Pfizer launches online Viagra sales to combat counterfeiting

Pfizer has announced the launch of a new online service that allows patients to fulfil their prescriptions of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra and have it delivered directly to their homes.

Powered by CVS Pharmacy and accessible through Viagra.com, the site lets users submit a new prescription or refill an existing one, make payments and check their order status, while remaining confident they are purchasing from an official source.

This service is being launched in response to the growing threat posed by counterfeit medicines sold by fraudulent pharmacy websites, with Viagra ranking as Pfizer's most counterfeited product.

Such fake medicines are often manufactured in poor conditions, are incorrectly formulated or include contaminants such as pesticides, wallboard, commercial paint and printer ink, making them highly dangerous.

Victor Clavelli, senior director and marketing group leader for Pfizer's primary care business unit, said: "By offering men with ED convenient access and a legitimate alternative to purchase Viagra online, our hope is that Pfizer will help rein in the distribution of fake ED products."

The drug was developed at Pfizer's UK facility in Sandwich and was originally launched in the US in 1998.