Can You Get Viagra or Sildenafil on the NHS?

On the NHS, Viagra or generic Sildenafil are not routinely prescribed. A GP will assess your suitability and the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction (ED).

If you meet the the qualifying criteria as set out by the NHS prescribing guidelines, you will be eligible to receive a maximum of 4 tablets per month.

NHS treatment is generally reserved for patients whose erectile dysfunction is linked to certain health conditions, treatments, or surgeries.

Medical conditions that allow Viagra on an NHS prescription include:

• Spinal cord injury
• Severe pelvic injury
• Prostate cancer
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Poliomyelitis
• Spina bifida
• Certain neurological conditions (e.g., Huntington’s disease)

Treatments or surgeries that may make you eligible include:

• Renal failure treated with dialysis
• Renal failure treated by transplant
• Prostatectomy
• Radical pelvic surgery
• Having received NHS ED treatment before 14 September 1998

Additional eligibility in Wales

If you live in Wales, you may also qualify for an NHS prescription if:

• You are experiencing severe distress due to erectile dysfunction, and
• Your ED has been diagnosed by a specialist who continues to oversee your treatment.

Generic Sildenafil is the NHS-approved version of Viagra and works the same way by improving blood flow to help with erectile dysfunction.

It can be obtained through a GP prescription after a consultation to assess your health and the cause of your symptoms.

Not everyone will be eligible to get a prescription for Sildenafil on the NHS, as you need to meet certain criteria.

In most cases, private clinics or online licensed pharmacies are the route for most men to obtain this medication. This is due to less restrictions on the quantities of tablets that private prescribers can prescribe.

Branded Viagra contains the same active ingredient as generic Sildenafil but is the original, trademarked version.

Even if you meet the criteria to receive ED treatment on the NHS, Viagra is rarely prescribed, because generic Sildenafil is much cheaper, and just as effective.

Branded Viagra can still be obtained through private prescriptions or online clinics, where patients pay the full cost. Like the generic version, it requires a consultation to ensure it’s safe and suitable.

Just like generic Sildenafil, if your doctor is willing to prescribe Viagra on an NHS prescription, you will need to meet certain criteria.

Further reading: Sildenafil vs Viagra – Is there a difference?

If you are prescribed Viagra or Sildenafil on the NHS, you will only need to pay the standard NHS prescription charge, which is currently £9.90 per item in England.

Many people who qualify for NHS prescriptions of Viagra or Sildenafil are exempt from charges altogether; for example, those aged 60 and over, or individuals with certain medical conditions.

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all NHS prescriptions are free. This makes NHS-issued Sildenafil significantly more affordable than private prescriptions, where prices can vary depending on the provider and brand.

If you are not eligible to receive Sildenafil or Viagra on the NHS, need your medication more quickly, or want more than the NHS limit of four tablets per month, there are several alternative options available.

Private GP or clinic

You can book a private appointment with a doctor who can prescribe either branded Viagra or generic Sildenafil. This is often quicker than the NHS route.

Online pharmacies or clinics

Many UK-based online services offer consultations and prescriptions for ED medications, which can be delivered to your home. Ensure the service is regulated and legitimate.

Pharmacies (over the counter)

You can obtain Viagra or Sildenafil from all high street pharmacies after a consultation with a pharmacist.

Further reading: Viagra Alternatives