New data secured through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Oxford Online Pharmacy has revealed that over 7.5 million doses of fake Viagra (sildenafil) have been seized in the UK since April 2023. These figures make Viagra the most commonly intercepted counterfeit drug in the country by far.
By comparison:
- Tramadol, a prescription opioid, saw 2.96 million doses seized.
- Cialis (tadalafil) - a prescription medication also used to treat erectile dysfunction - seizures reached 1.5 million doses.
This data highlights the ongoing black market demand for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments and the real risks involved when people turn to unregulated online sources.
The data: What’s being seized?
| Medicine | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (YTD) | Total |
| Sildenafil (Viagra) | 2,478,289 | 4,455,493 | 571,993 | 7,505,775 |
| Tadalafil (Cialis) | 475,556 | 993,048 | 30,795 | 1,499,399 |
| Tramadol (Opioid) | 332,048 | 2,535,452 | 100,491 | 2,968,131 |
2024 saw the largest spike in counterfeit ED drug seizures. While early 2025 figures suggest a possible slowdown, more than half a million fake Viagra pills have already been confiscated this year alone.
These numbers don’t just reflect illegal activity, they raise urgent concerns for patient safety.
Where are the seized drugs coming from?
The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), which oversees medicine safety in the UK, confirmed:
“Most non-compliant drug seizures are made at the UK Border as a result of the MHRA’s partnership working with Border Force. Most of the medicines referenced in the table are imported from India.”
This means many of the fake medications entering the country are stopped at customs,but not all of them. Some still make it to patients through illegal websites or unauthorised sellers.
Why are people purchasing fake Viagra?
One of the biggest factors which may be driving the black market for counterfeit erectile dysfunction medication is embarrassment. Despite growing awareness of men’s health issues, ED remains highly stigmatised, and many men still feel too ashamed to speak to their GP or local pharmacist about problems related to sexual performance.
A study from the Urology Foundation found that over half of men avoid seeking medical help for erectile issues due to anxiety or fear of judgment. Despite the fact that Erectile Dysfunction is common, with at least one in ten men suffering from ED at one point in their life.
What our pharmacist says about the risks
Kiran Jones, a pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, shared this warning:
“ED medications are widely used, and thanks to online healthcare, they’re more accessible than ever before. But embarrassment or stigma still prevents many patients from speaking to their GP.
That’s what pushes some people toward unregulated sites. The problem is that these counterfeit drugs can be completely ineffective, or worse, contaminated or dangerously dosed.
We need stronger public awareness of the risks, and more support to help people access treatment safely and discreetly.”
How to protect yourself from fake ED drugs
There are simple, effective ways to check whether an online pharmacy is genuine. Here’s what to look out for:
Check for GPhC registration
All legal UK pharmacies must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Look for the GPhC logo or registration number—usually in the website footer.
- You can search the pharmacy or pharmacist name using the official GPhC register:
- ???? www.pharmacyregulation.org/registers
Avoid these red flags
Be cautious if a website:
- Offers prescription-only medicine without asking for a prescription or consultation
- Has no clear contact information
- Uses unbranded packaging or generic product images
- Offers prices that seem too good to be true
Final thoughts
Counterfeit Viagra is more than just a black market concern, it’s a growing patient safety issue. ED is a common condition, and it’s understandable that some people want a discreet solution. But choosing the wrong source can be dangerous.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can always contact our pharmacy team for guidance, or use our confidential online consultation to access licensed ED treatment from a trusted UK provider.
Methodology and Source
The data presented in this article was obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by Oxford Online Pharmacy to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on June 19, 2025. The request sought information on the number and value of seized counterfeit erectile dysfunction medications (sildenafil and tadalafil).
The MHRA confirmed that it held the requested information from April 1, 2023, onwards. The provided data includes the total number of doses seized.