OK - so we've all heard the Viagra jokes. What's the current situation in the UK?

Your GP will be able to prescribe it for you if you suffer erectile dysfunction for one of the specified reasons, otherwise you will have to be happy with a private prescription. There are a number of specialist private clinics sprouting up at the moment, most of which offer Viagra.

So how does one get some?

Viagra has now been given a licence for use in the UK and is available on the NHS for impotence (erectile dysfunction) The government however has requested that GPs prescribe it only for patients suffering impotence as a result of diabetes, spinal injury or pelvic surgery. From July 1st they will also be able to prescribe it for those suffering as a result of Parkinson's disease, Kidney disease and prostate problems. It is also available from NHS urologists for other "special" cases. The government also has implied that GPs can now prescribe the drug to their own patients on a private prescription for other causes of impotence.

Is it safe

Viagra seems to be a fairly safe drug however it cannot be taken by people taking a certain drugs for angina . Any degree of sexual activity has some cardiac risk so the drug is not necessarily to blame if you croak whilst "on the job"

Drugs that should NOT be taken with Viagra include: GTN, Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMO, IMDUR, MONOMAX, SUSCARD BUCCAL) Isosorbide dinitrate, nicorandil (IKOREL) and amyl nitrate. The few fatal reactions reported have usually been associated with concommitant use of these drugs.

What about it's illicit use?

Viagra is not an aphrodisiac, nor will it improve your sexual performance. It has however attracted a "street" value because many illicit drugs particularly cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA (ecstacy) have impotence as a side effect. Using Viagra in combination with these drugs would seem a little foolhardy to me but if you want to take the risk - upon your head be it. Using Viagra with "poppers" (amyl nitrate) is extremely dangerous