Laws regarding Viagra differ from country to country, making it confusing as to whether you can get Viagra over the counter at CVS.
This article looks at the purchase and availability information for the prescription medication Viagra: where you can buy it, how you can buy it, and what you need to know before buying it.
Can You Get Viagra Over The Counter At CVS?
There is confusion around the availability of Viagra to customers without prescriptions. This may be because the prescription status of Viagra differs from country to country. In The United States, Viagra is only supplied upon receipt of a prescription. Therefore, you cannot buy it over the counter from any CVS Pharmacy.
In 2018, Viagra (Viagra Connect) was reclassified in Great Britain from a prescription-only medicine to a pharmacy medicine. This means customers in Britain can purchase Viagra over the counter.
But this is not the case in The United States. In 2015, complexities around obtaining Viagra increased further when CVS announced that they were removing Viagra (and 25 other drugs) from the 2016 standard formulary.
A formulary is a list of medicines with associated financial incentives which are available to consumer private health care members. The removal of Viagra from the formulary meant that customers who carried prescription benefit insurance with CVS/Caremark would no longer receive insurance coverage on them. However, the drugs themselves were still available.
For drugs that are not on a formulary, patients must pay a larger percentage of the cost of the drug. Often they will pay the full cost of the item.
At the time of the announcement, CVS advised that for those medicines dropped from the list (including Viagra) of drugs the company covered, there will be cheaper equivalents available (that are still covered by its insurance plan).
However, Viagra (or any erectile dysfunction medication equivalent) will still not be sold over the counter.
Is Viagra Available At CVS?
Viagra is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra’s prescription status means that it cannot be purchased “over the counter” in The United States at CVS pharmacies (or any other pharmacy) without a legal prescription.
How Much Is Viagra At CVS?
The prices found online for Viagra vary in estimation so much that it is safer to contact your local CVS pharmacy and ask them directly for the price of your prescription medication. The pharmacist should also give you prices for the generic brands of Viagra – which will be much cheaper anyway.
The reasons for the fluctuations (and confusion) in Viagra pricing occur because
- Pricing changes over time
- Different health insurance companies offer different prescription benefits
- There are now many Viagra (or Sildenafil) generic equivalents, most of which have similar names
- Viagra price estimations are often presented in tables. The information given covers different Viagra medications, different dosages, and varying tablet counts. Not understanding the table settings clearly can give confusing results.
- Viagra pricing information is often published by websites, such as SingleCare or GoodRx, which are often adding their own (very useful) information. This information, however, can result in different price estimates for prescription medication.
- Pharmacy reward programmes can also influence the prices of prescription medications such as Viagra
What Is SingleCare?
SingleCare, who partner with CVS Pharmacy, offer a prescription discount plan. Anyone can take advantage of SingleCare’s discount program regardless of their insurance status.
SingleCare offer a free discount card that lowers the cash price of prescription medications. For example, the SingleCare information regarding Viagra medications can be found here.
You’ll have to scroll down the list to find the information for CVS (SingleCare partner with a range of pharmacies). Note the “Brand” tab. Click this to compare prices for Viagra (brand) and Sildenafil Citrate (the generic version). You can also compare dosages and tablet counts.
You’ll have to sign up to take advantage of the programme offers.
What Is GoodRx?
GoodRx is an American healthcare company which gathers current prices and discounts to help you find the lowest cost pharmacy for your prescriptions. GoodRx is free to join but does offer a superior membership which will locate better discounts for members.
The GoodRx information for Viagra medication can be found here. Again, remember to take note of the brand, dosage, and tablet counts when consulting the table.
Where Can I Buy Viagra Over The Counter?
Sildenafil, which is sold under the brand name Viagra (among others), is not sold over the counter in The United States. If you want to purchase Viagra over the counter, you’ll have to do it in Great Britain.
Currently, the prescription status of Viagra internationally is as follows:
- Australia – prescription only
- Canada – prescription only
- United Kingdom – over the counter
- United States – prescription only
- Europe – prescription only
The reason for the substance control regulation is “the potential scope of misuse, from drug abuse to practicing medicine without a license and without sufficient education”.
Unfortunately, Viagra (and other approved generic brands) have known side effects. And even more serious are those counterfeit generic brands which are sold but not approved, and which contain dangerous ingredients for consumers.
Common side effects of Viagra:
- headache
- flushing
- indigestion
- stuffy nose
- back pain
- muscle pain
- nausea
- dizziness
- rash
When symptoms don’t go away, always consult a doctor, regardless of where you bought the medication.
Can I Buy Viagra Online?
Viagra can be purchased online from a range of vendors. If you are planning to make an online purchase, it is best to consult a known health authority, such as Healthline, and follow the advice given there first.
For example, Healthline advise that when buying Viagra online, consumers need to be able to consider Viagra generic medications but avoid counterfeit medications. Experts advise buyers to always look for the following:
- A reputable retailer
- The presence of licensed medical professionals
- A licensed pharmacy with an address in the United States
- FDA-approved medications
- Clearly labelled containers with the name of the medication and dosage
- A licensed pharmacist who is available to answer any questions afterward
- A licensed pharmacy that asks for a prescription from your doctor
How Do I Know If An Online Pharmacy Is Reputable?
Healthline advise that a good online pharmacy will always include the following customer service features:
- Multiple, clear, and easy ways to contact a customer service representative immediately, such as a pop-up chat windows, an email service, a contact form you can submit, or a phone number you can call
- An easy to find medical advisory board and a network of licensed healthcare professionals
- Clear visible information regarding practitioners and physicians, medical licenses and credentials
- Detailed information about the product, including ingredients and side effects
- Consistent positive purchase feedback from other shoppers
If in doubt, abandon the purchase and consult advice from elsewhere, such as a local pharmacist or health service. And remember that you can always see a doctor via a telehealth consultation and obtain a prescription (and advice) that way.
Want to learn more about CVS? Make sure to read these posts next to learn if you can print documents at CVS, does CVS develop film, and does CVS take passport photos.
Summary
Trying to figure out how to best purchase expensive prescription medications such as Viagra isn’t easy, especially when there is conflicting information which is constantly changing.
However, whenever you’re considering information regarding your health, always consult professional advice first.
This can be your doctor, pharmacist, or any health service. If you’re going to make online purchase, choose the most reputable companies.
Investigate your options and find out how to access prescription discounts. And finally, never put your health at risk by purchasing doubtful Viagra medications for the sake of lower prices.