Ever wondered if you’re getting the best value for your sildenafil prescription at Tesco or Boots? With more men turning to pharmacies for help with erectile dysfunction, it’s no surprise prices and convenience are hot topics. This guide explores whether it’s cheaper to buy sildenafil from Tesco, Boots, or an online pharmacy like Courier Pharmacy—and why your choice might matter for more than just your wallet.
Table of contents
- Key takeaways:
- What is sildenafil and how does it work?
- Can you buy sildenafil over the counter at Tesco and Boots?
- Is it cheaper to buy sildenafil from Tesco or Boots?
- Branded vs generic sildenafil: Is there a difference?
- Price comparison: Tesco, Boots, and Courier Pharmacy
- What about privacy and convenience?
- When sildenafil tablets don’t work: the compounded ED buccal film
- What is the compounded ED buccal film?
- Frequently asked questions
- References
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Sildenafil 25mg TabletsPrice range: £5.99 through £21.99 -
Sildenafil 100mg TabletsPrice range: £6.99 through £69.99 -
Sildenafil 50mg TabletsPrice range: £7.99 through £31.99
Key takeaways:
- Prices for sildenafil can vary a lot between Tesco, Boots, and online pharmacies.
- Both high street chains require a consultation; online pharmacies offer privacy and often lower prices.
- Branded and generic sildenafil work the same way, but generics are usually cheaper.
- Only Courier Pharmacy offers a compounded buccal film for ED if tablets aren’t working.
- Always check for safety, proper assessment, and quality—cheapest isn’t always best.
What is sildenafil and how does it work?
Sildenafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in and helping you get and keep an erection when sexually aroused. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and is also available as a generic medicine, so you’ll find it under different brand names and prices [1] [2] [3] [4].
Sildenafil usually takes about 30–60 minutes to start working and can last up to four hours. It only works if you’re already aroused, so don’t expect magic without a little romance [1] [4].
Can you buy sildenafil over the counter at Tesco and Boots?
Yes, you can buy sildenafil at Tesco and Boots, but there are a few steps involved. Both require a face-to-face chat with a pharmacist, who’ll ask about your health and other medicines to make sure sildenafil is safe for you [1] [2] [3]. Only the 50mg dose (Pfizer’s Connect) is available “over the counter” without a doctor’s prescription; for the sildenafil 100mg, you’ll need a prescription.
- Tesco & Boots process: Ask at the pharmacy counter, fill out a short questionnaire, and get assessed by the pharmacist.
- Prescription required: For the sildenafil 100mg tablets, you’ll need a prescription. The branded version (Viagra Connect) is only available in 50mg.
- Consultation included: The price you pay often covers both the medicine and the pharmacist’s time.
Is it cheaper to buy sildenafil from Tesco or Boots?
The answer depends on what you value most: price, privacy, or convenience.
Tesco & Boots
- NHS prescription: If eligible, you’ll pay the standard NHS prescription charge (currently £9.65 for four tablets) [1].
- Pfizer’s Connect (50mg): Boots charges around £38.99 for eight tablets; Tesco prices are similar. These are branded and only available in 50mg.
- Generic sildenafil: Some branches offer generic, but prices may be higher than online.
Online pharmacies (Courier Pharmacy)
- Lower prices: Courier Pharmacy often sells generic sildenafil at much lower prices than high street chains—sometimes less than half [4].
- Privacy: Complete a secure online form, get a pharmacist review, and receive discreet home delivery.
- Choice: More strengths and pack sizes available, often at a better price per tablet.
Branded vs generic sildenafil: Is there a difference?
Both branded (Viagra, Pfizer’s Connect) and generic sildenafil contain the same active ingredient and work the same way [2] [3]. The difference is usually in the packaging, price, and sometimes the inactive ingredients (like fillers). Generics are almost always cheaper.
- Branded: Higher price, same effect.
- Generic: Lower price, just as effective.
Price comparison: Tesco, Boots, and Courier Pharmacy
| Pharmacy | Product | Strength | Pack Size | Price (approx.) |
| Tesco | Pfizer’s Viagra Connect | 50mg | 8 | £38.99 |
| Boots | Pfizer’s Viagra Connect | 50mg | 8 | £38.99 |
| Boots | Generic sildenafil | 50mg | 8 | £26.99 |
| Courier Pharmacy | Generic sildenafil | 50mg | 8 | £14.98 |
*Check the Courier Pharmacy website for the latest prices.
What about privacy and convenience?
Buying in person at Tesco or Boots can be quick, but some men prefer the privacy of an online pharmacy. Courier Pharmacy’s online process is discreet, with a simple questionnaire and delivery straight to your door. No awkward moments at the till!
When sildenafil tablets don’t work: the compounded ED buccal film
Sometimes, standard sildenafil tablets aren’t effective or convenient for everyone. That’s where Courier Pharmacy’s compounded erectile dysfunction buccal film comes in—a unique option you won’t find at Tesco or Boots.
What is the compounded ED buccal film?
This is a custom-made, dissolvable strip that contains a combination of sildenafil, tadalafil, and L-arginine. You place the film inside your cheek, where it dissolves quickly and is absorbed directly into your bloodstream.
Why might this help if sildenafil tablets don’t work?
- Faster onset: Buccal films bypass the digestive system, so the medicine acts more quickly.
- Longer lasting: The combination of sildenafil and tadalafil means you get both quick action and a longer window of effect.
- Better absorption: Direct absorption means more reliable results, especially if you have digestive issues or take other medicines.
- Extra support: L-arginine helps widen blood vessels, further improving blood flow.
You can only get this ED compounded buccal film from Courier Pharmacy, as it’s specially prepared to order by their compounding partner, APC Labs. Boots and Tesco do not offer this option.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get sildenafil without a prescription at Tesco or Boots?
You can get the 50mg branded version (Viagra Connect) over the counter after a pharmacist assessment. For 100mg, you’ll need a prescription [2] [3].
Is it safe to buy sildenafil online?
Yes, as long as you use a registered UK pharmacy like Courier Pharmacy, which follows strict safety protocols and has a pharmacist review every order [4].
What’s the difference between branded and generic sildenafil?
Both work the same way; generics are usually cheaper [2] [3].
What if sildenafil doesn’t work for me?
Ask about the compounded buccal film from Courier Pharmacy—it may offer better results if tablets haven’t helped.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
References
[1] NHS (2023) ‘Erection problems (erectile dysfunction)’. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ (Accessed: 24 September 2025).
[2] BNF (2025) ‘Sildenafil’. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ (Accessed: 24 September 2025).
[3] EMC (2025) ‘Sildenafil 100mg Tablets – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)’. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7124/smpc (Accessed: 24 September 2025).
[4] Courier Pharmacy (2025) ‘How long does sildenafil last for and how long does it take to work?’ Available at: https://courierpharmacy.co.uk/how-long-does-sildenafil-last-for-and-how-long-does-it-take-to-work/ (Accessed: 24 September 2025).
