Viagra Reviews: Dosage, Side Effects, Cost & More
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the consistent or recurring inability to maintain or get an erection when sexually stimulated. While not a commonly discussed topic, ED affects roughly a third of men globally. ED is also very common in the UK, affecting over 25% of young men.
ED is commonly caused by stress, excessive alcohol consumption, side effects from some medications and tiredness. If erectile dysfunction is persistent and frequently occurs, it may be due to underlying conditions such as hormone problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety or diabetes.
ED is generally not a serious or life-threatening condition and there are many effective temporary treatments available.
One well-known ED treatment is Viagra. It is available in different strengths in the UK with a prescription. Recently, Viagra Connect has been allowed as a non-prescription pharmacy medication, meaning that you can purchase it over the counter (OTC).
There are many counterfeit Viagra products on the market that are not regulated by any medical body and often do not have the correct active ingredient. These “medications” may also be filled with fillers that can cause serious side effects, on top of not treating your ED.
When looking to purchase Viagra and other ED medications over the internet, it is important to use a reputable source, such as Cloud Pharmacy, that is legally registered as a pharmacy in the UK.
Read on to learn what Viagra is, how to use it and its potential side effects according to real user Viagra reviews.
Viagra overview: what is it and how to use it?
Active ingredients
Viagra is the brand name of the generic Sildenafil. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil citrate.
How Viagra works
The active ingredient in Viagra, Sildenafil, belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil was the first PDE5 inhibitor available for the treatment of ED.
PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking the action of a specific enzyme (PDE5 enzyme), which has an important role in regulating or increasing blood flow into the smooth muscles of the penis. This increase in blood flow makes it easier to get an erection. Sexual stimulation is required for PDE5 inhibitors to work and cause an erection.
How long does it take for Viagra to kick in?
A dose of Viagra normally begins to kick in at least 30 minutes after taking it. For some people, it may take up to an hour to begin working.
How fast Viagra begins working is dependent on the dose and whether you have eaten or not. If you eat a large meal before taking Viagra, it may take longer for the body to break down and absorb the drug. For the most effective outcomes, it is recommended to take Viagra on an empty stomach at least an hour before you plan on having sexual intercourse.
Viagra may keep working in your body for up to 4-6 hours, which means that you may be able to get multiple erections over this period of time. However, if you experience an erection that lasts 4 hours or more after taking Viagra, it is important to seek medical attention to avoid possible long-term damage to the penis.
How much Viagra can be prescribed on the NHS?
On the NHS, Viagra, a branded version of Sildenafil, is not available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension except in special circumstances.
Special circumstances in which men are eligible for treatment with Viagra for ED on the NHS include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Radical pelvic surgery
- Severe pelvic injury
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney failure treated by transplant or dialysis
- Spinal cord injury
- Prostatectomy
- Single-gene neurological disorder
NHS treatment guidelines stipulate that one treatment (one pill) a week is appropriate for most erectile dysfunction patients.
Dosage and usage recommendations
Viagra tablets used to treat ED are available in different dosages: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. How much Viagra you need to take varies from person to person. The general dose is 50mg, to be taken when needed.
It is important not to take more than one dose of Viagra in a 24-hour period. Depending on how well you tolerate 50mg and its effects, your pharmacist or GP can either increase the dose to 100mg or decrease it to 25mg.
Take your prescribed dose of Viagra at least 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual intercourse. Viagra can be taken up to 4 hours before you plan on having sex. For this drug to work as intended, you need to be sexually aroused to get an erection.
How does it feel after taking Viagra?
After taking Viagra for the first time, it will normally take at least 30-60 minutes before it results in an erection. It is important to remember that you have to be sexually aroused for Viagra to result in an erection.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that Viagra will work every time you take it. If you are taking Viagra for the first time, you may want to try it out on a “trial run” to make sure it works for you. If Viagra continues not to work after trying it a couple of times, talk to your pharmacist or GP, as there may be underlying conditions that need to be treated first.
Are there any known side effects?
