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If you’re looking to buy Viagra online, five of the best options available are Hims, Roman, Lemonaid, Optum Perks, and REX MD. Read on for full details on the process and pricing.
Although erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an upsetting diagnosis for some, many people find that their condition is treatable with Viagra — sometimes called the “little blue pill” — and its generic form, sildenafil.
Several telehealth companies, such as Hims, Roman, Lemonaid, and Optum Perks, have doctors and other licensed medical professionals on hand to prescribe the appropriate medication, if necessary.
We chose the following brands based on user ratings, discreetness, and our product selection guidelines. This includes verifying Hims, Roman, Lemonaid, REX MD, and Optum Perks claims that a doctor or other qualified or licensed medical professional is involved in determining the appropriateness of the prescribed medication.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
ED is very common. In the United States alone, researchers estimate around 30 million men have the condition.
ED is defined as the inability to develop and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity or penetrative sex.
Changes in some lifestyle habits, such as activity levels and nutrition, can make a positive difference, as well as the use of medications in some cases.
Viagra is a brand-name prescription drug approved to treat ED. Viagra contains sildenafil, which belongs to a class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Viagra is the well-known brand-name version of this medication. It works by increasing blood flow to your penis, which helps you have and keep an erection. However, it only works if you’re sexually aroused.
Viagra is approved for use in those who are 18 years and older.
Though Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer, plenty of other companies also make and sell less expensive versions of generic sildenafil pills.
Taking Viagra can cause mild or serious side effects. Mild effects may go away in a few days or a couple of weeks. These side effects can include:
headache
flushing
indigestion
stuffy nose
back pain
muscle pain
nausea
dizziness
rash
If these side effects don’t go away after a week or so, talk with your prescribing healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Serious side effects are uncommon but may occur. Call your prescribing healthcare professional right away if you experience serious side effects, such as:
sudden vision loss in one eye
sudden decrease or loss of hearing
allergic reaction (hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
priapism (painful and persistent erection lasting more than 4 hours)
Have an accurate diagnosis and prescription: Remember that Viagra and generic sildenafil are not available over the counter — you’ll need a prescription. Some companies even offer online consultations that connect you with healthcare professionals who can assess your symptoms and make an accurate ED diagnosis before your purchase.
Use a licensed pharmacy to avoid counterfeit medications: Oral medications for ED are among the most counterfeited medications in the world. Online pharmacies can sell counterfeit medications, so it’s important to do your research before you buy from any retailer.
Buy from an online pharmacy operating in the country and state you live in: In 2014, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that 97% of the internet pharmacies it examined were not compliant with federal laws, state laws, or industry standards.
To avoid buying counterfeit medications, look for the following:
reputable retailer
consultation with a licensed medical professional
licensed pharmacy that asks for a prescription from your doctor
licensed pharmacy with an address in the United States
FDA-approved medications
clearly labeled containers with the name of the medication and dosage
licensed pharmacist who is available to answer any questions afterward
What makes a reputable online pharmacy or health platform?
There should be multiple, clear ways to contact a customer service representative, such as a pop-up chat window, an email to send questions, a contact form you can submit, or a phone number you can call.
The company may have a medical advisory board and a network of licensed healthcare professionals.
As a user of their services or platform, it should be easy for you to see information about the nurse practitioners and physicians you work with, such as medical license and credentials.
If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, you’ll need to talk with a healthcare professional first. They will be able to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Viagra, and if so, they can write a prescription.
It’s important to share your medical history and any medications that you’re taking because Viagra can have very severe side effects if taken alongside certain other medications like nitrates. The FDA does require a prescription for Viagra, both for the brand-name medication and its generic version, sildenafil.
Your doctor may prescribe Viagra if they decide it’s the safest treatment option based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. There are also other options they can talk with you about.
If you experience a painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, get emergency care immediately, as it may be a sign of another urologic condition.
It’s also important to get immediate medical assistance if you experience any of these serious side effects:
allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching or hives, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Counterfeit Viagra is known to contain amphetamines, toxic chemicals, the wrong dose of active ingredients, and even blue printer ink.
It’s a good practice to avoid international websites. Each country has its own governance when it comes to manufacturing. Stick to reputable sites and pharmacies you can trust.
Currently, there are no over-the-counter alternatives to Viagra. Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication, meaning it’s not available over the counter from your local pharmacy.
But with telemedicine, you don’t need to visit your doctor in person to get a prescription for Viagra or another ED medication.
If your doctor believes that you could benefit from this treatment, they can prescribe the medication and you can order Viagra online and have it sent directly (and discreetly) to your home.
There are several other PDE5 inhibitors and ED medications that may be helpful if you find that Viagra isn’t effective for you or if the price is outside of your budget.
There are also wearable devices such as the Eddie by Giddy that are designed to be worn around the penis to help regulate blood flow. They may help some people maintain an erection without medications.
The truth is, receiving Viagra the same day may not be possible.
Many of the companies on this list advertise free consultations in which you’ll be evaluated for a prescription within 24–48 hours, as well as fast and free shipping, which means you could potentially receive your ED medications in only a couple of days.
If you would like to receive Viagra as fast as possible, you may want to consider talking with your doctor in person or through a virtual televisit portal to see whether a prescription can be filled the same day at a local pharmacy.
Most of the time, Viagra starts to work after 30 minutes. Some people note that Viagra works faster when taken on an empty stomach.
The effects of Viagra usually last around 4–5 hours, in which time it is easier to have an erection. But in some cases, this window of time can last as long as 18 hours with sildenafil. If your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical attention immediately.
It’s important to talk with a doctor if you regularly experience ED and want to start taking Viagra.
When shopping for Viagra online, look for services that are FDA approved and involve a personalized approach with a medical professional. Only purchase medication from reputable retailers.
Iman Balagam is a writer based in Houston, Texas. When she’s not laughing at her own jokes, or buying overpriced chia pudding, she can be found reading fiction novels, catching a spin class, doomscrolling through TikTok, or waiting for her delayed Spirit flight to board.
Last medically reviewed on October 30, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
