By: Kaoru Moulton | 11-28-2017 | News
Photo credit: viagra.com

The UK Gives Pfizer World's First Over-The-Counter Viagra Approval

London – Pfizer's erectile dysfunction drug "Viagra" is raising huge sales. For the first time in the World, the UK government permitted Viagra to be sold at a pharmacy over the counter without the prescription.

The US pharmaceutical company announced that it plans to launch non-prescription drugs called Viagra Connect in the UK in the spring of 2018.

This medicine is only available at the pharmacy. After the pharmacist evaluates the compatibility of the medicine to each individual, the medicine is sold.

Since launching in 1998, Viagra has been one of the most successful prescription products in the pharmaceutical industry. Researchers initially developed drugs as cardiac drugs but found this medicine accidentally.

Worldwide sales exceeded $ 2 billion worldwide in 2012, but sales from patent expiration declined. However, Pfizer was looking for ways to expand its brand value as a non-prescription medicine.

Viagra is currently the only erectile dysfunction drug and will be reclassified from "prescription drug" to "pharmacy". This change follows a long review by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Pfizer will continue to make Viagra available as the prescription. The option to purchase at a pharmacy may reduce the demand for fake Viagra (which may be ineffective and dangerous).

“It’s important men feel they have fast access to quality and legitimate care and do not feel they need to turn to counterfeit online supplies which could have potentially serious side effects,” said Mick Foy (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency group manager in vigilance and risk management of medicines).

According to some report, up to 77 % of Viagra bought online could be fake. Also, fake Viagra tablets are linked to stroke, liver failure, and even death. The trade in counterfeit Viagra is worth an estimated $75 billion per year, and in 2010 alone U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 300 shipments of fake Viagra.

Source :https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pfizer-britain-viagra/uk-gives-pfizer-worlds-first-over-the-counter-viagra-approval-idUSKBN1DS1Z1

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