Viagra to be available from local chemists as well as GPs

MEN who get embarrassed talking to their doctor about sexual matters can now blush in front of a pharmacist instead, as Viagra goes on sale in chemists.

The little blue pill, used to tackle erection problems, is being given out in Boots stores – following consultations to make sure men who want to buy it are suitable to use the drug.

When the service was tested in Manchester, men travelled from around the UK to buy Viagra in efforts to avoid embarrassing discussions with their GP.

But their shyness comes with a price-tag – whereas suitable patients can get the drug for the cost of an NHS prescription, the Boots service will set them back more than 80.

The scheme – the first pharmacist-led service for erection problems – will offer men a half-hour consultation to assess the causes of their erectile dysfunction. Pharmacists will then be able to give them a course of the prescription-only drugs.

Chemists will do a pre-screening questionnaire, take a medical history and conduct blood tests, including checking men's glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to rule out a more serious health problem.

The service will be available in a private consultation room in 29 stores in England and will cost 55 for the initial screening then 26.59 for four tablets. Patients can return for a check-up and get further supplies.

Boots hopes to extend the service later to shops in Scotland.

Pharmacist James Longden said: "Sometimes it can be a bit of an embarrassing subject to talk about, and many didn't know where to turn to for help."

Erectile dysfunction affects one in ten British men. But research by Boots has indicated that 47 per cent of men would prefer to suffer in silence.