Conditions Back ConditionsDrugs & Supplements Back Drugs & SupplementsWell-Being Back Well-BeingMore Back More Privacy & More Subscribe Log In Search Subscribe GuideSex Health Concerns View Full Guide Buying ED Drugs Online: What’s the Risk?Written by Medically Reviewed by Nazia Q Bandukwala, DO on March 13, 20243 min readIf you search "buy erectile dysfunction drugs" online, you'll bring up millions of websites selling well-known ED drugs for sale, as well as many "natural" remedies that promise to give you the same results.Are they safe to buy? Experts say think twice before you purchase online.Risks of Online ED DrugsThe ED drugs and herbal remedies you buy on the internet aren't always what they seem. An FDA investigation found that more than one-third of "dietary supplements" sold for ED actually contained prescription drugs, including , the medicine in Viagra.Some ED drugs sold online contained entirely different medicines, such as the antibiotic and the fertility drug clomiphene.Even if a drug contains the right medicine, it may not be the right dose. When samples of 100-milligram Viagra tablets purchased online were tested, only 10% were even close to the advertised strength.When you buy from an unknown company, you run the risk of getting counterfeit medicines. By some estimates, more than half of all sold online are fakes. Some of these drugs include ingredients you wouldn't want to put in your body -- things like talcum powder, paint, and printer ink.The FDA warns of a number of products that have contained potentially harmful ingredients or compounds that aren't mentioned on the label. Among them are:4EVERONActra-RxActra-SxAdam FreeBlue SteelEnergy MaxErextraHeroHS Joy of LoveLady ShangaiLibidusLiviro3Lycium Barbarum L.NasutraNaturalë Super PlusNaturalUpNeophaseRhino V MaxShangai Regular, also marketed as Shangai ChaojimengnanShangai UltraShangai Ultra XStrong TestisSuper ShangaiTrue ManV.MaxVigor-25Xiadafil VIP tablets (Lots 6K029 and 6K209-SEI only)YilishenZimaxxHealth ConcernsErectile dysfunction drugs that are approved by the FDA work by increasing to the . Just like any other medicine, these drugs can have side effects. If you purchase them online -- without a prescription -- you won't get a chance to discuss this with your doctor before you take them.ED drugs can also be dangerous if you have certain conditions, like heart disease. They can interact with other medicines you take, such as blood thinners and some alpha blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure and conditions. Even mixing them with grapefruit juice can worsen side effects. These are issues your doctor needs to talk to you about during an office visit before they prescribe the medicine.If you buy an "herbal remedy" online that turns out to contain ingredients from real ED drugs, you could also put your health at risk. For example, if sildenafil is hidden in natural ED treatments, you could run into trouble if you use nitrates for . The combo can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.Buying Safely OnlineBefore buying ED drugs on the internet, see your doctor to find out exactly what's causing the problem. It may turn out that you don't need to take these drugs.Health conditions that contribute to ED, such as diabetes or , can be treated. If ED is a side effect of a medicine you're taking, your doctor may suggest that you stop using the drug or take a lower dose.The FDA is trying to stop the flow of illegal ED drugs, but these medicines still show up on the internet. Legitimate online pharmacies do exist. It just takes a little bit of work to find them.Here's what to look for when you buy ED drugs online:A licensed pharmacy with an address in the U.S. (Check with your state board of pharmacy or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.)A pharmacy that asks for a prescription from your doctorDrugs that are approved by the Containers that are clearly labeled with the name of the drug and the doseA licensed pharmacist who is available to answer your questionsPhone number to call if you have questions or problemsClearly stated privacy policy that protects your credit card number and other personal informationSourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintSOURCES:FDA: "Hidden Risks of Erectile Dysfunction 'Treatments' Sold Online," "The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicines over the Internet." National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: "Erectile Dysfunction." American Academy of Family Physicians: "Erectile Dysfunction -- Overview."Jackson, G. International Journal of Clinical Practice, March 2010. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, April 2010. SharePrintMore On Men's Health Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , If you buy an "herbal remedy" online that turns out to contain ingredients from real ED drugs, you could also put your health at risk. For example, if sildenafil is hidden in natural ED treatments , Prioritize your sexual health with Walgreens Virtual Healthcare. Get online treatments for erectile dysfunction, UTI's, and more from a Doctor or NP..