Viagra's legal status in New Zealand

Viagra, a popular medication for treating erectile dysfunction, requires a prescription in New Zealand. It cannot be purchased over the counter without a proper prescription issued by a New Zealand registered doctor or pharmacist.

The prescription-only nature of Viagra in New Zealand

Viagra is classified as a prescription-only medication in New Zealand. This means that it cannot be bought freely over the counter and requires a proper medical consultation before it can be prescribed.

The role of doctors and pharmacists in prescribing Viagra

In New Zealand, only doctors and pharmacists are authorized to prescribe Viagra. A prescription is necessary to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication by the patient.

Consultation services offered by some pharmacies

Some pharmacies in New Zealand offer consultation services with pharmacists who have completed additional training. These consultations aim to determine a patient's eligibility for receiving Viagra. The pharmacist will ask general health questions to make sure sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is appropriate for the patient.

Understanding sildenafil as the active ingredient in Viagra

Sildenafil, also known as Silvasta, Viagra, or Avigra, is the active ingredient in Viagra.

It is a medication that reverses erectile dysfunction by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical produced by the body that relaxes muscles in the penis.

Precautions for patients with certain health conditions

Patients should not take sildenafil if they have a serious heart or liver problem, have recently had a stroke or heart attack, have low blood pressure (hypotension), or have a rare inherited eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa. A doctor or pharmacist should carefully check whether a patient's heart can handle the additional strain of having sex before prescribing Viagra.

Viagra dosage and usage guidelines

Viagra Connect can remain active for up to four hours after taking a tablet. It is important not to take another tablet until the next day. The 50mg dosage may not be high enough to be effective for some patients, so a proper consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is necessary to determine the appropriate dosage. Patients should take a single dose of Viagra before engaging in sexual activity and not take more than one dose a day.

In conclusion, Viagra cannot be bought over the counter in New Zealand. It requires a prescription from a doctor or pharmacist, and some pharmacies offer consultation services to determine a patient's eligibility for receiving the medication. Proper precautions must be taken for patients with certain health conditions, and the appropriate dosage should be determined through consultation with a healthcare professional.