PharmaGossip: Cumberland News | Carlisle chemist chain to sell sex drug Viagra over counter

By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 11:57, Wednesday, 20 April 2011

A Carlisle chemist chain is now offering sex drug Viagra to customers without the need for a prescription.

Dalston Pharmacy, which has branches in Dalston, Carlisle and southern Scotland, is among the first independent chemist firms to start selling the impotence drug over the counter.

Until now last year it was only available following an appointment with your GP, but since September some of the big chain stores like Tesco and Boots have been offering it without prescription.

Now some independent firms are following suit, offering customers extra convenience and discretion.

In addition – to coincide with the holiday season – Dalston Pharmacy will also be among the first to sell malaria tablets that were previously only available from a GP.

Mark Stakim, who owns the chemist chain, said both of the services are all-in-one.

“Pharmacists with specialist training provide the medication,” he said. “There is no waiting for a doctor’s appointment to get a prescription.

“The cost to the customer is usually low and it is certainly convenient.

“Customers just complete a form in-store.”

In terms of the malaria service, which is available to anyone over 18, he said families going on holiday can now get the medication they need without having to pay for a private prescription or shop around.

However, people travelling to some higher risk parts of the world will still need to see their surgery for vaccines. Customers will be asked questions to ensure the medication is suitable for them and the country they are visiting.

Mr Stakim also hopes that the Viagra service will meet increasing demand for the medication, which can be difficult to obtain safely.

Men with impotence problems can visit the pharmacies for check-ups, which are held in special clinic areas.

Open to all men aged 30 to 65, they are asked to answer a simple questionnaire to see if medication is suitable and get advice at the same time.

Mr Stakim explained why the service – run by specially-trained pharmacists – is needed: “Most men needing prescription impotence treatment do not qualify for it on the NHS, even when they have distressing symptoms and treatment would be effective.

“The new pharmacy based services are easy to access, confidential and affordable. Men getting medication from their local pharmacies will not be tempted to go on-line to websites selling fakes.”

All men with impotence are advised to tell their GPs as it can be a symptom of circulation problems. He added that Viagra medication is not suitable for all men. Pharmacists will keep GPs informed, although customers can opt out from this process.

Mr Stakim added that in the years to come, more medical services and prescription medicines will be available direct from pharmacies – both increasing customer choice and relieving ever-growing pressures on the NHS.

First published at 11:31, Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

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Have your say

I'm well up for it - great idea

Posted by Michael on 20 April 2011 at 15:07

this is great news, i will most definetley be popping in to the chemist

Posted by carl whitehead on 20 April 2011 at 12:16

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