Is Viagra Connect the same as Viagra?

Like most medicines, there are different variations of the same active ingredient. In this instance, Viagra contains the active ingredient Sildenafil, and so does Viagra Connect. So, what is the difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect? In this article, we are exploring the differences so you can make the best decision for you.  

What is Viagra? 

Since its release in 1998, Viagra has been produced and sold by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. PDE5 inhibitor Sildenafil citrate, the active component, increases blood flow to the penis to help erectile dysfunction (impotence) sufferers attain and sustain an erection. 

Since Viagra's release on the market in 1998, it has become a global phenomenon, helping millions of men with erectile dysfunction. (1) 

Viagra can help you: 

• Get hard 
• Stay hard for a sufficient time 
• Keep an erection for sexual intercourse 

What is Viagra Connect? 

The active ingredient in both Viagra tablets and Viagra Connect tablets is sildenafil citrate, which works by increasing the blood flow to the penis and allows you to achieve and maintain an erection while being sexually stimulated. 

However, just the 50mg dosage of Viagra Connect is offered, although there are three dosages of Viagra: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. 

Viagra Connect vs Viagra 

What is the difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect? 

The main distinction between both medicines is that Viagra Connect can be purchased over the counter whereas Viagra requires a doctor's prescription. 

Both Viagra Connect and Viagra are produced by Pfizer, have sildenafil citrate as their active component, and function in the same manner. 

Is Viagra Connect the same as Viagra, you might be wondering. Well, while it's not exactly the same, it's rather similar. Even though both medicines contain the active ingredient sildenafil, the strength, the way you buy the medication differ. 

To briefly summarise, Viagra Connect is only available in 50mg strength and can be bought ‘over the counter’ without a prescription. 

Does Viagra Connect work?  

Over a million men have used Viagra Connect, according to Pfizer's own marketing, with 74% of those who had erection issues saying it helped. (2) 

This is consistent with research on the effectiveness of Sildenafil Citrate, the active component of Viagra, which indicated that 82% of respondents showed "activity" (i.e., achieved an erection) within 30 minutes of the survey. (3) 

Therefore, even while it does not work for everyone Viagra Connect can have an effect on the vast majority of users. 

Viagra Connect relaxes the blood arteries to the penis, allowing more blood to enter it. This means that when you are sexually aroused, you can get an erection. Your erection will naturally disappear after sexual activity. 

How to take Viagra Connect?  

Viagra Connect is easy to use. Take one tablet with water about an hour before you plan to engage in sexual activity.  

The benefits may be delayed if taken with meals, especially a heavy meal. 

Even though Viagra Connect helps you get hard, it will not work without sexual stimulation, so this is essential. 

How Long Does Viagra Connect Take to Start Working?  

The effects of Viagra Connect differ from person to person, as they do with most medications. The average time it takes to get an erection is between 30 and 60 minutes, and it may continue for up to four hours. 

Price comparison Viagra vs Viagra Connect

*The prices displayed are as of 21.04.2023 and subject to change.

Viagra Connect is only available in a 50mg dose and in 3 small box sizes, 2,4, and 8 tablets.

As you can see from the table above comparing Viagra and Viagra Connect prices, if you do not require as many tablets or wanted to try Viagra for the first time, Viagra Connect would be the cheaper option.  

Is Viagra Connect safe?  

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stated in November 2017 that Viagra would be sold without a prescription in high street pharmacies starting in the spring of 2018. The choice was made after the creation of Viagra Connect, which was confirmed to be a secure non-prescription medication. (4) 

This was brilliant news for men suffering from erectile dysfunction who could only get Viagra on a prescription from their doctor or via a prescription service like Online Doctor. 

It's conceivable that some men with this ED may be interested in, or even worried about, the variations between Viagra prescription and Viagra Connect over the counter. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our medication professionals who will gladly answer any queries you have.

Side effects of Viagra Connect  

Like all medications, you can experience side effects, although not everyone gets them. Even though this medication is available over the counter, Viagra Connect is no exception. See below a list of some of the side effects reported with Viagra Connect: 

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 

• headache 

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 

• nausea, indigestion, stuffy nose, dizziness 
• colour tinge to vision, blurred vision, visual disturbance 
• facial flushing, hot flush (a sudden feeling of heat in your upper body) 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): 

• vomiting, upper abdominal pain, acid reflux (including heartburn) 
• dry mouth, blocked or stuffy sinuses, inflammation of the lining of the nose (can be experienced as runny nose, sneezing and stuffy nose) 
• pounding heartbeat, rapid heartbeat 
• high blood pressure 
• low blood pressure (typical signs are dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, and tiredness) 
• skin rash, pain in the arms or legs, nosebleed, feeling hot, feeling tired (fatigue) 
• eye irritation, bloodshot eyes/red eyes, eye pain, seeing flashes of light, visual brightness, light sensitivity, watery eyes 
• muscle pain, feeling sleepy, reduced sense of touch, vertigo, ringing in the ears 
• presence of blood in the urine 

Where to buy Viagra Connect?  

You can buy Viagra Connect at most pharmacies without a prescription. You may find that it is easier to order online, from the comfort of your own home – at OxfordOnlinePharmacy you can get Viagra Connect for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.  

 So, why buy ED treatment online? 

No face-to-face appointments - we know that ED can be an embarrassing topic for many, at OxfordOnlinePharmacy you can order your medication without us ever meeting.  

Decreet delivery - all deliveries are made using the Royal Mail parcel delivery service in unbranded discreet packaging. This means that you can purchase products from us discreetly. As you would expect, our billing information is discreet too, ensuring you peace of mind. 

Lower prices - online pharmacies can often get ED medication in bulk, resulting in being able to sell it cheaper than your local pharmacy which may lack the storage space. At OxfordOnlinePharmacy we also offer competitive discounts on our products when you sign up for our mailing list. Not to mention, we have a price match promise; if you find the medication cheaper, elsewhere online, we will match it. * 

Viagra Connect questionnaire  

As our patient, your safety is our main priority. When purchasing Viagra Connect, you do not need a prescription, however, as you have selected a pharmacy medicine, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire so our pharmacist can review the answers to see that you receive the most appropriate pharmacy medicines suitable for you.  

To buy Viagra Connect head over to our website to get started. 

References 

1. NCBI, Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006; 5(8): 689–702. doi: 10.1038/nrd2030, Sildenafil: from angina to erectile dysfunction to pulmonary hypertension and beyond 
2. Viagra, What is Viagra Connect?
3. NCBI, Clin Interv Aging. 2006 Dec; 1(4): 403–414.Published online 2006 Dec. doi:10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.403, Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: an overview of the clinical evidence
4. GOV.UK, Published 28 November 2017, MHRA reclassifies Viagra Connect tablets to a Pharmacy medicine

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