Dr Fox news

Last updated 16 February 2022

Cost is a big factor in buying cigarettes, but it can also be a factor when it comes to stopping smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is expensive, and many who are desperate to move past those strong nicotine cravings wonder why that is.

Nicotine replacement therapy comes in different forms, including:

• Patches
• Gum
• Nasal or mouth spray
• Lozenges
• Tablets
• E-cigarettes/ vaping devices

They work by releasing nicotine into the body to decrease cravings for the nicotine normally consumed by smoking. By providing the system with a low dose of nicotine, these nicotine replacement treatments reduce the need to smoke and allow would-be quitters to avoid the carcinogenic tar, carbon monoxide and chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

Aside from being addictive, nicotine is not considered dangerous when taken for a short period of time. It is the other chemicals found in cigarette smoke that cause heart and lung diseases.

Nevertheless, when made available in these preparations, the price of nicotine seems to skyrocket. Prohibitive prices can make it feel harder to stop smoking, so why are NRT products so expensive? Read in full

Last updated 17 February 2022

The headlines read “Tesco to sell half-price Viagra over the counter” and “Viagra goes on high street sale”. With all the media hype over Viagra and the generic version sildenafil now available in pharmacies, the natural assumption is that Tesco and Boots are the places to buy it – the cheapest and easiest avenues to get your sex life back on track.

Update April 2018: Viagra Connect now available without prescription.

But while it would be easy to simply walk into your nearest Tesco or Boots pharmacy and ask for a pack from behind the counter, let’s investigate whether it really is possible to buy Viagra during a trip to the supermarket, and if there is another, more convenient alternative out there.

The premise of offering Viagra through pharmacies is simple. It is considered a low toxicity drug with relatively few side effects, and can be safely prescribed following a straightforward medical consultation to rule out contraindications. Read in full

Last updated 29 November 2017

People often wonder about the possible side effects of Viagra, concerned that the little blue pill might result in some kind of unpleasantness or even dangerous health conditions. It’s always sensible to understand the nature of your medications and, while Viagra is recognised as a low-toxicity medicine, it pays to be aware of its potential side effects.

Our patients tend to do a lot of their own research on the subject and although this can sometimes lead to unwarranted concern, it could also be prudent in determining whether Viagra or the generic sildenafil is safe to take. So here we will explain Viagra’s side effects and briefly take you through which are common and which may be cause for worry. Read in full

Last updated 15 February 2022

If you’re plagued by cystitis you know the symptoms all too well – the burning, stinging feeling when you pass water, the urgency to use the toilet and needing to go more frequently.

You’ve described your symptoms to a doctor and had the urinalyses, but by now you may be pretty well able to recognise the onset of cystitis yourself. Women who have cystitis time and again (also known as recurrent cystitis) tend to do their research in order to try and avoid future episodes. Read in full

Last updated 19 September 2023

As with any medication, Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications aren’t guaranteed to work for everyone.

Your doctor should explain carefully how to use them, and what to expect, but even under the best of circumstances you may find that you need a number of attempts, or possibly an adjusted dose or different type of medication in order to see results.

If you aren’t able to achieve an erection soon after you start treatment, don’t despair. Check to ensure you are taking the medication exactly as directed according to the patient information leaflet supplied with the tablets, and be sure to let your doctor know what happens (or doesn’t happen) when you do. Always consult a doctor if treatment doesn’t work. Studies show an improved response rate after receiving appropriate dose and instructions on administration. You may require further tests and assessment, and possibly alternative treatments.

What is the ‘success rate’ of sildenafil (Viagra)?

From clinical trials the following percentages of men responded to the three different doses of sildenafil as follows:

The results show sildenafil (Viagra, Viagra Connect) is not effective for all men, but the reasons can be complex and varied. Read on to learn a few different things you can try in order to help your medication have the desired effect. These points will help you develop a realistic expectation for your treatment.

Adopt the right mindset

Before all else, try to keep in mind that no erectile dysfunction medicine is a miracle cure. The PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil) work by facilitating blood flow to the penis, but they all require sexual arousal. Your body sends the necessary chemicals to the blood vessels of the penis, the medication helps the blood flow, and also block the PDE5 enzymes that eliminate the chemicals, and this helps you get and maintain an erection.

Without proper sexual arousal the medication will simply not take effect. Try to make sure you are receiving stimulation that works for you; whether it’s visual or from touch, scent or taste, you need to feel naturally turned on.

Distractions, interruptions, and low temperatures can stop the production of the chemicals responsible for erections.

Patient expectations

Psychological factors can make a big difference with regard to treatment and outcome, and should not be underestimated (the placebo effect is a good example). Brand, size, shape, and colour of a pill can all have a psychological impact on a patient’s confidence in the treatment. There is also documented evidence that a higher dosage can have a positive psychological effect, however side effects are more likely. Studies also suggest men’s mood improves after taking sildenafil. Read in full

Last updated 26 January 2026

What are generic medicines?

When the original patent (the exclusive right granted by governments to an inventor to manufacture and sell their invention) of a medicine runs out it becomes legal for ‘copies’ of the original active ingredient to be produced and marketed. These copies, which are medically identical to original medicines, are called generics or generic medicines. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and are medically identical to the original, but usually cost less. According to the BGMA generic medicine saves the NHS more than £10bn annually. Read in full

Last updated 5 June 2024

Buy treatmentPrices checked 14 July 2015 – Dr Fox remains significantly lower cost than competitors and is often over 50% cheaper than major high street and internet pharmacies such as Lloyds Pharmacy, Pharmacy2U and Chemist Direct for the same service and product. Read in full

Last updated 14 February 2022

It is safe to say that the opportunity to consult with a doctor and receive prescription medication over the internet has changed the face of medicine in the UK. But how much do you know about online pharmacies? Read on for 10 facts that will help you understand what medicines they provide and the difference between ethical online pharmacies and all the rest.

Read in full