How does Viagra on the NHS work?
Getting Viagra on the NHS is not that different from most other treatments. The main difference is if you’re not eligible for a NHS prescription for Viagra, you’ll be offered a private one instead.
Getting Viagra on NHS prescription
Getting a prescription for Viagra on the NHS works the same way as other treatments:
- Book an appointment with your GP
- Discuss your experience of not being able to get and keep erections
- If you’re eligible for an NHS prescription they will give you one
- You can get your prescription filled at most UK pharmacies
There’s a few things to note about getting NHS prescriptions for Viagra:
- You only pay the standard prescription fee of £9.35 (cheaper than buying elsewhere)
- Only people with certain health conditions will be given an NHS prescription
- In most cases you will only be prescribed one pill per week (4 pills per month), although GP’s are able to prescribe more on the NHS if they feel this is appropriate
- You can use a prescription prepayment card (PPC) with an NHS prescription for Viagra
If you do not pay for your prescriptions on the NHS for whatever reason then Viagra can be free for you, as long as you meet the criteria for an NHS prescription for Viagra.
Getting a private prescription
This works in the same way as getting an NHS prescription, except you pay full price for your medication:
- Book an appointment with your GP
- Discuss your experience of not being able to get and keep erections
- If you’re not eligible for an NHS prescription, they can offer you a private prescription instead
- You can get your prescription filled at most UK pharmacies
You can also get a private prescription for Viagra from private healthcare providers without needing to see your GP first. For example, you can get a private prescription for Viagra online with Superdrug, and have the medication delivered to your door
Can I get other erectile dysfunction medications on the NHS?
Like Viagra, other PDE-5 inhibitors licensed for treating erectile dysfunction in the UK can only be bought with a private prescription. They include:
These Viagra alternatives all work slightly differently and some work better than others for different people.
The generic version of Viagra, Sildenafil, can be prescribed with an NHS prescription for anyone who meets the criteria for erectile dysfunction treatment. It can also be ordered online with a free online assessment and to-your-door delivery from an online doctor service.
See our page on the NHS and Erectile Dysfunction Treatment for more info on treatments offered on the NHS.