Viagra available without prescription

Viagra, the erectile dysfunction (ED) drug, is available over the counter without prescription in Boots from Valentine's Day. For the time being it's just in three Manchester stores as a 'pilot' but if it goes national, what's in it for Boots and Pfizer, the manufacturers of the drug?

It won't be like buying shampoo. To get the drugs — a packet of four of which will cost £50 — you'll still need to have a 'consultation' with the pharmacist. Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels will be measured and you'll have to fill in a questionnaire to ensure you don't have any health conditions that would make the drug dangerous. Oh yes, and you'll need to be aged 30 to 64.

If you want a repeat prescription, you will still have to talk to a doctor — a private doctor that is, via BUPA. This will apparently cost a further £37.50 after which you will be able to buy packs of four for £21.25 — 'comparable' according to The Times, 'with prices on the internet'.

Recreational

In other words, this is a one-off supply on approval — a common marketing strategy (although one usually used by those selling illegal drugs). In fact, bucking the big money black market in ED drugs may be part of Pfizer's plans. If so, they may be disappointed.

Harry Shapiro from DrugScope told the Daily Mirror that the sale of Viagra in Boots will make little impact on the club scene.'Boots is going to be selling four pills for £50 but I can't believe you can't get that cheaper by other means such as the internet.There is also the fact people will have to speak to a pharmacist before they can get it. I don't think many people will do that when it's already so easily accessible.'

However, removing the need for a prescription, albeit on a one-off basis, encourages the idea that Viagra is a recreational drug. It's not the first time this charge has been levelled at Pfizer. In the US, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation is already sueing the firm over ads which it says suggest Viagra is a party drug. It's not. Pfizer themselves rightly warn of side-effects from headaches to blurred vision and stress the dangers to those with heart problems or on certain other drugs such as nitrates or alpha-blockers.

Patents

MHF president Dr Ian Banks said: 'We are generally in favour of men having better access to ED treatments and this will be an interesting and useful trial. But having said that, the proposed system is not very easy-to-access and will also be expensive. This system is also only for one ED drug — Boots cannot supply Cialis or Levitra, for example, even if they might suit the patient better.

'The best solution would be for the government to change the so-called Schedule 11 restrictions on NHS prescriptions for ED drugs to enable more men to obtain drugs on the NHS. The current system means that men on low incomes are deterred from obtaining treatment. Men whose ED is caused by heart disease or diabetes, two of the biggest causes, are unable to get treatment on the NHS.' Ian also called for a public information campaign to discourage men from buying ED drugs online.

The Business newspaper reports that Pfizer earned $1.6bn (£800m) from Viagra sales last year but such profits won't last forever. The worldwide patents for Viagra expire between 2011 and 2013.

Boots say they will consider national roll-out later this year. Meanwhile over the counter Viagra is in the following stores: Boots Trafford Centre, Boots Market Street Manchester and Boots Merseyway Stockport

Let us know what you think, especially if you have used Boots service.