Is BlueChew available in the UK? and the alternatives

BlueChew the chewable Sildenafil - Is it available in the UK

The chewable version of Viagra, BlueChew, has been available in the United States for nearly a decade, yet it still hasn’t crossed the Atlantic to the UK. In addition to chewable sildenafil (Viagra), BlueChew also offers chewable alternatives to tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).

We take a look at what BlueChew is, and what alternatives are available here in the UK. 

What is BlueChew – and can you buy it in the UK?

There are a range of pills used to treat erectile dysfunction, ranging from prescription only generic sildenafil tablets to over-the-counter Viagra Connect, but with up to 40% of people struggling to swallow solid pills, the chewable version, BlewChew, is a popular option for those who can access it.  

There are three different types of BlueChew available;

1. Bluechew Sildenafil - Sildenafil is also the active ingredient in the branded treatments Viagra and Viagra Connect as well as generic Viagra Connect.
2. BlueChew Vardenafil - Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra, vardenafil and vardenafil orodispersible. 
3. BlueChew Tadalafil - Tadalafil tablets is together in Cialis Together, Cialis, and other generic alternatives. 

Like all the BlewChew alternatives, vardenafil, tadalafil and sildenafil work by improving the blood flow to the penis, which makes it easier to achieve, and maintain, an erection. 

BlueChew tablets are not available in the UK. However, there are products that contain the same active ingredients that are available both with a prescription or over the counter in pharmacies and online. Vardenafil orodispersible tablets dissolve in the mouth and are, therefore, the closest alternative to BlueChew available in the UK. 

What is the difference between BlueChew and Sildenafil Tablets?

Just as Viagra is a branded version of sildenafil so they work in the same way, BlueChew sildenafil tablets work in the same way as Viagra and generic sildenafil. The main difference is that BlueChew tablets are chewable and are available in slightly different doses (30mg and 45mg) as opposed to sildenafil and Viagra tablets, which are available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses. 

Similarly, BlueChew vardenafil tablets are available in 8mg doses while vardenafil and Levitra in the UK come in 5mg, 10mg or 20mg doses and BlueChew Tadalafil is available in 6mg or 9mg as opposed to tadalafil and Cialis, which are available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg or 10mg. 

Is chewable Sildenafil better than regular tablets?

Chewable sildenafil works the same as regular sildenafil tablets. When you chew the tablets, they don't work faster. The main benefit is for people who have trouble swallowing regular tablets..

What is the equivalent of BlueChew?

Any of the erectile dysfunction medications available at Oxford Online Pharmacy will work in the same way as BlueChew, but they will be available in the form of solid pills rather than chewable ones. 

Does the BlueChew equivalent have side effects?

Most medications have possible side effects. Unless you are allergic to any of the other (non-active) ingredients of the generic or branded versions, the side effects of BlueChew and BlueChew UK equivalents are the same. These can be found in the product description or individual patient information leaflets. 

What other forms of Sildenafil are available in the UK?

Sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil are all available in various doses in the UK via prescription. The type and dosage of ED treatment recommended to you will depend on a range of factors, including your physical health and any underlying conditions and medications. In addition to the prescription medications for ED, some ED treatments are available over the counter. These include Viagra Connect and the recently approved Cialis Together. 

If you don’t like swallowing pills

It is important that you take your medication as recommended on the packet, in the patient information leaflet, or by your prescriber. If you find it difficult to swallow pills, there are a few things that you can do to make it less uncomfortable. These include leaning forward slightly when you swallow, and taking your pills with water. Alternatively, orodispersible tablets, which are currently available for vardenafil, dissolve on the tongue, so are a preferred choice for people who are unable to, or prefer not to, swallow tablets. 

The range of erectile dysfunction treatments available is constantly evolving. If you are unsure which treatment will be best for you, complete our online consultation and our pharmacist will make a recommendation.

References

1.  NLH, Patient Prefer Adherence. 2018; 12: 1337–1346, A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down? A review of strategies for making pills easier to swallow, published online 2018 Jul 26. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S164406PMCID: PMC6065591PMID: 30100710
2.  NHS, Common questions about sildenafil
3. Healthline, Will Chewing Up Viagra Make It Work Faster?
4.  NHS, problems swallowing pills