Boots to sell Viagra on UK high streets » Health » 24dash.com

Boots is giving British men with erection problems a Valentine's Day lift this year - offering Viagra for sale on the high street for the first time.

From February 14, customers at selected branches of the chemists will be able to buy the impotence drug without having to get a doctor's prescription first.

In a trial scheme, the company will offer men aged 30 to 65 a consultation with a pharmacist and a pack of four tablets for £50.

Customers will have to give a medical history and have their blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels tested in order to ensure they are suitable for the pills.

The scheme - being piloted at three Boots branches in Manchester - is based on similar programmes already offered for weight loss, hair retention and chlamydia treatments.

If customers want a repeat supply they will be sent to a private doctor for a further consolation costing £37.50. Subsequent packs then cost £21.25.

Boots healthcare director Alex Gourlay said: "This programme is a real innovation in access to treatment of erectile dysfunction in the UK.

"By creating a service that is easily accessible on the high street we hope that we help many more men seek help for a very common condition.

"It is estimated that currently only 10% of the 3 million men who suffer with erectile dysfunction are currently being treated.

"We believe that offering this programme will improve access to treatment and give wider choice to patients.

"This programme also shows the potential that pharmacy has to extend treatment and advice on healthcare to patients with a wide range of conditions."

The group's medical director, Dr Graham Marshall, said: "Erectile dysfunction can often be a marker for a more serious underlying medical condition, and we believe this programme will also act as a men's health screen, so we can refer patients back to their GP for further investigation if appropriate.

"Patient safety is always utmost in out minds in developing pharmacy services."

February 14 is National Impotence Day.

Copyright Press Association 2007.