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If you’re interested in buying Viagra online, four of the best options available are Hims, Roman, Lemonaid, and Optum Store. Read on for full details on the process and pricing.

Although erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an upsetting diagnosis for some, many people find their condition is treatable with Viagra — sometimes called the “little blue pill” — and it’s generic form, sildenafil.

If you’re looking for convenience or discretion while shopping for Viagra online, you will first need a prescription. Thankfully several telehealth companies, such as Hims, Roman, Lemonaid, and the Optum Store, all have doctors and other licensed medical professionals on hand to prescribe the appropriate medication, if necessary.

Keep reading to learn more about how to order Viagra online, how it works, and how it compares with other ED medications that can be purchased through these online services.

We chose the following brands based on user ratings, discreetness, and our product selection guidelines. This includes verifying Hims, Roman, Lemonaid, and Optum Store claims that a doctor or other qualified or licensed medical professional is involved in determining the appropriateness of the prescribed medication.

NameIs branded Viagra available?Is generic Viagra (sildenafil) available?How much does Viagra cost online?What dosage is available?
Himsyesyes– starting at $139 per dose of Viagra
– starting at $4 per dose of sildenafil, depending on dosage
25 mg–100 mg
Romanyesyes– $90 per dose of Viagra
– $4–$10 per dose of sildenafil, depending on dosage
25 mg–100 mg
Lemonaidnoyes– starting at $2 per dose of sildenafil, depending on dosage20 mg
Optum Storeyesyes– starting at $80 per dose of Viagra
– starting at $6 per dose of sildenafil or $16–$22 per month for a 30-day supply
20 mg–100 mg
*Prices as of September 2023

How common is erectile dysfunction?

ED is very common. In the United States alone, researchers estimate around 30 million men have the condition.

ED is defined as the inability to develop and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity or penetrative sex.

Changes in some lifestyle habits, such as activity levels and nutrition, can make a positive difference, as well as the use of medications in some cases.

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Viagra is a brand-name prescription drug approved to treat ED. Viagra contains sildenafil, which belongs to a class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Viagra is the well-known brand-name version of this medication. It works by increasing blood flow to your penis, which helps you have and keep an erection. However, it only works if you’re sexually aroused.

Viagra is approved for use in those who are 18 years and older.

Though Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer, plenty of other companies also make and sell less expensive versions of generic sildenafil pills.

Taking Viagra can cause mild or serious side effects. Mild effects may go away in a few days or a couple of weeks. These side effects can include:

  • headache
  • flushing
  • indigestion
  • stuffy nose
  • back pain
  • muscle pain
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • rash

If these side effects don’t go away after a week or so, talk with your prescribing healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Serious side effects are uncommon but may occur. Call your prescribing healthcare professional right away if you experience serious side effects, such as:

  • sudden vision loss in one eye
  • sudden decrease or loss of hearing
  • allergic reaction (hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
  • priapism (painful and persistent erection lasting more than 4 hours)
  • low blood pressure
  • fast heart rate
  • Have an accurate diagnosis and prescription: Remember that Viagra and generic sildenafil are not available over the counter — you will need a prescription. Some companies even offer online consultations that connect you with healthcare professionals who can assess your symptoms before your purchase and make an accurate ED diagnosis.
  • Use a licensed pharmacy to avoid counterfeit medications: Oral medications for ED are among the most counterfeited medications in the world. Online pharmacies can sell counterfeit medications, so it’s important to do your research before you buy from any retailer.
  • Buy from an online pharmacy operating in the country and state you live in: In 2014, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that 97% of the internet pharmacies it examined were not compliant with federal laws, state laws, or industry standards.

To avoid buying counterfeit medications, look for the following:

  • reputable retailer
  • consultation with a licensed medical professional
  • licensed pharmacy that asks for a prescription from your doctor
  • licensed pharmacy with an address in the United States
  • FDA-approved medications
  • clearly labeled containers with the name of the medication and dosage
  • licensed pharmacist who is available to answer any questions afterward

What makes a reputable online pharmacy or health platform?

There should be multiple, clear ways to contact a customer service representative, such as a pop-up chat window, an email to send questions, a contact form you can submit, or a phone number you can call.

The company may have a medical advisory board and a network of licensed healthcare professionals.

As a user of their services or platform, it should be easy for you to see information about the nurse practitioners and physicians you work with, such as medical license and credentials.

Is there an alternative to Viagra?

In addition to Viagra, there are several other PDE5 inhibitors and ED medications that may be able to help if you find that Viagra isn’t effective for you or the price is outside of your budget.

There are also wearable devices like the Eddie by Giddy that are designed to be worn around the penis to help regulate blood flow. They may help some people maintain an erection without medications.

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If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, you’ll need to talk with a healthcare 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 that you discuss with them your medical history and any medications that you’re taking because Viagra can have very severe side effects if taken alongside certain other medications like nitrates. The FDA does require a prescription for Viagra, both for the brand-name medication and its 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 sign of another uro­log­ic con­di­tion.

It’s also important to get immediate medical assistance if you experience any of these serious side effects:

  • aller­gic reac­tion, such as skin rash, itch­ing or hives, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • fast, irreg­u­lar heart rate
  • hear­ing loss
  • vision changes
  • seizures

Some ED medications are PDE5 inhibitors that relax smooth muscle tissue and increase blood flow. There are four main types of PDE5 inhibitors:

Can you buy legitimate and legal Viagra online?

Counterfeit Viagra is known to 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.

Is there an over the counter version of Viagra? Can I get Viagra online without seeing a doctor?

Currently, there are no over the counter alternatives to Viagra available. 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 your 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.

How can I get Viagra today?

The truth is, receiving Viagra same day may not be possible.

Many of the companies on this list advertise free consultations where you will be evaluated for a prescription within 24 to 48 hours alongside with fast and free shipping, which means that you could potentially receive your ED medications in only a couple of days.

While some countries sell Viagra over-the-counter, in the United States, Viagra and similar ED medications like sildenafil, Cialis, and tadalafil, require a prescription from a licensed doctor.

One of the reasons that a prescription is required is because of potentially life threatening contraindications that can occur from taking Viagra with other medications — like nitrates for lowering blood pressure — at the same time. An evaluation from a doctor can help decrease your risk.

If you would like to receive Viagra as fast as possible, you may want to consider talking with your doctor in person or through a virtual televisit portal to see if a prescription can be filled same-day at a local pharmacy.

Of course, this option may incur additional costs for the doctor’s visit, especially if you aren’t covered under an insurance plan.

How long does Viagra take to start working? How long does it last?

It really depends based on the person.

Most of the time, Viagra starts to work after 30 minutes. Some people note that Viagra works faster when taken on an empty stomach.

The effects of Viagra usually last around 4 to 5 hours, in which time it is easier to have an erection. But in some cases, this window of time can last as long as 18 hours with sildenafil. If your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical attention immediately.

It’s important to talk with a doctor if you regularly experience ED and want to start taking Viagra.

When shopping for Viagra online, look for services that are FDA approved and involve a personalized approach with a medical professional. Only purchase medication from reputable retailers.

Iman Balagam is a writer based in Houston, Texas. When she’s not laughing at her own jokes, or buying overpriced chia pudding, she can be found reading fiction novels, catching a spin class, doomscrolling through TikTok, or waiting for her delayed Spirit flight to board.