About Viagra and Its Usage

Viagra, scientifically known as sildenafil, is a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity. Since its introduction, Viagra has proven to be a boon for those suffering from this condition, providing them with a solution to enhance their sexual performance and boost their confidence.

Pharmacy Consultation Services

In some countries, including New Zealand, many pharmacies offer consultation services for patients seeking advice or treatment for various health conditions. These pharmacies employ trained pharmacists who can guide you on the correct usage and precautions of medications. In some cases, these professionals can even prescribe certain medications.

Viagra's Legal Status in New Zealand

In New Zealand, Viagra is considered a prescription-only medication. This means that you cannot buy Viagra over the counter. It is strictly regulated and sold only upon receipt of a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Any attempt to acquire Viagra without a prescription is illegal and may lead to serious legal consequences.

Sildenafil: The Active Ingredient in Viagra

The main active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, allowing blood to flow into it more easily when you're sexually excited, helping you achieve and maintain an erection. However, Viagra will not cause an erection unless you are sexually stimulated.

Role of Doctors and Pharmacists in Prescribing Viagra

Given the prescription-only nature of Viagra, it is only a doctor who can prescribe this medication in New Zealand. The doctor will assess your overall health and any underlying conditions before prescribing Viagra. After obtaining a prescription, you can take it to a pharmacist, who will dispense the medication to you. Both doctors and pharmacists play a key role in advising on correct usage, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications.

Viagra Dosage and Usage Guidelines

The usual recommended starting dose of Viagra is 50mg, which should be taken approximately one hour before sexual activity. However, the dosage can be increased to a maximum of 100mg or decreased to 25mg, depending on the individual's response and tolerance to the medication. Viagra should not be taken more than once a day.

Precautions for Patients with Certain Health Conditions

Viagra is generally safe for most men, but it is not suitable for everyone. Men with certain health conditions, such as severe heart or liver problems, recent history of stroke or heart attack, or who are taking certain medications may not be advised to take Viagra. It's always important to discuss your health history and current medications with your doctor before starting Viagra.

Viagra: A Prescription-Only Medication in New Zealand

To reiterate, in New Zealand, Viagra is a prescription-only medication. You cannot buy it over the counter from a chemist. Instead, it must be prescribed by a doctor who has assessed your health condition and determined that Viagra is suitable for you.

A Pill Similar to Viagra

A commonly asked question is if there is a pill similar to Viagra. Indeed, there are other prescription medications that work similarly to Viagra, such as Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil). These drugs all fall under the category of PDE5 inhibitors, acting to relax the blood vessels to improve blood flow to the penis. The choice of medication and dosage will depend on individual circumstances and medical advice.

Side Effects of Viagra

Like all medications, Viagra can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, abnormal vision, and dizziness.

Serious side effects are rare but can include an erection that won't go away (priapism), sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, or sudden hearing loss.If you experience any of these, seek immediate medical help.

The Cost of Viagra in New Zealand

The cost of Viagra in New Zealand can vary depending on factors like the pharmacy from which you buy it and the dosage. It's advisable to discuss the price with the pharmacist or your healthcare provider.

Duration of Action: 50mg Viagra

On average, Viagra usually lasts between two to three hours before its effects start to diminish. However, a dose of 50mg may last up to four hours or more, although this can vary from person to person. It's important to remember that taking Viagra won't cause an erection on its own; sexual stimulation is needed for Viagra to work.

In the end, the message is clear: In New Zealand, Viagra is not available over the counter. It is a prescription-only medication, and thus, its usage should be under the guidance of a medical professional. As Viagra can interact with other medications and is not suitable for some individuals with certain health conditions, it is always safest and best to discuss with your healthcare provider to ensure it's the right treatment for you.