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Viagra patent expires - what does it mean for users of the drug?

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As Pfizer's UK patent for Viagra expires tonight we caught up with Dr Tom Brett, Medical Director at Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor to discuss the facts and the future of one of the world's most successful sexual health treatments. Q. What is Viagra? A. Viagra is the brand name for Sildenafil citrate, one of the erectile dysfunction treatments currently available to consumers, alongside Cialis and Levitra. Sildenafil citrate is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. It works by relaxing muscles in the walls of the blood vessels and following sexual stimulation increases the blood flow to the penis and helps to produce an erection that is suitable for sexual activity. Q. I am prescribed Viagra – will anything change as a result of the patent change? A. For the last 15 years Pfizer has owned the patent on Viagra, which means it has had exclusive rights to the core ingredient Sildenafil citrate – no other manufacturers have been able to produce it. With the patent set to expire on Saturday, it is likely that more manufacturers will produce Sildenafil and make more generic versions (non-branded versions) of the drug available to people. Q. Will it become cheaper to buy? A. With new generic providers on the market there will be an increase in treatment choice and prices are likely to come down across the industry, which is likely to attract new patients to the private market. At Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor we have been providing ED treatments for several years and we know that from Saturday our market will change. When a brand comes off patent prices do tend to come down but we won't know the details until we understand the plans of manufacturers. Q. Should it be bought online? A. Many men do turn to online sources to avoid the embarrassment of talking to their GP face to face about ED. But it's vital that Viagra or Sildenafil is always obtained through a recognised and trusted online source, such as Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor, or their local GP. Using illegal websites to purchase the drug can be very dangerous. Last year alone the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) closed 18,000 websites selling counterfeit drugs. Q Will it be available to buy over the counter? A. No, Viagra or Sildenfil will still require a prescription. Before taking the drug it is essentially the individual is assessed by a medical profession to check their health background and to discuss any existing medical conditions, ensuring the treatment prescribed is the right one for them.

Viagra patent expires - what does it mean for users of the drug?


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