What is Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect is an erectile dysfunction treatment used to increase the chance of firm and longer lasting erections. It does this by increasing blood flow to the penis. Viagra Connect will only help you if you are already aroused.
Viagra Connect vs. Viagra
Viagra and Viagra Connect have the same active ingredient and therefore work in the same way to treat ED. As the two have similar names, you may be wondering ‘what’s the difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect?’.
The only differences between the two treatments are that you do not need a prescription to obtain Viagra Connect, and each treatment is available in different doses. Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg while Viagra Connect is only available in 50mg.
How does Viagra Connect work?
Once they have been taken the active ingredient in Viagra Connect tablets, sildenafil citrate, increases blood flow to the penis. It enables a firmer, longer-lasting erection if you are sexually aroused.
The treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.
How effective is Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect treats ED in around two thirds of cases. If you have eaten a large meal you may find it is less effective.
Alcohol will limit Viagra Connect’s effectiveness. Do not combine Viagra Connect with other ED medicines.
With the Online Doctor ED service, our clinicians can prescribe Viagra Connect if you’re medically suitable.
How to take Viagra Connect for the best results
- Take one tablet one hour before sex
- Swallow whole with water
- Avoid a high fat meal before taking tablet
- Avoid grapefruit juice (this can affect how the medicine works
- Viagra Connect should start working after as little as 25 minutes
- Note that effects can last for up to 4 hours
- Never take more than one tablet within 24 hours
- Remember that Viagra Connect will only help you if you are sexually aroused
How long does Viagra Connect stay in your system?
Viagra Connect stays active in the body for up to 4 hours. Although Viagra Connect stays active for up to 4 hours, it won’t cause an erection on its own. You need to be sexually aroused.
Can I buy Viagra Connect online?
Where can I buy Viagra Connect?
You can request and pay for Viagra Connect 50mg tablets online; however, you will have to answer some questions to ensure you are safe to take the treatment. Unlike Viagra or sildenafil, you do not need a prescription for Viagra Connect. So, you can order Viagra Connect online or go into selected pharmacies to get Viagra Connect.
How much is Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect’s cost will depend on the number of tablets you buy. At LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor we offer packs of 4, 8, 12 and 16 50mg Viagra Connect tablets. At the time of publishing, the current Viagra Connect price is:
| Pack size | Cost |
| 4 tablets | £21.95 |
| 8 tablets | £37.99 |
| 12 tablets | £56.00 |
| 16 tablets | £73.50 |
Who can take Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect should be used by men aged 18 or older who are suffering from erectile dysfunction because of reduced blood flow to the penis. Do not take Viagra Connect if you do not have an erection problem.
Also avoid Viagra Connect if the following applies to you:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients in Viagra Connect, including sildenafil
- You are taking nitrates (including amyl nitrate), riociguat or ritonavir
- You have issues with low blood pressure or severe heart problems
- You have severe liver problems
- You have had severe vision loss because of nerve damage in your eyes
- You are a woman
- You have a deformity in your penis
- You have been advised to avoid sexual activity by a healthcare professional
If you are unsure if Viagra Connect is safe for you based on the above, please talk to your GP.
Viagra Connect dosages
The only available dose is 50mg. If you require a higher (100mg) or lower (25mg) dose, you can try sildenafil or Viagra, which contain the same active ingredient. Your age, height, weight, and the severity and cause of your ED will affect which dose is suitable.
Higher doses come with an increased chance of developing side effects.
“Due to a number of factors that can include performance anxiety, ED treatments will not always work the first time they’re taken. We advise trying an ED treatment eight times before stopping treatment, considering a higher dose, or seeking an alternative.” - Dr Bhavini Shah
Viagra Connect side effects
A very common side effect from Viagra Connect is a headache. Other Viagra Connect side effects can include:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Stuffy nose
- Dizziness
- Facial flushing
- Visual disturbance
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Vomiting
- Acid reflux
- Rashes
- Eye irritation
- Extreme changes to blood pressure
- Blood in urine
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)
- Fainting
- Dry nose
- Tightening of the throat / numb mouth
- Penile bleeding
- Bleeding at the back of eye
- Loss of heart function
Please seek medical attention immediately if you start to experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Chest pain
- Painful erection (or erection lasting longer than 4 hours)
- Sudden decrease of loss of vision
- Allergic reaction
- Serious skin reaction
- Seizure or fits
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.
