Pfizer launches website for mail order erectile dysfunction drug prescriptions
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is cutting out the pharmacist middle-man by setting up a website for Viagra (sildenafil citrate) sales. The site will allow US patients with prescriptions to have their pills posted direct to them. The move aims to slow the growing online trade in fake erectile dysfunction drugs.
Patients in the US can already fill their Viagra prescriptions at approved online pharmacies, but these are massively outnumbered by sites offering cheap counterfeits. And the fake sites can often be hard to distinguish from genuine ones, the company claims. Pfizer believes that having a ‘trusted source’ for online access to Viagra, combined with smooth transaction handling will help prevent men from resorting to counterfeiters.
The move is a break from the standard pharmaceutical sales model, whereby companies generally deal in bulk with healthcare providers and pharmacies. However, erectile dysfunction patients often find it embarrassing to claim their prescriptions in person and so turn to online suppliers. As an extra incentive to buy direct, Pfizer is offering free trial and discount coupons through its site.
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