How to Get Viagra: Do You Need A Prescription?

Psssst... Hey! Hey, you! We heard you were looking for some of that little blue pill. Yeah man, we got whatcha need!

Sound familiar? Like a bad pop-up ad on a questionable website?

Well, it’s definitely a conversation you'd never be able to have with anyone except a board-certified healthcare professional, because Viagra isn't available over the counter. And that blue pill in the ad you clicked on probably isn’t a Viagra pill at all.

We know, it's a bummer. But it makes sense. Viagra® (and its generic version and active ingredient, sildenafil) is one of the most popularly prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction on the market today — but the key word there is "prescribed."

In the United States, both brand name Viagra and its generic version sildenafil are only sold to people with a valid prescription. 

But if you’re wondering where to get Viagra, read on.

We’ve explained why Viagra can only be purchased with a prescription and how you can get a prescription to use it. We also get into why attempting to buy Viagra without a prescription — or ordering non-prescription Viagra “alternatives” — isn’t worth the time, hassle or potential health issues. 

Do You Need a Prescription for Viagra?

In the United States, Viagra has required a prescription since its initial FDA-approval in 1998. A prescription is also required for the generic version of the medication, sildenafil. In other words, the answer to the question ‘can you get Viagra over the counter?’ is no. Any products available without a prescription in the U.S. are either sold illegally or are counterfeit.

Other ED medications approved in the United States also require a prescription. These include:

• Tadalafil (Cialis®)

• Vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®)

• Avanafil (Stendra®)

Laws regarding the sale of Viagra and sildenafil in other countries vary. For example, in the United Kingdom, medications containing sildenafil are available over-the-counter directly from a pharmacy (after a quick discussion with the pharmacist) without a prescription. Sildenafil has also been available in Norway without a prescription since 2019.

Why Can’t I Buy Viagra Without a Prescription?

Viagra is often effective at treating erectile dysfunction (ED), and it has a low risk of serious side effects. Like other medications, however, the chances of developing side effects when taking Viagra increase when the medication isn’t taken correctly or when men have certain health conditions.

Some of the most common Viagra side effects include:

• Headaches 

• Flushing 

• Pain in limbs 

• Muscle pain or aches

• Back pain

• Indigestion

• Diarrhea

• Nosebleeds

• Flushing

Rarely, Viagra may cause more serious side effects that require emergency medical attention such as:

• Sudden hearing loss, sometimes with dizziness and ringing in ears

• Sudden vision loss that can be temporary or permanent

• Seriously low blood pressure

• Priapism, a prolonged and sometimes painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours

Additionally, there are Viagra drug interactions to be aware of, including with medications used to treat medical conditions like high blood pressure or angina. Some substances that are used recreationally ( “poppers”) can also interact with sildenafil and lead to dangerously low blood pressure..

 It’s important to talk to your doctor about any health conditions you have that might increase your risk of dangerous interactions before starting Viagra.

How to Get Viagra 

You can’t get Viagra in the United States without a prescription, but the process of obtaining one is relatively straightforward:

1. The first step is making an appointment with a doctor and telling them that you’re interested in Viagra.Viagra can be prescribed to adults 18 and up.

2. Next, you’ll meet with a doctor, who will review your symptoms and medical history to see if you are a candidate for Viagra.

3. If your doctor determines that Viagra is right for you, they’ll give you a prescription that you can take to an in-person or online pharmacy to purchase the dosage of Viagra prescribed.

Where Can I Get Viagra?

Viagra requires a prescription in the United States, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go into your doctor’s office in person. Here are the different types of providers you may turn to if you need a prescription for Viagra.

Get Viagra Online with a Prescription

Getting a Viagra prescription through an online pharmacy is easy if you don’t feel comfortable talking to a doctor in person to receive a prescription.

For example, using our telehealth platform, you can schedule an online ED consultation with a healthcare provider. During the session, the provider will ask you about your symptoms and medical history to help determine whether Viagra, the generic form of the medication sildenafil citrate, or a different ED medication is appropriate for you.

Go to Your Local Healthcare Provider’s Office

You can also get a prescription for Viagra from your primary care provider in person. You may feel embarrassed about talking about intimate issues with your doctor. However, most doctors are used to having similar conversations, and it’s unlikely you’ll tell them anything they haven’t heard many times before. 

Your healthcare provider will inform you about the available options and, if they determine you make a good candidate, write a prescription for Viagra or another ED medication that you can then take to your local pharmacy to get filled. 

Visit a Urologist or Other Specialist Healthcare Provider

In some cases, your doctor may want to send you to a specialist, such as a urologist before prescribing ED medications. A urologist is a doctor specializing in the urinary and reproductive tract. Alternatively,  you might get referred to a or other mental health professional if it seems like your ED is related to a psychological factor, such as .

These types of healthcare providers can perform additional tests to look for factors that may contribute to your ED such as:

• Checking for physical injuries to your penis and surrounding tissues

• Testing for hormonal deficiencies, such as

• Performing other tests to check your general health and wellbeing

• Conducting a

If your by a physical or psychological issue, your healthcare provider may suggest treating the underlying cause on its own or in combination with ED treatment. If appropriate, you may receive a prescription for Viagra or other medication to treat ED.

Tips on How to Buy Viagra Safely

It’s important to only buy Viagra or its generic sildenafil that is approved for sale after a medical evaluation in the United States and through reputable companies. Buying from these sources ensures that good manufacturing processes have been followed and that the medication isn’t mislabeled or contaminated with other ingredients that could be potentially dangerous.

Here are some tips for buying Viagra:

• Don’t import Viagra from other countries. It’s illegal to buy Viagra or other prescription drugs outside the United States and import them for personal use.

• Know where to buy Viagra. Viagra is available from most pharmacies and through trusted online vendors. If you’re purchasing Viagra online, make sure that the process of receiving a prescription involves a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. 

• If it’s in your email spam box, ignore it. No legitimate online healthcare provider service promotes itself through email spam. If you’re offered a Viagra prescription in an unsolicited email, it’s always best to avoid it. Viagra is one of the most commonly counterfeited drugs in the world. Merchants willing to break the law andsell Viagra without a prescription are also likely to sell fake products that may harm your health.

• Avoid over-the-counter Viagra “alternatives.” Many products marketed as sexual health enhancers from sources such as , online retailers, or other stores contain unsafe, unlabeled ingredients that haven’t been FDA-approved. 

• Be wary of herbal products. Many herbal products are marketed as potential treatment options for ED. However, none of these products have been found to be effective or are FDA-approved.

The Bottom Line on Getting Viagra

Viagra and other products containing sildenafil are sold as prescription medications in the United States. You can get a prescription from a doctor in person or by using a telehealth service like Hims.

Many herbal products or supplements claim to contain the same ingredient as Viagra, but these products are either sold illegally or are counterfeit. 

When buying Viagra online, it’s important to make sure that you first receive a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who can give you medical advice and best advise you about whether you are a good candidate for Viagra.