Viagra Connect vs Viagra

As Viagra Connect and Viagra contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way, the only real differences between the treatments are their pack sizes, dosages, whether they’re available over the counter and cost. Determining which is right for you will depend on whether you’ve tried an ED treatment before, the severity of your ED or personal preference.

Viagra and Viagra Connect similarities

• Both medications are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
• They both treat erectile dysfunction (ED) when taken 30 minutes before you plan to have sex.
• Each medication lasts for around 4 hours.
• Viagra and Viagra Connect are also manufactured by the same company, which is Pfizer.

Viagra and Viagra Connect differences

Doses

• Viagra Connect is only available at a 50mg dose. This is the typical starting dose of Viagra. Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

Prescription

• Viagra Connect is available over the counter, while Viagra requires a prescription. You will still need to answer a few questions about your health when speaking to the pharmacist to make sure Viagra Connect is safe and suitable for you before you can purchase it.

Pack sizes

• Viagra Connect is available in a pack of 2, whereas Viagra starts from a pack of 4 tablets.

Price

• Viagra Connect and Viagra usually differ in price, especially as Viagra Connect isn’t available on the NHS. However, there are similar treatments that work in exactly the same way available on prescription with the NHS if Viagra Connect isn’t affordable for you.

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Viagra Connect is available over the counter

One difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect is that Viagra requires a prescription, whereas Viagra Connect is available over the counter. This makes it easier for men with ED to get treatment when they need it without seeing a doctor beforehand. You should still talk to your doctor if you are using ED tablets, as there may be another treatment that’s more suitable for your needs that requires a prescription. ED can also be an underlying symptom of another health condition, so you may also need further tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

You can find Viagra Connect at any pharmacy or through an online doctor service, like Asda Online Doctor. Your pharmacist will still ask you a few questions to ensure it is safe and suitable. If you take certain medications such as nitrates or are under the age of 18, this could prevent you from getting Viagra Connect.

Viagra Connect is only available in a 50mg dosage

While Viagra Connect is only available in a 50mg dose, Viagra is available in 3 different doses: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. This is because the usual starting dose is 50mg, but you may be prescribed less if you have certain medical conditions. Your doctor can increase your dose to 100mg if they think it is appropriate and your current dose isn’t giving you the results you need.

Viagra Connect is only available as a 50mg tablet. This is because 50mg is the usual starting dose and the standard dose for most men. This is considered a safe enough dose not to require a prescription. You should never take 100mg unless your doctor has told you to. You should also never take more Viagra Connect or Viagra than you have been prescribed.

Whilst sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and Viagra Connect, there are other medications available with different active ingredients. All ED medications work in a similar way as they belong to the same medication group (PDE5 inhibitors). You may find that one ED medication works better for you or causes fewer side effects.

Sildenafil

• Takes around 30 to 60 minutes to work
• Lasts around 4 hours
• Comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets
• Brand names include Viagra and Viagra Connect

Tadalafil

• Takes around 30 minutes to work
• Lasts up to 36 hours
• Comes in 10mg or 20mg tablets
• Brand names include Cialis, Cialis Daily, and Adcirca

Avanafil

• Takes around 15 to 30 minutes to work
• Lasts around 4 to 5 hours
• Comes in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg tablets
• Brand names include Spedra and Stendra

Vardenafil

• Takes around 30 to 60 minutes to work
• Lasts around 4 hours
• Comes in 10mg or 20mg tablets
• Brand names include Levitra and Staxyn

The main differences between Viagra and Viagra Connect are that Viagra Connect is available over the counter and only as 50mg tablets. Viagra requires a prescription and comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. There are also other PDE5 inhibitors that can be taken if you have ED, such as avanafil and vardenafil.

Is Viagra Connect the same as Viagra?

Yes, Viagra Connect is the same medication, containing the same active ingredient and working in the same way.

Does Viagra or Viagra Connect last longer?

Viagra and Viagra Connect both contain sildenafil, which lasts around 4 hours. One medication does not last longer than the other.

Do you need a prescription for Viagra?

Yes, you need a prescription for Viagra, but not for Viagra Connect.

Do Viagra and Viagra Connect have the same side effects?

Yes, as they contain the same active ingredient, they have the same side effects. You can find more information on the side effects by reading your patient information leaflet.

Do Viagra and Viagra Connect tablets look the same?

Yes, Viagra and Viagra Connect tablets are both small, blue, diamond-shaped tablets. The only difference between the tablets is that ‘V50’ is stamped onto the Viagra Connect tablet whilst ‘VGR’ is stamped on a Viagra tablet, followed by the dosage (25/50/100).

Can I take Viagra or Viagra Connect with alcohol?

You can take either medication with alcohol, although it is not advised to consume too much alcohol as it could increase your risk of side effects, such as headache and dizziness. Alcohol also makes it harder for you to get and maintain an erection. If you drink alcohol and find that your medication doesn’t work as well, avoid alcohol when you next take it.

Does Viagra make you last longer?

Viagra can only help you to get and maintain an erection if you have ED. It cannot make you last longer or delay ejaculation. You should speak to your doctor if you think you have premature ejaculation (PE), as they can offer you a suitable treatment.