Whether you can buy an ED tablet without seeing a doctor depends on where you live. In a few places you can get one from a pharmacist after a short consultation. In most, you need a prescription. Here is how the rules look in the main English-speaking markets and the EU, as checked in October 2026.
The short version
| Where | Sildenafil (Viagra) | Tadalafil (Cialis) |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Pharmacy medicine (Viagra Connect, 50 mg) after a chat with a pharmacist; other strengths on prescription1 | Pharmacy medicine (Cialis Together, 10 mg) after a chat with a pharmacist; other strengths on prescription2 |
| United States | Prescription only3 | Prescription only4 |
| Australia | Prescription only5 | Prescription only5 |
| New Zealand | Prescription, or from a specially trained pharmacist for men aged 35 to 706 | The pharmacist route covers sildenafil only6 |
| European Union | Prescription only for the EU-authorised brand7 | Prescription only for the EU-authorised brand8 |
UK: Viagra Connect and Cialis Together
The UK medicines regulator (MHRA) made Viagra Connect, containing sildenafil 50 mg, a pharmacy medicine in November 2017, for men over 18 with erectile dysfunction1. It went on sale in 2018. In March 2023 it did the same for Cialis Together, containing tadalafil 10 mg2.
“Over the counter” here means after a conversation with a pharmacist, not off the shelf. The pharmacist checks whether the medicine is suitable, advises on how to use it and on side effects, and tells you if you should see a GP. These products are not sold to men with severe heart conditions, a high risk of heart disease, severe liver or kidney failure, or who take certain interacting medicines; those men need a doctor’s supervision12. The NHS also advises a check-up with your GP within 6 months if you buy sildenafil without a prescription, because ED can be a sign of diabetes or heart problems9.
Higher strengths, other ED medicines and tadalafil daily dosing still need a prescription.
United States: prescription only
Viagra and Cialis are prescription-only medicines in the US34, and so are their generic versions. Products sold in petrol stations or online as “natural” alternatives are a known risk; see below.
Australia: prescription only
In Australia you need a prescription from your doctor to buy any ED medicine. You can then buy it from a pharmacy or a reputable online pharmacy5. For buying from overseas with a prescription, see our guide to importing prescription medicine into Australia.
New Zealand: trained pharmacists
Since 2014, New Zealand has allowed sildenafil to be supplied without a doctor’s prescription by a pharmacist who has completed an approved training programme, for erectile dysfunction in men aged 35 to 70, in the manufacturer’s original pack. Otherwise it is a prescription medicine. The medicines classification committee reviewed this in 2017 and recommended no change6. See our guide to importing medicine into New Zealand.
European Union
The EU-wide authorisations for Viagra and Cialis are prescription only78. Rules for nationally authorised generics are set by each country, so check locally. See our guide to importing prescription medicine into the EU.
“Herbal Viagra” and gas-station pills
The US Food and Drug Administration warns that many products sold for sexual enhancement, including “male enhancement” supplements and “all-natural” ED treatments sold online and in shops, are likely to be contaminated with dangerous hidden ingredients10. A hidden ED medicine would be especially dangerous for a man who takes nitrates for his heart, because he would not know to avoid it3.
The UK regulator says ED medicines are a popular target for criminals selling unlicensed and counterfeit products, and seizes millions of pounds’ worth every year2.
Ordering prescription ED medicine from abroad
Many people buy ED medicines from other countries, often to save money. If you do:
- Use a pharmacy that asks for a prescription and tells you exactly which product, strength and manufacturer you are getting.
- Check your own country’s import rules, which set limits on quantity and paperwork. Our guides cover the UK and the United States as well as the countries above.
- Still get checked. ED can be an early sign of heart disease or diabetes, and ED tablets are not safe for everyone.
For prices, see how much does Viagra cost? and our guide to generic sildenafil. Our generic Viagra and generic Cialis pages list what we supply.
We supply Viagra in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths, and Cialis 10 mg. All are supplied with a prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Is Viagra over the counter in the UK?
Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50 mg) can be bought from a pharmacy after a consultation with the pharmacist, for men over 18. It is not sold to men with certain heart, liver or kidney problems or who take certain medicines. Other strengths need a prescription.
Can I buy Cialis without a prescription?
In the UK, Cialis Together (tadalafil 10 mg) is available from pharmacies after a pharmacist consultation. In the US, Australia and for the EU-authorised brand, tadalafil needs a prescription.
Is Viagra over the counter in the US?
No. Viagra, Cialis and their generics need a prescription in the United States.
Is Kamagra legal?
Kamagra is a sildenafil product. It is not licensed in the UK, and the UK regulator has described Kamagra and Super Kamagra as unlicensed medicines when prosecuting people for selling them illegally11. In the US, Kamagra is not an FDA-approved medicine and is not listed in the FDA’s database of approved drugs12. Rules on buying medicines from abroad for your own use differ between countries, so check the rules where you live.
Do I need to see a doctor for ED tablets?
Even where a pharmacist can supply them, a check-up is a good idea, because erection problems can be an early sign of diabetes or heart disease.
Sources & references
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. MHRA reclassifies Viagra Connect tablets to a Pharmacy medicine. 28 November 2017.
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. MHRA reclassifies Cialis Together tablets to a Pharmacy medicine. 14 March 2023.
- US National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Viagra (sildenafil) prescribing information.
- US National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Cialis (tadalafil) prescribing information.
- healthdirect Australia. Erectile dysfunction. Last reviewed February 2025.
- Medsafe. Minutes of the 58th meeting of the Medicines Classification Committee, 16 May 2017.
- European Medicines Agency. Viagra (sildenafil): EPAR summary.
- European Medicines Agency. Cialis (tadalafil): EPAR summary.
- NHS. Sildenafil (Viagra). Page last reviewed 29 July 2026.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Sexual Enhancement and Energy Product Notifications. Content current as of 25 September 2026.
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Sussex criminal sentenced for laundering proceeds from the sale of black-market medicines. 1 August 2019.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs (searched for “Kamagra”: no match; “Viagra”: listed. Checked 16 October 2026).
Related reading
- Kamagra vs Viagra
- Can you take Viagra every day?
- ED medicines overview
- How to take sildenafil
- Sildenafil medicines
- Tadalafil medicines
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice or legal advice. Medicine rules change; check the current rules where you live, and get a medical check before taking ED medicines. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Sitharam Reddy is a licensed clinical pharmacist with 19 years of experience. He holds a B.Pharm and M.Pharm from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. At OnlineMeds, he reviews medicine and health content to help ensure it is accurate, evidence-based, and easy to understand.