Tesco commences OTC Viagra sales

Tesco has begun selling Pfizer's erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra over the counter (OTC) in UK stores this week.

The company becomes the first supermarket chain to offer the treatment, allowing consumers to request the drug from more than 300 of its pharmacy-equipped stores as of yesterday (September 27th 2010).

It comes a year after Boots pharmacies also began carrying the drug, with Tesco's service set to be available for men aged between 40 and 65 years only.

Shona Scott, Tesco's commercial manager for pharmacy services, explained that patients will be expected to complete a questionnaire and tests for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes before they are deemed eligible.

She explained: "Provided that they are suitable we will discuss their options and can sell them an effective treatment."

Other services offered by Tesco pharmacies include winter influenza immunisations, medicine use reviews and smoking cessation assistance, as well as a four-in-one 30-minute health check service.