Pfizer sells Viagra online to combat cheap and risky counterfeits

Pfizer is to start selling Viagra online in an effort to take on the glut of websites selling counterfeit and potentially dangerous erectile dysfunction medication for a knock-down price.

Until now men who needed the little blue pills were forced to either go to their chemist or turn to unregulated websites.

Often the medicine being sold for up to 95% less than the standard price contains unregulated amounts of the active ingredient or are supplemented by products including lead paint and printer ink.

Now Pfizer is to sell the tablets directly to patients from its website, though the person will still need a prescription. It is sold via www.viagra.com. It does not appear to ship to Europe as yet.

“With the proliferation of fake online pharmacies, it is important that consumers know which sites are legitimate,” Pfizer said in a statement. “After a recent review of more than 10,000 internet outlets selling prescription drugs, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy listed almost 97% of the sites as ‘not recommended’ because they did not appear to meet criteria for legitimate online pharmacies.”

It also referred to a survey it sponsored which found that more than four in five men believed it was difficult to determine if an online pharmacy was legitimate, yet more than one in three would consider purchasing erectile dysfunction medicines based on an online search.

“We have seen counterfeit medicines manufactured in filthy and deplorable conditions, yet some people do not realise the risks that this poses to their health and safety,” said Matthew Bassiur, vice president of Pfizer’s global security.

“Counterfeit medicines often contain the wrong or incorrect levels of active ingredient, as well as potentially dangerous contaminants. Samples of counterfeit Viagra tested by our labs have contained pesticides, wallboard, commercial paint and printer ink.”