What is Viagra?
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil. It is from a class of medication known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is used to improve blood flow to the penis, aiding in the achieving and maintaining an erection.
Viagra should be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity. Its duration of effect lasts for 4 to 6 hours. It’s important to note that an erection will not occur without sexual stimulation.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which males have trouble getting or keeping an erection good enough for sex. It can happen because of narrowing of blood vessels causing insufficient blood flow to the penis or impaired nerve function.
Can I buy over the counter Viagra in Australia?
No, Viagra is a prescription only medicine in Australia and it is illegal to supply or buy it over the counter. This scheduling is due to the safety concerns around the condition and the medication, both of which should have a doctor’s involvement.
Regulatory requirements
The Regulatory body in Australia is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They have conducted rigorous testing aimed to protect public health. The TGA has scheduled Viagra as a prescription medication as it requires medical intervention before its consumption.
The scheduling of medicines is a system which controls how medicine and poisons are made available to the public. If it was to be over the counter, it would require regulatory change and continuing monitoring for safety. The TGA has warned that there may be potential harm if medicines are used inappropriately especially as some have a higher risk of causing harm than other medicines.
Consult a doctor
Medical Evaluation
Erectile dysfunction can be because of an underlying health issue, such as heart disease or diabetes. Conducting a proper medical assessment is important in identifying and addressing these potentially severe health conditions.
When doctors prescribe Viagra, they have the means to assess a patient’s overall health, taking into account their medical history and potential issues. This assessment ensures the suitability of the medication and helps in the early detection and management of any health concerns, contributing to the patient’s overall well-being.
Allowing over-the-counter access could sidestep this crucial assessment, delaying the proper treatment for ED and potentially harm individuals’ health.
Interactions
Viagra may interact with a list of medications. Some of these drug interactions may be minor to moderate and your doctor may change dosages or even discontinue treatment. However some drug interactions can be severe and combination use is not recommended.
Some medicines shouldn’t be taken with food or certain foods (e.g. grapefruit juice), and using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines can also lead to interactions. These interactions can increase the risk of specific side effects.
Side Effects
Viagra has potential side effects and contraindications. The side effects include headaches, indigestion, nasal congestion, indigestion and facial flushing. Some side effects can be more severe, such as a prolonged and painful erection, which needs immediate medical attention.
A healthcare professional’s guidance helps patients be aware of these risks and they can make informed decisions about its use. Though a pharmacist can provide effective counseling to make sure the medication is used safely, they are limited to the knowledge of the patient’s health status to safely prescribe.
If sold over-the-counter, without doctor intervention, there could be adverse effects which aren’t treated or reported timely.
Misuse and Abuse
Viagra, like any medication, has the potential for misuse or overuse. Some individuals might take it without a proper medical need, either for amusement or because of performance anxiety. Without a GP diagnosis or an evaluation of underlying issues, buying viagra over the counter could potentially lead to health problems or dangerous drug interactions.
Ensuring a proper doctor consultation has taken place to treat ED, can ensure limitations to harmful use.
Dosage
Viagra is available in different strengths and package sizes offering options catered to individual needs. The dosage ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg. People’s health and medical histories vary and what may be safe and effective for one person might not be suitable for another. Over the counter medications are made to be suited to the majority of the public however an ED medication like Viagra requires individual consideration.
Consulting a doctor
To ensure proper treatment of erectile dysfunction is obtained, individuals should consult a health care provider. Following the doctor’s instructions regarding the use of Viagra is important and regular follow up appointments are necessary for monitoring.
Consult a doctor
Resources:
1.1 Sildenafil | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
