How to Get Viagra: Do You Need A Prescription? Well, it’s definitely a conversation you'd never be able to have with anyone except a board-certified healthcare professional, because Viagra isn't available over the counter. And that blue pill in the ad you clicked on probably isn’t a Viagra pill at all.To get more news about where to buy VIAGRA, you can visit our official website. We know, it's a bummer. But it makes sense. Viagra (and its generic version and active ingredient, sildenafil) is one of the most popularly prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction on the market today — but the key word there is "prescribed." In the United States, both brand name Viagra and its generic version sildenafil are only sold to people with a valid prescription. We’ve explained why Viagra can only be purchased with a prescription and how you can get a prescription to use it. We also get into why attempting to buy Viagra without a prescription — or ordering non-prescription Viagra “alternatives” — isn’t worth the time, hassle or potential health issues. Do You Need a Prescription for Viagra? Straight answer: Yes. FDA-approved since the late 1990s, Viagra (and sildenafil) is a prescription-only medication. Other ED medications, including tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®) and avanafil (Stendra®) are also only available with a valid prescription in the United States. Laws regarding the sale of Viagra vary in other countries. For example, Viagra is available over the counter in the United Kingdom as Viagra Connect®. If you’re located outside the United States, you can check your local laws for more information about the availability of ED medications. Why Can’t I Buy Viagra Without a Prescription? Sildenafil belongs to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. It works by blocking the effects of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5, which regulates blood flow to your penis. As you can imagine, anything you put into your body that can affect the way your blood flows — especially in such an impactful way — probably shouldn’t be handled lightly. With great power comes great responsibility, right? For most men, Viagra works as a safe and effective medication that treats erectile dysfunction without causing any major issues. However, like all medications, Viagra has the potential to cause side effects. Most of these side effects are mild and will gradually resolve with time, but some side effects can be more serious, which is a big reason Viagra is only available with a prescription. Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications can also interact with other drugs, including a few used to treat common cardiovascular health issues. Some of these interactions can be fatal. Let us say it again. Some of these interactions can be fatal. That’s another reason Viagra is only available by prescription. Because higher dosages can increase the risk of experiencing adverse effects, it's important to have a healthcare provider monitor your dosage, with an eye on side effects and drug interactions.