What’s the Difference Between Viagra Connect® and Viagra®?
If you’ve recently experienced the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and want to do something about it, you’ve likely looked into medications like Viagra® and Viagra Connect®.
Viagra and Viagra Connect are two of the most popular erectile dysfunction treatments in the UK. While Viagra is a prescription-only medication, you can get Viagra Connect over the counter.
Below, we’ll break down the similarities and differences between Viagra vs. Viagra Connect, covering everything from how they work to how you can get them in the UK.
The Difference Between Viagra Connect and Viagra
The main difference is that Viagra is a prescription-only medication, while Viagra Connect is available over the counter in the UK.
Known as the “little blue pill,” Viagra is one of the most well-studied erectile dysfunction medications. It contains an active ingredient called sildenafil citrate.
Viagra is a prescription medication. To get it, you’ll need a consultation with a GP or licensed clinician who can assess whether it’s safe and appropriate based on your medical history. The generic version, sildenafil, is also available by prescription only.
On the other hand, Viagra Connect is a pharmacy medicine. This means it’s available without a prescription in the UK. After a quick consultation with a pharmacist or a brief online health assessment, you can buy it over the counter.
While Viagra Connect is available in a 50 mg tablet, Viagra is available in three dosage options: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Men with occasional or mild-to-moderate ED usually find relief with a 50 mg dose.
Both Viagra and Viagra Connect are manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
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Viagra vs. Viagra Connect: Key Differences
Feature | Viagra (Prescription) | Viagra Connect (OTC) |
Active Ingredient | Sildenafil citrate | Sildenafil citrate |
Dose Options | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg | 50 mg only |
How to Access | Prescription required | Over-the-counter via a pharmacist |
Availability | UK and globally | UK only (OTC version) |
Consultation Type | GP or online clinician | Pharmacist or online intake form |
Generic Available? | Yes — generic sildenafil | No |
How Do Viagra and Viagra Connect Work?
Viagra and Viagra Connect both contain the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to your penis.
PDE5 is an enzyme that’s found inside the smooth muscle tissue of your blood vessels. When you take a PDE5 inhibitor, your blood vessels become wider, allowing more blood to flow to certain areas of your body.
As levels of sildenafil increase, the blood vessels that supply your penis widen, allowing for an inflow of blood into the tissue in your penis. This makes it easier to get and sustain an erection sufficient for sex with your partner.
Viagra and Viagra Connect both contain sildenafil, meaning they have the same general effect inside your body. Both medications should be taken around one hour before sexual activity and generally last for around four hours in total.
Our guide to how Viagra works explains the process of getting an erection — as well as the role of Viagra and similar medications in this process — in more detail.
Side Effects and Safety of Viagra and Viagra Connect
Because both treatments contain sildenafil, their side effects are essentially the same.
Common side effects include:
Headache
Flushing
Indigestion
Nasal congestion
Dizziness
Less common but serious side effects include:
Changes in vision
Chest pain
Erections lasting longer than 4 hours
You should avoid taking Viagra Connect or Viagra if you:
Have significant heart or liver conditions
Experience severe low blood pressure
Have had recent strokes or heart attacks
Have a history of kidney or liver problems
Take nitrates or alpha blockers
You should also avoid drinking alcohol — especially large amounts of alcohol — or taking poppers while using sildenafil.
Learn more about common sildenafil interactions and check out our Viagra Connect side effects guide.
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How to Choose Between Viagra and Viagra Connect
At the 50 mg dose, both Viagra and Viagra Connect work exactly the same way. They’re both safe, effective treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Effectiveness can vary slightly between individuals, which is why some may benefit from adjusting the dose — something only prescription Viagra offers.
Here’s the bottom line:
Choose Viagra Connect if you want a quick, hassle-free option and don’t need a higher or lower dose.
Choose prescription Viagra if you need more flexibility in dosing or have specific health concerns that require a tailored treatment plan.
Whether you’re after a straightforward 50 mg tablet or need a healthcare professional’s input on dosing, Hims UK offers both Viagra Connect and sildenafil (generic for Viagra) online.
Alternatives to Viagra and Viagra Connect
If neither Viagra nor Viagra Connect works for you, there are other treatment options out there.
You could try:
Prescription tadalafil (Cialis®), an ED medication that lasts up to 36 hours
Cialis® Together, an over-the-counter tadalafil tablet
Spedra® (avanafil), a fast-working prescription option
Levitra® (vardenafil), another prescription oral medication
Alprostadil, a prescription-only ED treatment available as a topical cream or an injection
Learn more in our article about erectile dysfunction medications.
If you’re not sure which ED medication is right for you, start by speaking with a healthcare professional. They can help you navigate your treatment options.
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Traditional Pill
SildenafilGeneric equivalent to Viagra®
From £2.36/use
The most commonly prescribed ED treatment, contains the same active ingredient as Viagra® but is 80% more affordable than the brand name.
Traditional Pill
As-Needed TadalafilGeneric Cialis®
From £2.36/use
The unbranded, more affordable generic form of Cialis® taken as needed. It is clinically proven to help men get and keep harder erections for up to 36 hours.
Traditional Pill
Viagra Connect®
From £5.83/use
The over-the-counter branded version of sildenafil. Viagra Connect® improves blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain strong and satisfying erections.
Traditional Pill
Daily TadalafilDaily Generic Cialis®
From £21/month
A clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction that helps men achieve and maintain erections more easily. It gives you the freedom to enjoy spontaneous sex without needing to plan ahead.
Important safety information for Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Tadalafil Daily or Viagra Connect.
Final Thoughts on Viagra vs. Viagra Connect
Viagra and Viagra Connect both offer safe, effective ways to treat erection problems. The right choice depends on your individual needs: Do you want easy access and a standard dose, or something a bit more personalised?
Viagra Connect is the over-the-counter version of Viagra. While you need a prescription for Viagra, you can buy Viagra Connect at your local pharmacy (or on an online pharmacy like ours).
Viagra is available in more dosage options. Viagra Connect only comes in a 50 mg dose, while Viagra is available as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.
Both are effective. Because they contain the same active ingredient, both medications are just as effective in the 50 mg dose. Their side effects are the same.
While Viagra Connect is more convenient, prescription Viagra is more suitable if you need a higher or lower dose.
And if neither seems quite right, you’re not out of options. Other ED treatments like Cialis or Spedra might be worth exploring.
We offer sildenafil (generic for Viagra) and Viagra Connect online as part of our full range of erectile dysfunction treatments. Whether you’re after a quick OTC solution or need a tailored approach, Hims UK can help you find what works best for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.