Getting Viagra online and in person requires a prescription. Explore our reviews of the most convenient online providers and compare pricing, customer experiences, and more.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition, and many people find that it is treatable with Viagra — sometimes called the “little blue pill” — and its generic form, sildenafil. Both are effective treatment options for ED and there are no differences between Viagra and sildenafil in terms of active ingredients. They both work in the same way.
You can get branded and generic Viagra online, but they both require a prescription. As a result, you cannot buy them over the counter (OTC) — they require a consultation with a doctor.
Quick facts on erectile dysfunction
ED is very common
Around 30 million men* experience ED in the U.S.
Different causes
ED could be due to a physical, emotional, or psychological block
May not need pills
Some lifestyle changes may help relieve ED symptoms
*Source:
If you’re comfortable talking about ED in person, you can meet with a doctor to discuss taking ED medications. But there are also several reputable telehealth platforms that offer consultations with doctors and other licensed medical professionals so you can get treatment online.
Below, we discuss a few telehealth platforms where you can get the ED med that works best for you, exploring Viagra prices and what you can expect from your consultation.
*Name has been changed at the request of the tester.
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We chose the following telehealth brands based on user ratings, discretion, and our product selection guidelines. This includes verifying claims that a doctor or other qualified or licensed medical professional is involved in determining the appropriateness of the prescribed medication available online.
We also ensure that sponsors and business partners never influence our content. In addition, we review Better Business Bureau ratings, where applicable, and check to make sure none of these brands have FDA
If you’d like to read more about our selection process and scoring system for telehealth platforms, check out Healthline Scores: How We Evaluate Men’s Telehealth Platforms.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We evaluate services for consistency with standards of care and best practices, and we look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the services on this page, we considered all the ED treatment services that passed our vetting process. Then, we scored each service to narrow down our list even further.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
ED is very common. In the United States alone, researchers estimate that around
ED is defined as the inability to develop and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity or penetrative sex.
Changes in some aspects of your lifestyle, such as your activity level and eating habits, can make a positive difference, as can the use of medications in some cases.
It is safe to buy Viagra online if you go to reputable telehealth providers that use board-certified medical professionals to prescribe ED medication.
If you’re interested in buying Viagra online, make sure the website you buy from requires you to have a prescription. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that nearly 96% of internet pharmacies it examined were not compliant with federal laws, state laws, or industry standards.
How to avoid fake Viagra
Since Viagra is in high demand and it’s easy to find medications online,
These falsified pills can contain a variety of ingredients that can be harmful to your body, some of which are
If a website has no prescription requirement, that’s often a giveaway that the medication is likely fake. Stick to accredited pharmacies and websites that you trust.
No matter which platform you decide to go with, the medication you get will be the same FDA-approved formula of Viagra or the generic version, sildenafil. The only thing that’s different is the platform itself and how it operates.
Here’s a basic idea of what you can expect during the process:
- Take an assessment: All the platforms will ask you questions about your medical history, any current medications, your symptoms, and more. Your answers will help a medical professional determine which ED medication is best for you and your needs.
- Verify your identity: Most online platforms will ask you for a verification method. Lemonaid asked Aaron to do a video check, which he found uncomfortable. Hims asks for your Social Security number or ID. Whichever method you use, make sure you trust the platform and its privacy policies.
- Talk with a medical professional: After you’ve created a profile, you can choose a time and date to talk with a medical professional if you don’t already have a prescription for Viagra or another ED medication. If you qualify for an ED medication, they’ll write you a prescription and take you to the next step.
- Pay and confirm: Some platforms, such as Rex MD and Hims, will ask for your payment information before you meet with a medical professional. If you don’t qualify for an ED medication, the service will refund any amount you’ve been charged. If you’re good to go, you’ll either be charged at that point or be taken to the payment and confirmation page.
- Get your medication: Last but not least, you’ll get your medication. Check with the platform to find out how your meds will be delivered. Hims offers free shipping in 2 to 5 days, but other platforms may send your prescription to a local pharmacy so you can pick it up.
