The sales of Viagra (sildenafil), a blockbuster erectile dysfunction drug, broke the records on Valentine’s day.
Lloyds Pharmacy, a UK-based drugstore, reported a 68 percent increase in Viagra Connect sales on February 14 when compared with a typical Friday.
Viagra Connect, which contains 50 mg sildenafil, is available over-the-counter in the United Kingdom, helping men to overcome erectile dysfunction (ED).
A single pill of Viagra Connect costs £4 ($5.16), which has become a hit across the United Kingdom.
Sildenafil boosts erections by increasing the blood flow to the penile organ, sustaining its hardness for sexual intercourse.
At least one in eight men have problems with attaining and sustaining an erection and Viagra Connect could help solve the issue, according to Lloyds Pharmacy.
Pharmacist at Lloyds Pharmacy Anshu Kaura said, “Erectile dysfunction has been considered a taboo subject over the years, with many men feeling embarrassed to seek help or treatment.”
“Now that treatment is more accessible it is encouraging to see that more men are seeking advice and treatment from pharmacy,” Kaura added.
The pharmacy also found that there was a 23 percent increase in Viagra sales in Valentine’s week than a typical week.
Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra, was the first to bring Viagra Connect, an over-the-counter ED treatment, to pharmacies and supermarkets in the United Kingdom.
One can buy Viagra Connect online or offline after answering a series of medical questions. Pharmacists will then determine whether the drug is appropriate for them and give them further advice on ED.
Viagra treatment works in 50-80 percent of cases, according to Lloyds Pharmacy.
Other generic versions of Viagra pills are also available at a cheaper rate.
However, doctors warn men of possible side effects of Viagra, which include nasal congestion, nausea, or back pain. Viagra or Viagra Connect is not advisable to men who are already taking nitrates or alpha-blockers because a combination of these drugs reduces blood pressure to potentially dangerous levels.
