Viagra is one of the most popular and well-known erectile dysfunction (ED) medications. It was originally approved by the FDA in 1998 and is manufactured by Pfizer. Though it was originally created to treat ED, recent studies have shown that it’s also beneficial for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
While prescription pills like Viagra are becoming more and more available online, it’s still not clear whether or not you can buy Viagra at a retail pharmacy. Can you buy Viagra at a CVS or Walgreens? What are the rules and regulations regarding the purchase of Viagra at a drugstore? Does the fact that it’s an erectile dysfunction medication make it a contraband drug?
These questions and more are answered in this article.
Can You Buy Viagra At A Retail Pharmacy?
You can’t buy Viagra at a retail pharmacy. At least not in any traditional sense. As previously mentioned, Viagra is a prescription medication that doctors and other healthcare professionals normally write for patients. While it’s generally available in most parts of the country, you normally have to talk to your doctor first and get a prescription for it.
On the other hand, buying Viagra at a drugstore is often considered questionable when it comes to pharmacy practice. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “pharmacies normally do not sell medications without a prescription.” However, things are changing as more and more individuals are turning to online pharmacies to purchase prescription medications. While it’s not necessarily illegal for a pharmacy to sell Viagra, it’s still highly unusual and highly questioned.
What Is The Difference Between A Retail Pharmacy And Online Pharmacy?
One of the biggest differences between a retail pharmacy and an online pharmacy is pricing. As previously stated, prescription medication normally has to be sold by a pharmacy, so that part is the same. However, since most online pharmacies offer low-cost or even free shipping, you can often get the same medication for a significantly discounted price.
Another big difference between a retail pharmacy and an online pharmacy is the ability to view medication labels and instructions online. When buying medication from a pharmacy, you normally have to pick up the medication and read all the instructions and labels in the pharmacy. While this may seem like a hassle-free option when buying online, it can be highly beneficial in the pharmacy. You can normally view all the information you need online and compare different offers and shipping methods.
Can You Buy Viagra At A CVS Or Walgreens?
As mentioned, Viagra is a prescription medication that’s available at most drug stores and some grocery stores. However, it’s not recommended to buy Viagra at a CVS or Walgreens as these pharmacies normally do not have an internet connection and therefore cannot provide the customer with adequate information about the medication. Some of the major issues include:
- The inability to give you correct information about the medication
- The inability to verify the authenticity of the medication
- The inability to provide you with sufficient quantities of the medication
- And, the inability to provide you with prompt shipping services
In other words, at a CVS or Walgreens, you’ll get the medication, but you’ll also get the problems. It’s not recommended to buy Viagra at these types of retail pharmacies.
Do You Have To Be 18 To Buy Viagra?
You have to be 18 years of age to buy Viagra. The only exception is if the drugstore is located in a state that allows you to purchase medications without a prescription. In that case, you’ll have to verify your age and show some form of identification.
Many drugstores have a minimum age of 21 to purchase their medications. However, they may have different policies regarding customers who appear to be under the age of 18. In those cases, you’ll have to ask the pharmacist for help or go to another store
Does The Fact That Viagra Is An Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medication Make It A Contraband Drug?
No, the fact that Viagra is an erectile dysfunction medication does not make it a contraband drug. It’s still not clear whether or not you can purchase it without a prescription, but as long as you’re not trying to pass it off as a prescription drug, you should have no problems.
Additionally, there is no evidence that shows Viagra causes addiction or abuse. Though many people abuse prescription drugs, there is no evidence that shows that Viagra is one of them.
Where Can You Buy Viagra Online?
The most popular and safest place to buy Viagra online is through reliable and trusted pharmacies. These pharmacies normally have a good reputation and offer a variety of medications, including Viagra. Additionally, you can normally purchase the drug in large quantities when you need it. This can be a major advantage because you may not always be able to get your doctor to write you a prescription for the medication.
Is It Legal To Order Viagra By Mail?
You can usually order Viagra by mail without a prescription. The major issue is that the FDA has classified the drug as a controlled substance and it’s still too early to tell whether or not this new policy will stay in place. For now, it’s legal to order the drug by mail, but you may want to call the pharmacy to make sure they can provide the medication.