‘New Viagra’: cream works in 5 minutes (but only lasts for 30!)

A RIVAL to Viagra that takes effect in just five minutes – although it may last for only half an hour – is being developed

While the Viagra pill is effective, it can take half an hour to work and can’t be used with some drugs.

But pharmaceuticals company Futura Medical is trialling a cream called Eroxon that it says works faster and with fewer side effects.

Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis. Viagra works by making blood vessels dilate. Eroxon also helps blood vessels to widen, but crucially only where the cream is applied. This means it does not have to be absorbed in the stomach, so acts more quickly.

In a study of 230 men with erectile dysfunction, volunteers reported ‘significant improvements’ using Eroxon.

Early trials suggest Eroxon works for about 30 minutes, compared with Viagra’s four hours.

Ken James, of Futura Medical, said: ‘With our product, there’s spontaneity.’ Futura hopes it will be available in Europe by 2021.