What are Viagra Connect Tablets?
Viagra Connect is an erectile dysfunction treatment that functions similarly to Viagra and contains the same active ingredient – sildenafil citrate. The only difference is that Viagra Connect is intended to be purchased over the counter.
Following a positive MHRA ruling on November 28th, 2017, Pfizer’s iconic blue pill became available over the counter in UK pharmacies in Spring 2018. This MHRA ruling was made in part to make online Viagra purchases safer by assisting in the regulation and eradication of dangerous and fraudulent ‘herbal viagra’ and illegitimate pharmacies.
How does Viagra Connect work?
Viagra Connect is an excellent treatment for erectile dysfunction. The ground-breaking ED treatment is 74% effective and works similarly to Viagra by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, allowing blood to flow more easily into it. When you’re aroused, this makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. However, the treatment will only work if you are already sexually aroused and may not help with erections without sexual stimulation.
As a product, Viagra Connect is a great option because:
- It’s an ‘over-the-counter’ treatment that gives patients easier access
- It will help improve the way Viagra is regulated in the UK, making it safer to buy
- It will reduce the number of illicit and dangerous treatments being used to enhance performance
- It increases the scope of men getting appropriate treatment for their condition
The reported Viagra Connect use demonstrates the medication’s success — it is estimated that over one million men have used the treatment.
Directions
How do you take Viagra Connect?
Always follow the directions stated on the packaging or by your doctor. Viagra Connect is usually taken following these steps:
- Take 1 Viagra Connect tablet at least an hour before sex preferably with a glass of water. You should avoid eating around the time you take the viagra tablet and limit your alcohol as this can affect your ability to maintain an erection.
- Do not take more than 1 tablet (Viagra Connect, Cialis, or Levitra) in a 24-hour period.
Although usually very effective, Viagra Connect may not work for everyone during the first use. In this case, it’s recommended that you try the product on at least 8 separate occasions before trying an alternative treatment such as Cialis, Spedra, or Levitra.
How long does it take to work?
It takes 60 minutes to work for most men, but you may feel the effects sooner. It lasts 4 to 6 hours.
Can erections be improved with lifestyle changes?
Yes, while treatments such as Viagra Connect can be a great solution it’s important to get to the root cause of your ED. Alternative options to medical treatment include therapy, a change in diet, weight loss or better stress management.
Side Effects
What are the possible side effects?
As with all medication, there are a few possible side effects although this is rare.
Reported side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Stuffy nose
- Skin rashes
- Indigestion.
If you experience any of the above side effects you should seek professional medical advice from your GP or local pharmacist. In a medical emergency go to a nearby Accident & Emergency centre.
Warnings
How many tablets can you take?
In a 24-hour period, do not take more than one tablet.
Who shouldn’t use Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect isn’t going to be suitable for everyone and other treatments could be safer.
If any of the following then you should consult with a medical expert before use:
- You have liver or kidney disease.
- You have haemophilia.
- You have sickle cell anaemia or leukaemia.
- The penis has a physical deformity.
- You have heart disease or irregular heartbeats.
- You’ve had a heart attack or a stroke in the last six months.
- You have hypertension or hypotension.
- You have retinitis pigmentosa.
- You’ve got a stomach ulcer.
You should also be aware that:
Viagra Connect has the ability to lower blood pressure. Most men are unconcerned about this. However, if Viagra Connect is combined with a nitrate medication, such as isosorbide or glyceryl trinitrate, this effect on blood pressure may be exaggerated (GTN). Viagra Connect 50mg tablets should not be used if you are taking nitrate medications.
Viagra Connect can be combined with alpha-blockers as long as there is at least a six-hour gap between the medications; however, it should never be combined with nitrates.
When taking Viagra Connect, you should avoid using the recreational drug ‘Poppers,’ also known as ‘Aromas’ or ‘Room Odourisers,’ as these contain nitrates and can have dangerous effects on blood pressure.