A new drug similar to Viagra will be sold in pharmacies in the UK from today without prescription.
Cialis is an erectile dysfunction drug and - much like the more famous counterpart Viagra - promises to keep men going when they might otherwise have not been able to.
Today (6 June), the drug is able to be sold over the counter in UK pharmacies like Boots after it was deemed to be safe to take without consulting a doctor or getting a prescription in March.
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Viagra has been available over the counter since 2018, making Cialis the second erectile dysfunction drug you can buy during a simple trip to the chemist.
The pills can last up to 36 hours, and pharmacists are encouraging those with erectile dysfunction to shake off the stigma and come forward.
After all, it’s a pretty common thing, affecting a lot of men.
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Also, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Speaking to The Sun, Boots pharmacist Vuyani Chinyowa said: “Most men have difficulties getting or keeping an erection at some point in their lives and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
“If you have any concerns, you can visit your local pharmacy for a private chat for advice and to find what over-the-counter treatments might help you.
“If you continue to have problems getting an erection on a regular basis, you should speak again to your local pharmacist or GP as soon as possible.
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“Erection difficulties can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition so it’s really important to get this checked out.”
You can attempt to mitigate against erectile dysfunction, with reducing weight, quitting smoking cigarettes, and lowering the amount of alcohol you consume all known to help.
About half of men in the UK between 40 and 70 are affected by ED, with some 16.5 million men in total experiencing some form of the condition.
Now, over-18s will be able to buy a pill called Cialis Together over the counter after a consultation with a pharmacist rather than a GP.
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Kristie Sourial, a representative for Sanofi - the company that owns the licence for Cialis Together - said: “When a person experiences erectile dysfunction it can have a negative impact on their sex life and lead them to be hesitant and anxious to engage in sexual intercourse with their partner.
“The addition of a new, self-care option that is accessible in UK pharmacies is beneficial in helping men with erectile dysfunction to manage their condition.”
It’s not a cheap solution, however.
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At Boots, four pills will cost £21.99, whereas a pack of eight is £37.
Some competitors are even more expensive than that.
Alcohol can impact the effectiveness of the drug, and while side effects are uncommon, Lloyds Pharmacy states that they can include ‘headaches, indigestion, palpitations (racing heartbeat), light headedness, facial flushing, nasal congestion and muscle aches’.
As ever, consult the pharmacist before you use it, and you’ll more than likely be absolutely fine.
Tom Wood