NHS availability of erectile dysfunction drugs: proposed changes
Seeks views on proposed changes to the NHS availability of Sildenafil for men with erectile dysfunction.
This consultation seeks views on our proposals to remove statutory prescribing restrictions for some generic erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments.
The Impact assessment for this consultation is available on the UK legislation website.
In 1999 the department brought in measures to restrict NHS prescribing of a number of ED treatments, including Viagra, because they were considered too costly for routine availability on the NHS. These restrictions mean that only certain men can have ED treatments prescribed on the NHS, for example, men with diabetes or prostate cancer.
Viagra lost its patent protection in the UK in June 2013 so generic drugs, called sildenafil, can now be marketed. Prices have dropped by 93%.
Now it is available more cheaply, we are consulting on proposals to amend the regulations to allow unrestricted prescribing of the generic drug for men with ED.