‘Cialis Together’ over-the-counter tadalafil

Cialis Together 10mg medicine pack

On 14 March 2023, the UK Medicines regulator (MHRA) approved an application to reclassify the erectile dysfunction medication Cialis. When marketed as Cialis Together (tadalafil 10mg), it will be a ‘P’ (pharmacy) medication, and so available ‘over the counter’ in pharmacies – see MHRA reclassifies Cialis Together tablets to a Pharmacy medicine – GOV.UK. This follows the 2018, ‘P’ classification of Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50mg) which has been available OTC, without a prescription, since then.

This decision is good news for men’s health …. Erectile dysfunction can be a debilitating condition, so it’s important men feel they have fast access to quality and legitimate care

Dr Laura Squire, MHRA’s Chief Officer for Healthcare, Quality and Access
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The mystery of post-finasteride syndrome

Pgoto of finasteride 1mg and 5mg medicine packs

There is currently very little research into Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), probably in part to it being rare and also the varying side effects that sufferers experience. Not all doctors are aware of this syndrome, however it was recognised in the USA in their list of rare and genetic diseases in 2015.

What is PFS?

Finasteride 1mg, also known by the brand name Propecia, is used to treat male pattern baldness. It is also used at a higher dose of 5mg to treat men with symptoms from enlarged prostates. As with all drugs, there is the potential to experience side effects from the medication – erectile dysfunction and reduced libido being the most common. In most cases these side effects settle when the medication is stopped and is no longer in the body’s system. However, rarely, some men continue to experience sexual dysfunction alongside other neurological and physical symptoms and this has been termed PFS. It can be diagnosed if the symptoms persist 3 months after stopping the medication and there are no pre-existing illnesses or current medical conditions or medications that could account for the symptoms.

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Dr Fox service rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission

Inspected and Rated

Good Care Quality Commission logo

Index Medical Ltd is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Following an inspection 16 April 2019 by a team from the CQC the final report was published 04 June 2019 which rated the service ‘Good’ on all 5 aspects of the inspection framework:

  • Safe
  • Effective
  • Caring
  • Responsive
  • Well-led

Since July 2021, the CQC inspects services on a monthly basis, focusing on safety and how effective a service is led.

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Easier ways to take your Pill – new recommendations for 2019

Combined contraceptive pill packs

But have we really been doing it wrong for 60 years?

The press reported this week that since the contraceptive pill was first launched – and this was 60 years ago! – we could have been doing it differently! They also stated that one of the reasons behind this was to please the Pope!

Let’s try and put this medical conundrum into understandable terms, and try to prevent confusion!

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Concerns over pharmacy websites not registered with the Care Quality Commission

Online doctors Uncovered - BBC Panorama

On Monday 6 August 2018 BBC Panorama aired an investigation into Online Doctors Uncovered which cited safety concerns over websites selling prescription drugs.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) [at the time of writing], has said:

You should look for the CQC logo because some of these websites, if they are not regulated by the CQC, can be very, very dangerous.

We know that these websites can present convenient ways for people to access advice, treatment and medication.

However some services may be putting patients at risk. We are particularly concerned that risks to patients may not always be appropriately assessed or managed when they buy medicines online.

As with conventional GP surgeries, these online companies and pharmacies are required to provide safe, high-quality and compassionate care and must adhere to exactly the same standards. They must not cut corners.

We will continue to work closely with the other regulatory bodies to share intelligence where we have concerns and take action where necessary. Providers and clinicians must be clear on their responsibilities to protect people who use their services.

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