There are known side effects when using Viagra; however, not everyone may experience them. Common and mild side effects of Viagra may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Facial flushing and hot flush symptoms
- Indigestion
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Stuffy nose
- Back or muscle pain
- Rash
Talk to your GP or pharmacist about persistent mild side effects to determine if there might be another ED medication that you can tolerate better.
Serious side effects of Viagra are rare and only affect 1 in 1,000 people; they can include:
- Stroke
- Fainting
- Heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- An erection that lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)
If you experience any serious side effects when taking Viagra, contact your GP or call 111 immediately.
In very rare cases, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to Viagra. In this case, seek emergency medical attention (call 999).
Interactions with other medications
Viagra may negatively interact with other medications, either influencing the way they work, influencing how Viagra works or causing side effects. Medicines that interact with Viagra include:
- Other PDE5 medications or treatments for erectile dysfunction
- Medicines called nitrates
- Some antifungals, such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
- Medications used to treat high blood pressure
- Medicine used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir and other HIV protease inhibitors
- Other medications that contain Sildenafil citrate
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin, Biaxin or telithromycin
Tell your pharmacist or GP about any prescription and OTC medications, supplements or herbal remedies that you’re taking. Ensure that you discuss the dosages and frequency of prescription medications that you are taking.
Cost
Cloud Pharmacy stocks Viagra tablets (25mg, 50mg and 100mg):
| 4 Tablets | 8 Tablets | 16 Tablets | 32 Tablets | |
| 25mg | £24.99 | £43.99 | £79.99 | £139.99 |
| 50mg | £29.99 | £57.99 | £99.99 | £149.99 |
| 100mg | £29.99 | £57.99 | £99.99 | £149.99 |
Viagra summary
| Viagra Active Ingredient | Sildenafil Citrate |
| Viagra Mechanism of Action | The active ingredient in Viagra, Sildenafil, is part of a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. This class of drug works by inhibiting an enzyme, resulting in the smooth muscle in the penis relaxing, increasing blood flow and causing an erection. |
| Viagra Side Effects | Common side effects may include nausea, facial flushing, blurred vision, indigestion, stuffy nose or dizziness. |
| Viagra Effectiveness | Most users find that Viagra is effective and lasts up to 4-6 hours in the bloodstream. |
| Viagra Time to Work | Viagra typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to begin working when sexually aroused. |
| Viagra Price | At Cloud Pharmacy, Viagra starts at £24.99 |
Viagra Reviews
Most Viagra reviews are positive, with an average of 8.5 out of 10 being reported.
Viagra reviews summary
Viagra reviews are mostly positive, with users commenting that they found the drug most effective when they took it on an empty stomach. Viagra reviews say the medication is very beneficial and users note they can get an erection multiple times over a 4-hour period after taking it.
The one negative was the cost of Viagra compared to the generic version (Sildenafil), but some were happy to pay the higher price as they felt Viagra worked better for them.
Some Viagra reviews mention mild side effects when taking Viagra; however, these disappear within an hour.
Branded vs. generic: which is better?
| Viagra (Branded) | Sildenafil (Generic) | |
| Available doses | 25mg, 50mg, 100g | 25mg, 50mg, 100g |
| Active ingredient | Sildenafil citrate | Sildenafil citrate |
| Price | Starting from £24.99 and is available to buy through Cloud Pharmacy | Starting from £6.99 and is available to buy through Cloud Pharmacy |
| Features | Works within 30 to 60 minutes and can last in the system for up to 4-6 hours. | Generally, it works within 30 to 60 minutes and may last up to 4-6 hours in the body. |
| Advantages | Some men find it more effective than the generic version (sildenafil). | Sildenafil is much cheaper than Viagra, and many find it works the same. |
| Disadvantages | Viagra is a more expensive option compared to the generic version. | Some men may find that they experience milder side effects compared to Viagra. |
| User review themes | User reviews are mostly positive, noting that the drug works as it should. The only negative mentioned was its high price. | Users reported mostly positive reviews, with men noting that Sildenafil was effective and worked well for them. |
Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in both Viagra (brand name) and Sildenafil (generic). The main difference between these drugs is their price. Sildenafil was approved by the FDA under the brand name Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction. Pfizer patented Sildenafil in 1996 before they were able to get FDA approval.
