Viagra Connect is a treatment for sexual function problems in men, and is typically used to increase blood flow in the penis. Viagra Connect works best when combined with sexual stimulation and can help men to both achieve and maintain an erection. The active ingredient of this medication is sildenafil, which is also available in its generic form.

What is Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect is a substance used to treat the impotence or erectile dysfunction that men can experience for a wide variety of reasons. This issue can occur more regularly as men age and may be a symptom of underlying conditions such as heart disease and depression. Using sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra Connect, men can improve blood flow to the penis with the help of sexual stimulation. Importantly though, this drug will not work by itself without stimulation of any kind. When men struggle to get an erection, it is important that they speak to their doctor about the situation before trying to self-treat, as erectile dysfunction can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Viagra Connect works in a way similar to the standard Viagra treatment.
When is Viagra Connect used?
Viagra Connect is used to treat erectile dysfunction and impotence. This medication works by increasing blood flow to the penis and groin by relaxing the blood vessels in your body. This substance can help men to obtain and maintain an erection. Usually, it will take 30 to 60 minutes for Viagra Connect to help a man get an erection when combined with sexual stimulation. It is important to take this drug at least one hour before you want to have sex.
How do you use Viagra Connect?
Thoroughly read through the medication leaflet provided with Viagra Connect before you begin taking it. You can ask your doctor about any questions or concerns that you might have about using this substance. They will also be able to provide you with guidance on how to use this medication if you are not sure. Viagra Connect is taken by mouth, often with water. You will not need to take a regular dose, but instead use the tablets as needed, at least an hour before you want to engage in sexual activity. Do not take this medication any longer than four hours before you want to have sex, and do not take more than a single dose in a day.
In some cases, foods that contain a lot of fat can cause Viagra Connect to take longer to work. In this case, make sure that you give yourself more time, and do not double up on a dosage. You should also avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol with Viagra Connect. This medication will only work if you are aroused, and as such you will need some form of sexual stimulation. Viagra Connect can last for up to six hours. However, if you do not achieve an erection with this medication, speak to your doctor.
What dosages are available?
Viagra Connect comes in different doses depending on various factors, including health conditions that you may have and your current situation. The typical dose will be 50 mg of sildenafil taken an hour before you want to be sexually active. A doctor might prescribe up to 100 mg of this substance, but make sure that you do not take any more than 100 mg in one day. The risk of side effects is larger if you are taking the 100 mg dose.
What are the side effects of Viagra Connect?
Most people will not experience any dangerous side effects when taking Viagra Connect. However, you might notice symptoms such as flushing, stomach upsets, dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision. You may also experience increased sensitivity to light, and have difficulty separating the colours blue and green.
In rare cases, some of the more severe side effects of Viagra Connect can include temporary blindness. If this happens, stop taking your treatment and seek emergency help. You may also experience a loss of hearing or ringing in your ears. When taking medications for erectile dysfunction, make sure that you speak to your doctor or seek emergency help if you experience a painful or prolonged erection for four hours or more. You will need to seek emergency attention if your erection does not go away after four hours. It is rare for people to experience a significant allergic reaction to Viagra Connect.
However, if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, including itching, a rash, swelling in your lips, tongue or throat, and trouble breathing, seek emergency attention.
When should you not use Viagra Connect?
Treatments for erectile dysfunction vary, and your doctor will need to conduct a full medical assessment and consider the details of your situation to determine whether Viagra Connect is the right treatment for you. Most men over the age of 18 will respond well to treatment with sildenafil. However, you will not be able to take Viagra Connect if you have allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in this treatment.
Viagra Connect is not intended for women or children, and cannot be taken by anyone who has problems with their heart or blood pressure. If you are taking medication for chest pain or angina, or you have recently had a stroke or heart attack, avoid taking this drug. Additionally, you should avoid using Viagra Connect if you have a serious issue with low blood pressure.
Reconsider taking Viagra Connect if you:
- Have rare eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa;
- Have or have ever had cancers such as leukemia;
- Have Peyronie’s disease or some sort of deformity in your penis;
- Have serious problems with your heart or liver;
- Suffer from (sickle cell) anaemia;
- Suffer from multiple myeloma;
- Have ever had stomach ulcers or bleeding in your stomach.
In some cases, Viagra Connect can lead to drowsiness, dizziness and other visual problems that might impair your ability to operate machinery or drive a car. Make sure that you do not use this medication and drive unless you feel safe to do so. You should avoid drinking alcohol when using Viagra Connect as it can worsen the risk of side effects and reduce the impact of the medication. If your family have ever had any heart conditions, you may need to discuss this with your doctor before using sildenafil.
Does Viagra Connect interact with any other medications?
Before you begin taking any new medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about other substances you may already be using. For instance, talk about any over-the-counter medications you are using, as well as prescription drugs and herbal remedies.
One of the most common drugs that interacts with Viagra Connect is riociguat, which leads to a severe drop in blood pressure. It can also be very dangerous to use this medication with nitrates, and you may experience issues such as dizziness and fainting as a result. Nitrates can also increase your chances of a heart attack or stroke. Do not use Viagra Connect with an alpha-blocker medication such as doxazosin, as this could cause your blood pressure to become extremely low which may lead to fainting. If you want to take Viagra Connect alongside other medications such as alpha-blockers, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Other drugs to avoid using alongside Viagra Connect include:
- Mifepristone;
- Rifampin;
- Protease inhibitors for Hepatitis C such as telaprevir;
- Antifungals (Azole) such as ketoconazole;
- HIV inhibitors such as ritonavir;
- Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin.
Various other drugs not listed here may also interact with Viagra Connect. Make sure that you speak to your doctor before you begin using this medication to ensure that you do not have any negative interactions. You should not take Viagra Connect alongside other medications used for erectile dysfunction. Make sure you do not begin taking any new medications, including those used to treat pulmonary hypertension, when using this substance before speaking to a doctor first.
Where can you buy Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect and other more generic forms of sildenafil are available to purchase both online and in-store from pharmacies with certifications. When you purchase this medication, you will need to complete a full medical evaluation to make sure that it is safe for you to use this drug. Selling this product without prescriptions is against the law, so be wary of any company that claims they can offer you Viagra Connect without a prescription.
Can you get Viagra Connect online without a prescription?
It is not possible or safe to get Viagra Connect without a prescription. You will need to have a full medical assessment with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you to use sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This medication can react poorly in some people, particularly those with heart conditions, and it is dangerous to take Viagra Connect without the approval of your doctor. Make sure that you do not try to self-treat for erectile dysfunction without help from your doctor. If you find out that Viagra Connect is not appropriate for you, your medical professional will be able to provide advice on another substance that you can use which will be safer.
References:
Aurobindo Pharma, Milpharm Ltd. Accessed on 25 April 2019, Sildenafil 100 mg film-coated tablets, retrieved from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/30907
NICE BNF website, accessed on 25 April 2019, Sildenafil, retrieved from: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/sildenafil.html
NHS website, accessed on the 25 April 2019, Sildenafil, Viagra, retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
Scottish Medicines Consortium, 2011, Sildenafil Injection, retrieved from: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/sildenafil-revatio-iv-abbreviatedsubmission-68811/