ED Treatment Cost Comparison UK - From £0.36

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At a glance

What ED Treatments Are Available and How Do They Work?

All licensed oral ED medicines in the UK belong to a group called PDE5 inhibitors. They work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection when you're sexually aroused[1]. They do not work without sexual stimulation, and they do not cure ED—they treat the symptoms each time you take them.

The four active ingredients available on prescription are sildenafil (the generic version of Viagra), tadalafil (generic Cialis), vardenafil (generic Levitra), and avanafil (brand name Spedra)[2]. Each works in a similar way, but they differ in how quickly they start working and how long the effect lasts. Sildenafil and vardenafil typically work for 4–6 hours, avanafil acts quickly (within 15–30 minutes), and tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname 'the weekend pill'[3][4][5][6].

Some ED treatments are also available without a prescription. Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50 mg) can be sold by a pharmacist after a brief consultation, and Eroxon is a topical gel medical device that does not require a prescription. For men who do not respond to tablets, prescription-only options such as Vitaros (alprostadil cream) or Caverject (alprostadil injection) may be considered[7].

ED Treatment Cost Comparison UK: Generic vs Branded Medicines

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of ED treatment in the UK is whether you choose a generic or a branded medicine. Generic medicines contain exactly the same active ingredient, in the same strength and form, as the branded version. They meet the same strict safety and quality standards set by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), but they cost much less because the manufacturer does not have to repeat the original research or pay for brand marketing.

For example, generic sildenafil at Cured Pharmacy starts from £0.45 per tablet (£0.36 with code Ednew on your first order), while branded Viagra costs £37.95 (£30.36 with code Ednew). Similarly, generic tadalafil is £7.95 (£6.36 with code Ednew), compared with £12.00 for branded Cialis (£9.60 with code Ednew). Both versions work in the same way and have the same active ingredient—the main difference is the price and the name on the packet.

If cost is a priority, generic medicines offer excellent value. However, some men prefer branded products for personal reasons, and both options are available through our online consultation service. Your prescriber will discuss which treatment and strength are most suitable for you based on your health, other medicines, and how you plan to use the treatment.

How Strength and Pack Size Affect ED Treatment Prices

The price you pay also depends on the strength of the tablet and how many you order. Sildenafil is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. Tadalafil comes in 2.5 mg and 5 mg for daily use, or 10 mg and 20 mg for on-demand use. Vardenafil is supplied in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg, and avanafil (Spedra) in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg[3][4][5][6].

Higher strengths do not always cost more per tablet, and buying a larger pack can sometimes reduce the cost per dose. For instance, our generic sildenafil is priced per tablet regardless of strength, making it a flexible and affordable choice. Tadalafil 20 mg (Teva) is £9.99 (£7.99 with code Ednew), while the 10 mg Avarante version is £11.49 (£9.19 with code Ednew), so comparing options can help you find the best value.

Your prescriber will recommend a starting dose based on your age, general health, other medicines, and how well you tolerate the treatment. Many men start on a mid-range dose (such as sildenafil 50 mg or tadalafil 10 mg) and adjust up or down depending on the response and any side effects. It is important never to take more than the prescribed dose or to take a tablet more than once a day (except for daily low-dose tadalafil, which is taken once every day).

Daily vs On-Demand Tadalafil

Tadalafil is unique because it can be taken in two ways: on-demand (10 mg or 20 mg at least 30 minutes before sex) or daily (2.5 mg or 5 mg once a day, regardless of when you plan to have sex). Daily tadalafil keeps a steady level of the medicine in your body, so you can be spontaneous without planning ahead[4]. On-demand tadalafil is taken only when needed and can work for up to 36 hours. The choice depends on how often you have sex and your personal preference. Your prescriber can help you decide which regimen suits your lifestyle and budget.

What you need to know

• Generic sildenafil starts from £0.36 per tablet with code Ednew, offering the same effectiveness as branded Viagra.
• Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours and starts from £6.36 with code Ednew, ideal for weekend flexibility.
• All ED treatments require a prescription after an online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber.
• Cured Pharmacy prices include the consultation with no hidden fees, and delivery is fast and discreet.

What Affects the Cost of ED Treatment in the UK?

