and female)
Blog article written by Dr Tom Brett who is on the Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor team
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There is no doubt in my mind at least that this drug will become available like children’s sweets across a counter. As you correctly say, many men are too embarrassed to discuss the matter with their GPs and so wil resort to any means to get the drug without the discussion. It’s a bit like anti-biotics which are freely available in so many places and shouldn’t be – with obvious consequences.
on December 3, 2013 at 12:25 am Peter TomlinsonYes, I have IBS too. The symptoms vary wliedy. Try taking a fiber laxative on a regular basis, like Centrum. Also, make sure to eat healthy and get a lot of fiber in your diet. You may also want to consider some way to control your stress as often IBS is set off by stress that you carry and may not even be aware of.
on December 3, 2015 at 10:52 pm Arya