Now men can buy Viagra in Boots – at £5 a tablet

VIAGRA will be available without prescription in pharmacies from today – at a cost of less than £5 a pill.

It follows a decision last year by health officials to reclassify the drug so it could be sold over the counter.

Manufacturer Pfizer said it hoped making it more widely available would encourage the millions of British men with erectile dysfunction to seek help.

The Viagra Connect tablets will be available in Boots from today – priced at £19.99 for four or £34.99 for eight.

Other pharmacies will be able to stock them in two weeks. Men must answer questions to check the drug is suitable before they buy. Some, such as those with heart problems or taking certain ‘interacting medicines’, will still need a prescription.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency announced in November that it would reclassify Viagra Connect so it could be sold over the counter in pharmacies. Pfizer said it is the first pharmacy medicine for erectile dysfunction to be made available without prescription.

Erectile problems affect up to one in five men – the equivalent of 4.3million men across the UK – but many do not seek medical help for their condition.

Pfizer’s medical manager Kristie Sourial said: ‘Viagra Connect offers men a convenient route of access to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It’s important to remember that erectile dysfunction is a medical condition, and that the impact often goes beyond the physical symptoms. It can lead to men feeling anxious, depressed and lacking in confidence.’

Officials also hope the move will deter people from buying drugs on websites operating illegally.