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The safest places to buy ED pills online are reputable telehealth companies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against purchasing ED pills from websites that do not require a prescription.
According to a 2021 study, the number of ED products available online and in retail stores is increasing. However, people should be vigilant and avoid unregulated ED remedies, including those manufacturers claim to be “natural supplements.”
This article looks at some erectile dysfunction medications, the risks associated with buying them online, and where to get ED pills safely. It will also discuss alternative ways of treating ED.
Multiple online telehealth companies offer ED medication online. It is important only to use companies that offer an online consultation with a licensed medical professional.
The best place to obtain ED pills is a licensed pharmacy. A pharmacist can answer a person’s questions about ED pills and provide them with information on the possible side effects.
People who would prefer to fill their prescriptions online should choose a reputable online pharmacy in the United States with an in-house pharmacist who can help with any problems or questions.
Reputable online pharmacies have a seal of approval from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. This proves that the pharmacy is legal and does not sell counterfeit drugs.
People should not obtain ED pills from websites without contact details, that offer much lower prices than pharmacies, and that do not ask for a prescription.
Medical News Today chooses online pharmacies for ED medication that fit the following criteria:
Healthcare professionals: Each online pharmacy or telehealth company uses licensed healthcare professionals, including doctors, who advise individuals and prescribe ED medication.
Prescriptions: Each online pharmacy or telehealth company offers an ED medication prescription after an appointment with a doctor.
Contact details: Each online pharmacy or telehealth company provides legitimate contact details.
Privacy: Each online pharmacy or telehealth company has a privacy policy on its website describing how it protects people’s credit card and personal information.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
People should not buy ED pills online unless they have a prescription from a doctor and are purchasing them from a reputable online pharmacy or telehealth company. The FDA does not regulate online ED products — unless it is an approved medication like sildenafil (Viagra) — to ensure they are safe.
The FDA states that it has found many products claiming to enhance sexual performance that contain undisclosed ingredients. Some of these ingredients are found in ED prescription medications, such as Viagra and Cialis, and may interact with medications or supplements.
This means that online ED products could contain harmful substances or high amounts of drugs that consumers are unaware of.
The FDA keeps a database of tainted drugs, which is available to view online. A non-exhaustive list of products that contain undisclosed PDE5 inhibitors includes:
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are medications individuals can use to help treat ED. These drugs prolong erections by blocking the action of the phosphodiesterase enzyme, which triggers the end of an erection. However, a person must have a sexual drive, or libido, for PDE5 inhibitors to work.
The FDA has approved the use of four PDE5 inhibitors for ED:
Getting ED pills without consulting a doctor or pharmacist first is not safe. ED pills that do not require a prescription may not come from a trustworthy company.
Also, PDE5 inhibitors can cause serious interactions with other medications. For instance, people who take sildenafil alongside medications that contain nitrates may experience severely low blood pressure.
Drug interactions and preexisting conditions are some of the factors a doctor can take into account before prescribing an ED medication to ensure that it will be safe and effective.
Therefore, it is vital to consult a doctor before purchasing ED pills.
People should work with a doctor they trust and feel comfortable with to get started and continue to get medical help as they adjust to their medication.
People who think that they have ED can speak with a doctor. A doctor will be able to determine which treatment options are best.
For example, for those with ED and metabolic syndrome, a doctor may suggest a weight loss program that could improve their sexual performance. A doctor can also suggest whether a medication or a procedure is more appropriate.
Anyone taking ED pills should consult a doctor immediately if they are experiencing any side effects, such as:
No medication can help a person get an erection instantly, and the FDA warns that over-the-counter (OTC) erectile dysfunction (ED) pills may contain undeclared sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. These pills may cause unintentional interactions with dietary supplements or medication, and people should avoid them.
People should only use medication for ED that has FDA approval. People need a valid prescription from a licensed doctor for these medications.
ED medication typically takes up to 1 hour to work.
Generic ED medication is typically much more affordable than branded options. For instance, Viagra can cost around $90 per pill, whereas its generic, sildenafil, can cost around $3 per pill. Generic and branded medications contain the same active ingredients and will be equally effective.
All PDE5 inhibitors work the same way. A licensed healthcare professional will prescribe whichever medication is appropriate for a person’s needs.
Some PDE5 inhibitors, such as Cialis, last longer than Viagra. Some medications are suitable for daily use, whereas a person can take other types as necessary.
People can discuss which medication is most appropriate with a medical professional.
losing weight, if a person has overweight or obesity
stopping smoking, if a person smokes
eating a healthy, balanced diet
exercising daily
reducing stressors and anxiety triggers if possible
stopping cycling if a person cycles for more than 3 hours per week
Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of ED. The CDC recommends drinking no more than two alcoholic beverages per day for males.
People can get herbal remedies and supplements for ED on Amazon, but it is not possible to get FDA-approved medication from the site. There may be limited evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of OTC ED medication, and the FDA warns OTC ED pills can contain undeclared sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. These pills may interact with medication and supplements and can be unsafe.
People should not buy ED medication without a prescription from a doctor.
People can get ED medication from a doctor or a telehealth service. A doctor must provide a valid prescription for a person to receive ED medication.
ED medication is well-known for its effectiveness. Many options can work within 1 hour.
The cause of a person’s ED will effect how easy it is to treat. As such, there is no one treatment that will treat ED in everyone. Many people find success with ED medication, such as Viagra or its generic version, sildenafil.
Purchasing ED pills online can be unsafe, as these products are not subject to FDA regulations. They may contain harmful ingredients or high amounts of unlisted drugs. The FDA has already banned numerous ED products.
The safest way to obtain ED pills is to consult a doctor. If the medication is appropriate, the doctor will provide a prescription. A person can fill the prescription online or offline at a reputable pharmacy.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Rhim HC, et al. (2019). The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction: A systemic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30770070/
Wang J, et al. (2022). Acetyl-L-carnitine improves erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats via promoting cavernous nerve regeneration. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35420721/
