British pharmacy chain Boots will begin a trial program on Valentine’s Day to offer men Viagra without a prescription.
The initial pilot program will be offered in three of the chain’s stores in Manchester and is expected to last six months, the company said Sunday,
Boots then will consider whether to expand it to other pharmacies. The chain has about 1,500 stores across Britain.
Men between the ages of 30 and 65 will be required to see a pharmacist, provide a medical history and have their blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels tested.
“It’s still very much a prescription drug,” Boots spokeswoman Clare Stafford said. “This is just a different access point to it.”
If customers want a refill, they will be required to see a doctor, Stafford said.
It's estimated that only one in 10 men suffering from erectile dysfunction are currently being treated.
Boots already offers similar services for weight loss, hair retention and chlamydia treatment.
Viagra is made by New York-based Pfizer Inc.
