PFIZER Australia confirmed it has made a submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for inclusion of sildenafil 50mg (Viagra) in Schedule 3, as a Pharmacist Only Medicine for treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare medical lead Dr Stephen Blair said the availability of non-prescription sildenafil would provide men that are currently not having these conversations with their doctor an additional entry point into the healthcare system, encouraging them to seek advice and treatment they otherwise would not have sought.
"Giving men the opportunity to talk to a pharmacist and discuss suitability of sildenafil for the treatment of ED could be a real step forward," Dr Blair said.
"We know ED can be an early warning sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease."
Blair added that non-prescription access would provide an opportunity to educate men on the underlying causes of ED and encourage them to see a doctor.
"This could lead to earlier detection of conditions which may otherwise go undiagnosed."
Pfizer has also said it would work with national pharmacy bodies to ensure pharmacists are adequately trained and prepared for discussions with men with ED, including proactively encouraging them to consult their doctor so that any potential underlying conditions can be investigated.
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