Yes, medication for erectile dysfunction (ED) is available on the NHS. It's available on prescription from GPs and specialists.
There were restrictions on who could have these treatments on the NHS until 2014, but some of these restrictions have since been lifted as cheaper medicines became available.
ED medicines available on the NHS
The following medications for ED can be prescribed on the NHS:
- sildenafil (an unbranded version of Viagra)
- moxisylyte hydrochloride (Opilon)
- apomorphine hydrochloride
Of these, sildenafil is the most widely available on the NHS in England.
Branded Viagra, tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Spedra) aren't available on the NHS except in certain circumstances.
Branded ED medicines
The branded ED medicines Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Spedra are only available on the NHS for people with ED who have or have had:
They're also sometimes available on the NHS for men experiencing severe distress as a result of ED, but only after an assessment at a specialist centre.
If you don't meet these criteria, you can get these medicines on a private prescription from your GP. This means you'll need to pay the full cost of the medication. Prices vary, but on average four tablets costs around £20.
Be careful buying medicines online
It's possible to buy ED medication over the internet, but you should be very careful doing this as there are many websites that offer fake medicines.
These medications aren't regulated and the ingredients in them can change from medicine to medicine. They could cause unpleasant side effects or may not be suitable for you.
It's best to see your GP before buying medicines online. They know your medical history and can discuss whether you might benefit from treatment.
If you choose to buy medication over the internet, ensure that:
Further information:
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