Viagra is a very famous allopathic drug that falls in the PDE type5 inhibitor class action of medicine. The main reason to use the medicine is to help patients with erectile dysfunction in suppressing the symptoms of ED temporarily. The medicine does so to induce a harder erection, leading to satisfactory intercourse.
The medicine Viagra consists of Sildenafil Citrate as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. It is an FDA-approved API that is only available for patients who have a prescription for it to ensure the safety of the male with ED. Some people don’t get a prescription for the medicine, due to which they choose to consume over-the-counter Viagra.
These are supplements or herbs that claim to provide similar effects to Viagra. These are available to people without any prescription. These are not approved by the FDA, due to which it is not safe to consume these drugs.
Following are some reasons why one should not consume OTC Viagra.
1. Lack of FDA Approval
One of the primary reasons to avoid OTC Viagra is the lack of approval and regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA-approved medications, like Viagra, undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
OTC alternatives do not have these safety checks and rigorous testing, making their quality highly questionable. That is why it is unsafe to consume these drugs.
2. Uncertain Ingredients
Many OTC Viagra alternatives claim to contain natural or herbal ingredients. But without proper testing and regulation, it’s difficult to know exactly what is in these products. Some OTC Viagra may include unlisted pharmaceuticals or dangerous additives. They have the potential to put the consumer’s health directly at risk.
3. Unknown Dosages
With OTC products, you can never be certain of the exact dosage you are taking. Proper dosing is a very important factor for safety and effectiveness. The lack of precise information about the amount of active ingredients in these products can lead to inconsistent results and unexpected side effects. In some cases, a person might end up worsening the situation of erectile dysfunction they have.
4. Health Risks and Side Effects
OTC Viagra alternatives can carry significant health risks and side effects. Using unregulated & OTC products may result in adverse reactions, allergies, interactions with other medications, or serious complications for individuals with underlying health conditions.
5. Missed Opportunity for Professional Evaluation
By opting for OTC solutions, a person misses the valuable opportunity where a healthcare professional can assess their overall health. ED can be a sign of underlying medical issues like heart disease or diabetes. A physician can identify and address these concerns, potentially saving your life in the process.
If a person starts consuming OTC Viagra, they might never know the reason for erectile dysfunction. That is why one should always visit the physician first and opt for the FDA-approved Viagra or its generic version.
There are some Viagra alternatives also that are approved by the physician. Want to know the details about these alternatives? Check the blog here.
6. Lack of Efficacy
OTC alternatives are often marketed as equivalent to Viagra. But in reality, their efficacy is questionable at best. FDA-approved medications like Viagra have undergone extensive clinical trials to demonstrate their effectiveness, while OTC products do not. That is why there are high chances that it may offer little to no benefit.
7. Potential Legal Consequences
The sale of OTC Viagra alternatives often exists in a legal gray area. Using these unregulated products could expose the buyer to potential legal issues, as well as consequences related to their unapproved and unregulated nature. That is why one should not buy and consume OTC Viagra.
8. Risk of Financial Scams
In the world of OTC Viagra alternatives, there is a considerable risk of falling victim to scams. People seeking a solution for ED may unknowingly spend a significant amount of money on products that offer little to no benefit. That is why one should never fall for the marketing tactics of these drugs and always trust the research and testing performed behind the drug to choose the best one.