Where can I buy Viagra (sildenafil)?

Erectile dysfunction affects around 30 million people in the US, making access to Viagra (sildenafil) front of mind for many. And while ads for Viagra online seem to be everywhere, some options for getting this medication are legitimate, while others are dangerous. In the United States, Viagra is a prescription medication meaning that it requires a visit with a healthcare provider. But that visit can be virtual through telehealth or in-person. If you prefer to skip the face-to-face conversation with a healthcare provider about your symptoms, there are many discreet options to buy Viagra online and have your prescription shipped safely to your door. We’ll cover everything you need to know about where you can buy Viagra, how to get it shipped straight to your door, and how to avoid illegitimate sources of Viagra. Read on to learn more.  

Since Viagra hit the market more than two decades ago, it’s been a game changer in the world of erectile dysfunction. With one little blue pill, hundreds of millions of men have been able to improve their sex lives. This medication and others like it are generally safe and effective, even for long-term use. Still, though, the FDA requires a prescription for the medication, meaning that until more recently, patients had to visit their doctors to get the drugs––a visit that might be uncomfortable for some.

But telehealth took off more recently, allowing patients to access Viagra (generic name sildenafil) as well as other medications like it) from the comfort of their home. With online clinics like Roman, you can click through an easy-to-navigate online visit, get access to a US-based, licensed healthcare professional, and get your prescription delivered straight to your door. 

Another option is to make an appointment with your in-person healthcare provider. Your family physician or GP will be able to ask you a series of questions about your medical history, which medications, if any you are currently taking, and any history you have of erectile dysfunction. These questions will explore the circumstances in which you have difficulty getting an erection (which can be occasionally, sometimes, or always) as well as questions about any associated health conditions you might have that are known to contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (such as diabetes and heart disease). 

The FDA does require that a licensed healthcare professional write a prescription for Viagra (or the generic version––sildenafil). While you might be able to find websites offering Viagra without a prescription, it’s a good idea to steer clear (see below where we talk about counterfeit Viagra).  

So why does the FDA require a prescription for Viagra? Although Viagra and other ED medications are safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, they can have serious and even life-threatening effects in people who shouldn’t use the medication. 

Common side effects may include headaches, facial flushing, nasal congestion, stomach upset, and backache. More severe side effects can include vision changes and priapism (painful erections lasting over four hours).

If you notice changes to your erections, like difficulty getting or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfying sex, consult a healthcare provider. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes caused by a serious underlying medical condition, including heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, or depression. A healthcare professional should take your full medical history before prescribing Viagra.

Not surprisingly, Viagra is one of the most counterfeited drugs in the world. (Anyone who's been a victim of online pop-up ads touting Viagra prescriptions for cents on the dollar can attest to that).

And while it may seem like a quick and easy way to get your hands on the medication, when you buy an unregulated substitute for the real thing, you don't know what you're getting. In 2011, Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra, investigated counterfeits by buying them online and testing their contents. Some of the pills they received contained blue printer ink, amphetamines ("speed"), an antibiotic called metronidazole, too much of the active ingredient sildenafil (or not enough), or even drywall. 

Hopefully, we've made the point: Getting Viagra without a prescription is risky and can have serious health risks. And since it’s never been easier to make a visit online with a healthcare provider to get evaluated for ED and get a prescription for Viagra, for your own safety, stay away from websites claiming to sell Viagra or other prescription drugs like Cialis (tadalafil) over the counter.

Viagra is part of a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs inhibit the body's production of an enzyme called PDE-5, which relaxes the blood vessels in the penis and encourages blood flow, resulting in firmer and longer-lasting erections. If you’re looking for an alternative to Viagra, there are other medications in the same class and their generic counterparts, including:

• Cialis (tadalafil)

• Levitra (vardenafil)

• Stendra (avanafil)

Generic options are just as effective as the brand-name alternatives and, in most cases, are less expensive. The medications differ in terms of how long they work for and how often you need to take them. For example, Viagra is typically taken an hour or two before you want to have sex while Cialis is sometimes taken daily to avoid having to plan ahead. You can learn more about the different options here. 

If you have erectile dysfunction, there are many safe and effective treatment options available to you (medication and otherwise). Should you choose to treat erectile dysfunction with medication, check with your healthcare provider and insurance to find the best option for you.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

October 04, 2023

Written by

Health Guide Team

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.