title: Private prescription costs for sildenafil within the NHS: a telephone survey.
abstract: Because of the restrictions on prescribing for impotence within the NHS, doctors routinely write private prescriptions for sildenafil. The aim of this study was to determine the variation in cost of a private prescription of four 100 mg tablets of sildenafil. A selection of different pharmacy types within five areas in England was surveyed. We telephoned a total of 86 pharmacies and we were quoted prices ranging from pounds 28.20 to pounds 42.33. There was a significant difference in price between area and between pharmacy type. Best prices are not necessarily found at the major pharmacy chains or hospital pharmacies, as might be expected. NHS doctors and patients need to be aware of this significant difference in cost.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sexual Health, King's College Hospital, and Victoria Sexual Health Clinic, Chelsea & Westminster Healthcare, UK.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Mostyn
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Crowley
authors.forename: F E A
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Keane
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009313:National Health Programs; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D011306:Prescription Fees / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate