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    Viagra Connect (branded Sildenafil)

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    With the Online Doctor ED service, our clinicians can prescribe Viagra Connect if you’re medically suitable.

    How to take Viagra Connect

    Take one tablet one hour before sex. Works best on an empty stomach. Works in as little as 25 minutes and effects can last for up to 4 hours. Never take more than one tablet within 24 hours. Alcohol will limit Viagra Connect's effectiveness. Do not combine Viagra Connect with other ED medicines.

    How does Viagra Connect work?

    Viagra Connect's active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) increases blood flow to the penis. It enables a firmer, longer-lasting erection if you are sexually aroused.

    The treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.

    Viagra Connect side effects

    Side effects are uncommon, but can include Viagra Connect side effects can include:

    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • back pain
    • diarrhoea
    • allergic rash

    Some men also experience facial flushing, headaches, light headedness, nasal congestion, indigestion, palpitations (racing heartbeat), and blurred vision.

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.

    How effective is Viagra Connect?

    Viagra Connect treats ED in around two thirds of cases. If you have eaten a large meal or drunk more than 1-2 units of alcohol, you may find it is less effective.

    We advise trying an ED treatment eight times before giving up, considering a higher dose, or seeking an alternative.

    How long does Viagra Connect last?

    Viagra Connect stays active in the body for up to 4 hours. Although Viagra Connect stays active for up to 4 hours, it won’t cause an erection on its own. You need to be sexually aroused.  

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      Viagra Connect FAQs

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      Can Viagra Connect help with premature ejaculation? 

      Premature ejaculation (PE) is caused by a number of things such as performance anxiety and stress. Lack of blood flow to the penis doesn't cause PE, so Viagra Connect isn’t an effective treatment choice. Here at Online Doctor we have PE treatments that could help if you’re experiencing this condition. If you want more advice on how to last longer in bed read our article.  

      What is the recommended dosage?

      The only available dose is 50mg. If you require a higher (100mg) or lower (25mg) dose, you can try Sildenafil or Viagra, which contain the same active ingredient. Your age, height, weight, and the severity and cause of your ED will affect which dose is suitable.

      Higher doses come with an increased chance of developing side effects.

      Is Viagra Connect the same as Viagra?

       Viagra and Viagra Connect have the same active ingredient and therefore work in the same way to treat ED. The only difference is that you do not need a prescription to obtain Viagra Connect.  Find out more about Viagra Connect vs Viagra in our article.  

      Drug interactions with Viagra Connect

      Some drugs and medication shouldn’t be taken with Viagra Connect, as they can cause unwanted side effects and stop the ED treatment working.

      If you are taking alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin), you should wait at least 6 hours between taking those and taking Viagra Connect. You will be unsuitable for Viagra Connect if you are taking nicorandil or nitrates, such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate tablets to treat angina. It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Viagra Connect safely. 

         

      Alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction

      Some men find counselling helpful as a means of exploring and treating psychological causes of ED.

      If Viagra Connect does not work for you, contact us via your Patient Record so that we can discuss your treatment options. View all our ED treatments.

      Why can Viagra Connect be supplied without a prescription?

      Viagra Connect without prescription, offers a more convenient way to access the ED treatment, since there is no need for a prescription. In November 2017 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) ruled that 50mg coated Sildenafil tablets were to be reclassified as a ‘P medicine’, meaning you do not need a prescription to get them. P medicines can only be issued after answering certain health questions to ensure they are safe to take. 

      It was also thought that making an ED treatment like Viagra Connect so widely would cut down Viagra sales from unlicensed online ‘pharmacies’. 

      Can I buy Viagra Connect online?

      You can request and pay for Viagra Connect online; however, you will have to answer some questions to ensure you are safe to take the treatment. Unlike Viagra or Sildenafil, you do not need a prescription for Viagra Connect. So, you can order Viagra Connect online or go into selected pharmacies to get Viagra Connect.  

      Reordering Viagra Connect & subscription

      To reorder Viagra Connect, go to your Patient Record and select ‘reorder’. You will be required to fill in the online questionnaire each time you reorder.

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