Rise in number of Viagra prescriptions
PRESCRIPTIONS for the anti-impotence drug Viagra are on the up in Peterborough.
According to latest figures available from Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT), a total of 3,345 prescriptions for the drug were dispensed in the area from November 2006 to the end of October 2007.
This compares to 3,188 issued during the same period the previous year – an increase of about five per cent.
Currently, NHS prescriptions for the drug can only be obtained by people suffering from certain conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis and certain spinal ailments.
Pharmacy team manager at Peterborough PCT Ron Smith said there may be a number of reasons why there has been an increase in prescriptions for Viagra.
He said: “I guess one of the factors is that with us getting larger there is an increase in diabetes.
“As impotence is a recognised side effect of this then that would partly explain a greater need for it.
“Also I think that people are getting more comfortable talking about the issue.”
Men who are not eligible for prescriptions of Viagra on the NHS are able to get a private prescription from a doctor. Figures for the amount of these which have been handed out are not available.
However, Mr Smith warned against buying the tablets off the internet.
By Kirsty Nicolson
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