When the patent for Sildenafil expired in the U.S. in 2012, generic (cheaper) versions of this drug were made. Therefore, Viagra and Sildenafil work exactly the same and are both effective and safe options for treating ED.
Between Viagra and Sildenafil, it comes down to personal preference and pricing. Some men find that Viagra (brand name) is the more effective treatment option for them, while others prefer Sildenafil (generic) due to its lower price.
Recent Viagra research and relevant reading material
Currently, Viagra is only used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.
There was a discussion in 2021 about Viagra and Cialis being used to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Recent studies (2022) have concluded that Viagra and Cialis will not reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and related conditions:
- NIH DREAM study finds Viagra and Cialis do not reduce risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias
- Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors in Men With Erectile Dysfunction and the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
If you would like to know more about Viagra, talk to your GP or pharmacist.
Is Viagra worth it?
That is a personal decision. Viagra is a very effective and safe medication for treating erectile dysfunction. However, not every medication works the same for everyone.
Depending on your medical history and if you are taking any other medications, your GP may recommend taking Viagra to help treat your ED. If you experience any persistent side effects, you may want to try another ED medication with a different active ingredient. Before changing ED treatments, talk to your GP or pharmacist.
Conclusion: where to buy Viagra in the UK
It is important to buy Viagra from registered pharmacies in the UK, such as Cloud Pharmacy. This is to ensure that you are buying the branded version of Sildenafil and not a counterfeit version that may not work or cause serious side effects.
At Cloud Pharmacy, everything is done online. Start by filling out a short questionnaire to determine if you are eligible. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can book a quick consultation with a licensed pharmacist. Once your Viagra has been prescribed, you can get it dispensed and sent discreetly to your UK address.
FAQs
How much is Viagra in the UK?
The price of Viagra ranges from pharmacy to pharmacy. At Cloud Pharmacy, Viagra tablets start at £24.99 for four tablets.
How many Viagra tablets can you take?
You should only take one dose of the Viagra prescribed to you. Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg or 100mg dose tablets. It is important not to take more than one dose in a 24-hour period, as you may overdose.
If you feel that the dose you have been prescribed is not working, talk to your GP or pharmacist and they can review how much Viagra you need to take and either increase or decrease your dose.
Do you stay hard after coming with Viagra?
No, you do not. However, you may find that you can get hard (an erection) multiple times when taking Viagra, as it can last in your bloodstream for 4-6 hours.
It is important to seek medical attention if you have an erection for four hours or more, as this can lead to permanent damage to the penis.
If you have trouble staying hard during sex, talk to your GP or pharmacist, as they may need to increase the dose or there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed.
Does Viagra give you a better hard-on?
If you have erectile dysfunction, Viagra will help you get an erection. In some cases, you may feel firmer than usual and find that you can maintain your erection throughout sex.
Viagra will only give you an erection when sexually aroused. Just taking this medication will not give you an erection.
Can Viagra cause damage?
For healthy men over the age of 18, Viagra is a safe and effective drug when taken as prescribed.
If you have certain conditions and are wondering if Viagra is safe, such as heart conditions, low blood pressure, anaemia, a deformity of the penis or others, be aware that taking Viagra may not be advised. It is important to not take Viagra with other medications such as ED medications, nitrates, blood pressure medication, some antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Before taking Viagra, tell your GP or pharmacist about any medications, supplements or herbal remedies you take and mention any concerns you have around whether Viagra is safe.
What is the downside of using Viagra?
Viagra, like any medication, may cause side effects that range from mild to severe. These side effects can range from facial flushing, stuffy nose and back or muscle pain to an erection that does not go away (priapism), sudden hearing loss, heart attack, irregular heartbeat or stroke.