Several factors influence how much you pay for ED treatment. The type of medicine (generic or branded), the strength, the pack size, and whether you use a discount code all play a role. At Cured Pharmacy, first-time customers save 20% with code Ednew, bringing the cost of generic sildenafil down to just £0.36 per tablet and tadalafil to £6.36.

Another factor is the consultation fee. Some online services charge separately for the consultation and the medicine, while others include the consultation in the overall price. At Cured Pharmacy, the price you see is the price you pay—there are no hidden consultation fees. Every order includes a confidential online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber, and your medicine is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) and delivered discreetly to your door.

It is also worth noting that ED treatment is not usually available on the NHS, except in certain circumstances (for example, if ED is caused by specific medical conditions such as diabetes, prostate cancer treatment, or severe distress). Most men in the UK pay privately for ED medicines, so comparing prices and choosing a reputable, registered pharmacy can make a real difference to your budget[2].

How to Order ED Treatment Safely Online

Ordering ED treatment online is convenient and confidential, but it is essential to use a registered pharmacy and a legitimate prescribing service. In the UK, all prescription-only medicines—including sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil—must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional after a proper assessment of your health[2].

At Cured Pharmacy, the process is straightforward. You complete a short online consultation form, answering questions about your general health, current medicines, and any other medical conditions. A UK-registered prescriber (a doctor or an independent prescriber pharmacist) reviews your answers and, if the treatment is safe and suitable for you, approves the prescription. Your medicine is then dispensed by our registered pharmacy and posted to you in plain, discreet packaging, usually within one working day.

Never buy ED medicines from websites that do not require a consultation, offer to sell you prescription medicines without a prescription, or are not registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Unregulated medicines may be counterfeit, contaminated, or contain the wrong dose, and they can be dangerous. You can check that a pharmacy is registered by looking for the GPhC registration number on the website and verifying it on the GPhC register.

What Happens During the Online Consultation?

The online consultation asks about your medical history, including any heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes, recent strokes or heart attacks, and all medicines you currently take (including over-the-counter and herbal products). This information is essential because some medicines and health conditions mean that PDE5 inhibitors are not safe for you. For example, you must never take ED tablets if you use nitrate medicines (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate) for angina, or if you take nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers'—the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure[3]. The prescriber checks every detail to ensure the treatment is safe, and you can message the pharmacy team if you have any questions.

When to get urgent help

• An erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)—go to A&E immediately to prevent permanent damage.
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes—stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help.
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness—stop and see a doctor urgently.
• Chest pain during or after sex—stop activity, do not take another dose, and call 999 if pain is severe or does not go away.
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing)—call 999 immediately.

Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.

Comparing ED Treatment Costs: Which Option Offers the Best Value?

When you compare ed treatment cost options in the UK, generic sildenafil is usually the most affordable choice for occasional use, especially if you are new to ED treatment. At £0.36 per tablet with code Ednew, it offers proven effectiveness at a fraction of the cost of branded Viagra. Tadalafil is an excellent option if you prefer longer-lasting effects or want the flexibility of daily dosing—generic tadalafil starts from £6.36 with code Ednew, and the effect can last up to 36 hours, which may work out more economical if you have sex more than once over a weekend[4].

Vardenafil (£16.95, or £13.56 with code Ednew) and avanafil/Spedra (£20.95, or £16.76 with code Ednew) are mid-priced options. Avanafil is the fastest-acting PDE5 inhibitor, working in as little as 15 minutes, which some men find helpful for spontaneity[6][11]. Vardenafil is chemically similar to sildenafil but may suit men who find sildenafil less effective or who experience certain side effects.

Branded medicines—Viagra and Cialis—cost more but are identical in active ingredient and effect to their generic counterparts. The choice between generic and branded is personal; both are safe, effective, and available through the same rigorous consultation process. Our comparison table below shows the full range of treatments, strengths, and prices to help you decide.

Are Generic ED Medicines as Good as Branded Ones?

Yes. Generic medicines are required by law to contain the same active ingredient, in the same amount and form, as the branded version. They must also meet the same standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness set by the MHRA. Clinical studies have shown that generic sildenafil and tadalafil work just as well as Viagra and Cialis[9]. The lower price reflects the fact that generic manufacturers do not have to repeat the original research or invest in brand marketing, not any difference in quality or effectiveness. If you have used branded Viagra or Cialis before and found it helpful, switching to the generic version will give you the same results at a lower cost.

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