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Viagra on the NHS – Availability, Eligibility, and How to Get It
Medically reviewed by
Dr Babak AshrafiLast reviewed: 13 Jun 2025
Viagra is one of the most well-known and popular erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments. Erectile dysfunction is a common condition where a man has difficulty getting and maintaining an erection suitable for sex. It affects men of all ages, but is especially common in those over 40, and can be linked to psychological causes, including stress and anxiety, as well as physical conditions, like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil, a type of phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor which works by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. Effective treatment can significantly improve quality of life, relationships, and mental wellbeing.
While many people associate Viagra with private prescriptions, it’s also available on the NHS for some patients who meet specific criteria. In this guide, we investigate under what circumstances Viagra or generic sildenafil will be prescribed on the NHS, and what the difference between a private and NHS prescription means for you.
Can you get Viagra on the NHS?
Yes, Viagra is available on an NHS prescription to some men who have erectile dysfunction, but only in exceptional circumstances.
While branded Viagra is widely available privately, the NHS usually prescribes generic sildenafil, which is equally effective but is more cost-effective for the NHS.
Eligibility criteria
Not all men with erectile dysfunction are eligible for NHS Viagra prescriptions because treatments are usually restricted to those with specific medical conditions or health needs.
To be eligible for Viagra on the NHS, you must either have a certain medical condition, be receiving certain treatment, or have had a specific surgery.
Medical conditions that may make you eligible for an NHS Viagra prescription include:
- diabetes
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- poliomyelitis
- prostate cancer
- severe pelvic injury
- single-gene neurological disease, such as Huntington’s disease
- spina bifida
- spinal cord injury
Treatments or surgeries that may make you eligible for an NHS Viagra prescription include:
- renal failure treated with dialysis
- prostatectomy
- radical pelvic surgery
- renal failure treated by transplant
- previously receiving NHS drug treatment for erectile dysfunction on 14 September 1998
If you’re living in Wales, you may also be eligible for Viagra on an NHS prescription if the following apply:
- You’re experiencing severe distress because of ED.
- Your ED has been diagnosed by a specialist who has ongoing responsibility for providing prescriptions.
Cost differences and prescription process
If you’re eligible for sildenafil on the NHS, you will need to pay the current NHS prescription charge per item.
The doctor will send your prescription electronically to your chosen pharmacy, where you will be able to collect and pay for your medication.
How to get an NHS prescription for sildenafil
To get a prescription for generic sildenafil on the NHS, you will need to either:
- See your GP – the most common way to get a prescription is by making an appointment with your GP, who will assess your symptoms, discuss any underlying health conditions, and any current medications you are taking. If appropriate, they will prescribe sildenafil.
- Visit an NHS sexual health clinic – if you would prefer not to see your usual GP, sexual health clinics can offer free and confidential services and may be able to prescribe sildenafil.
Generic sildenafil on the NHS
Generic sildenafil can be prescribed on the NHS in England without any restrictions. If you’re eligible for erectile dysfunction treatment on the NHS, your doctor will almost always prescribe generic sildenafil rather than Viagra. Generic sildenafil provides cost-effectiveness while still delivering the same clinical benefits as Viagra.
Generic sildenafil contains the same active ingredient as Viagra, sildenafil citrate, and works in exactly the same way to treat erectile dysfunction – by improving blood flow to the penis, enabling you to get an erection hard enough for sex.
The main differences between Viagra and sildenafil are the branding and price. Branded Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer and has a recognisable name and packaging, and is often called the ‘blue pill’. However, the medication is identical to generic sildenafil, and because sildenafil is no longer under patent protection, it’s available from several manufacturers, reducing its cost for the NHS.
Cost differences and prescription process
If you’re eligible for sildenafil on the NHS, you will need to pay the current NHS prescription charge per item.
The doctor will send your prescription electronically to your chosen pharmacy, where you will be able to collect and pay for your medication.
How to get an NHS prescription for sildenafil
To get a prescription for generic sildenafil on the NHS, you will need to either:
- See your GP – the most common way to get a prescription is by making an appointment with your GP, who will assess your symptoms, discuss any underlying health conditions, and any current medications you are taking. If appropriate, they will prescribe sildenafil.
- Visit an NHS sexual health clinic – if you would prefer not to see your usual GP, sexual health clinics can offer free and confidential services and may be able to prescribe sildenafil.
Private vs NHS prescriptions
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, sildenafil and Viagra can be accessed by an NHS or private prescription. Both offer an effective route to treatment, but there are some distinct differences in cost, accessibility, and availability.
Cost of private vs NHS prescriptions
NHS prescriptions
If you’re eligible for Viagra or generic sildenafil on the NHS, you can get them at the standard prescription charge (currently £9.90 in England) or free if you do not usually pay for your prescriptions
Private prescriptions
A private prescription means you will pay the full cost of the medication, which can vary depending on the pharmacy and whether you choose generic sildenafil or branded Viagra.
At Superdrug Online Doctor, you can request Viagra or generic sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction at the following costs:
Availability of branded Viagra
One of the biggest differences between private and NHS prescriptions is access to branded Viagra. While the NHS usually offers generic sildenafil, or branded Viagra in exceptional circumstances, you can get Viagra on private prescription if you prefer it.
Some people choose the branded version because of brand familiarity or personal preferences, but generic sildenafil is equally effective.
Summary
Viagra is an effective and widely used erectile dysfunction treatment. Although generic sildenafil is available on the NHS, access to Viagra is limited to those who meet specific medical criteria. Instead, private prescriptions offer a flexible alternative, including access to branded Viagra.
With Superdrug Online Doctor, requesting erectile dysfunction treatment is fast, discreet, and easy. Our online consultation involves:
- Completing a short online health questionnaire.
- Selecting your preferred treatment, including sildenafil, branded Viagra, tadalafil (Cialis), and more, and making payment.
- One of our doctors will review your answers and treatment request.
- You can choose to have your treatment delivered to your home address or collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 hours after approval.
Whether you are eligible for NHS treatment or exploring private options, Superdrug Online Doctor can take the stress out of managing erectile dysfunction.
FAQs
Is NHS Viagra free?
No, Viagra is not free, and if you meet the strict eligibility criteria, you will need to pay the current NHS prescription charge unless you are usually entitled to free prescriptions.
What other ED treatments are available on the NHS?
As well as generic sildenafil, there are other generic PDE-5 inhibitors available on the NHS if sildenafil is not suitable for you. They are:
- tadalafil
- vardenafil
- avanafil
They all work by increasing blood flow to the penis, but contain different active ingredients.
Is it safe to buy Viagra and sildenafil online?
Yes, if you buy Viagra or sildenafil from trusted and reputable online doctor services like Superdrug Online Doctor. If you buy medications from unregulated online pharmacies, you could be exposed to counterfeit or substandard medications, which can pose health risks and ineffective treatment.
Sources
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence), NHS [accessed 22 May 2025]
- How and where to get sildenafil, NHS [accessed 22 May 2025]
- Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, NICE [accessed 22 May 2025]
- British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on the Management of Erectile Dysfunction in Men-2017, National Library of Medicine [accessed 22 May 2025]
- NHS Electronic Drug Tariff, NHS Business Service Authority [accessed 22 May 2025]