London – A gimmick timed for Valentine’s Day, or a dangerous medical precedent? Britain’s biggest pharmacy chain, Boots, will start selling Viagra over the counter at some stores Wednesday – also designated in Britain as National Impotence Day.
Doctors are warning of the hazards of making the erectile-dysfunction drug freely available to men – especially those with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart problems.
“This sets a very bad precedent,” said Dr. Andrew McCullough, a sexual-health expert at New York University Medical Center. “…This system is basically prescribing medication without doctors.”
Under the plan, men age 30-65 who want the impotence-fighting drug will have a one-hour consultation with a pharmacist, who will take their medical history and check blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.
If no medical red flags are raised, the men can buy four Viagra pills for $97. For a refill, they will have to see a private doctor.
Doctors fear the practice could lead to major health problems being overlooked – and set a bad precedent for other countries. In many cases, sexual dysfunction is an indicator of an underlying disease, such as heart failure or diabetes.
