State spend on drugs for erectile dysfunction rises

The state spend on drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction went up instead of down last year, figures show. Major savings were expected in the state spend in the area after Pfizer’s Viagra went off patent in Ireland in June of last year.

However, figures released in response to a Freedom of Information request show that the HSE spend on drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction last year topped €10.5m — €300,000 up on the €10.2m spend in 2012.

The more detailed breakdown of the spend shows that savings on Viagra-style drugs did take place in the second half of the area after Viagra went off patent.