If you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to ED, you may be better off meeting in person with a primary care doctor or a specialist, such as a urologist. They can assess your symptoms and determine whether an underlying condition is causing your ED, and they’ll be better able to offer solutions and next steps. ED is common, and it can occur for various reasons, including as a result of underlying medical conditions.
Your healthcare professional will most likely have a good background of your medical history, medications, and any symptoms you already have, so they will know best if you’ll benefit from Viagra.
Once you have a prescription, if your provider deems it appropriate, you can fill it at your pharmacy or ask your doctor to send it directly to your nearest pharmacy.
Take Viagra as directed. While various dosages are available, it’s important not to take more than your doctor prescribes.
While Viagra is considered safe to use, some people may experience mild side effects. Some people have also experienced serious side effects that would require emergency attention. These serious side effects include:
- vision changes
- trouble breathing
- chest pain
- a sudden decrease in or loss of hearing
- allergic reaction (symptoms include hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
- priapism (a painful and persistent erection lasting more than 4 hours)
MEDICATION INTERACTION WARNING
Some medications, including antibiotics, nitrates, antivirals, and blood pressure medications, can interact negatively with Viagra.
Always tell your healthcare professional about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Some drug interactions can cause severe or fatal side effects.
Takeaways
Prescription
Brand-name and generic Viagra ALWAYS require a prescription
Pharmacy license
Always double-check your pharmacy's license
Online pharmacies
Always check credentials of online medical professionals
If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, you’ll need to talk with a medical professional first. They will be able to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Viagra, and if so, they can write a prescription.
It’s important to share your medical history and any medications you’re taking because Viagra can have very severe side effects if taken alongside certain other medications, such as nitrates. The FDA requires a prescription for both brand-name Viagra and the generic version, sildenafil.
Your doctor may prescribe Viagra if they decide it’s the safest treatment option based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. There are also other options they can talk with you about.
If you experience a painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, get emergency care immediately, as it may be a symptom of another uro?log?ic con?di?tion.
It’s also important to get immediate medical assistance if you experience any of these serious side effects:
- aller?gic reac?tion (symptoms include skin rash, itch?ing or hives, and swelling of your face, lips, or tongue)
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- a fast, irreg?u?lar heart rate
- hear?ing loss
- vision changes
- seizures
Counterfeit Viagra may contain amphetamines, toxic chemicals, the wrong dose of active ingredients, and even blue printer ink.
It’s a good practice to avoid international websites. Each country has its own governance when it comes to manufacturing. Stick to reputable sites and pharmacies you can trust.
Currently, there are no over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives to Viagra. Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication, meaning it’s not available over the counter from your local pharmacy.
But with telemedicine, you don’t need to visit a doctor in person to get a prescription for Viagra or another ED medication.
If your doctor believes that you could benefit from this treatment, they can prescribe the medication, and you can order Viagra online and have it sent directly (and discreetly) to your home.
There are several other PDE5 inhibitors and other ED medications that may be helpful if you find that Viagra isn’t effective for you or if the price is outside your budget.
There are also wearable devices, such as the Eddie by Giddy, that are designed to be worn around your penis to help regulate blood flow. They may help some people maintain an erection without medications.
Most of the time, Viagra starts to work after 30 minutes. Some people note that Viagra works more quickly when taken on an empty stomach.
The effects of Viagra usually last 4 to 5 hours, in which time it is easier to have an erection. But in some cases, this window of time can be as long as 18 hours with sildenafil. If your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical attention immediately.
No, it is not illegal to buy Viagra online, but you need a valid prescription. There is a risk of buying counterfeit pills online, so you must only use reputable telehealth companies offering consultations with board certified medical professionals.
Viagra may be able to help reduce your ED symptoms. If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, talk with a healthcare professional first. You’ll need a prescription to get started.
Thanks to emerging telehealth services, it’s now possible to get a Viagra prescription without stepping inside a doctor’s office. But be sure to provide online healthcare professionals with your complete medical history so they can determine which treatment will best fit your needs.
If you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to ED, you may be better off meeting in person with a primary care doctor or a specialist, such as a urologist. They can assess your symptoms and determine whether an underlying condition is causing your ED, and they’ll be better able to offer solutions and next steps.