With the rise in requests from the mega-pharmaceuticals to the FDA to launch over-the-counter (OTC) versions of their useless and often harmful drugs, Pfizer may be charting a similar future for Viagra, the blinding, erectile dysfunction (ED) drug.
Imbedded in a report about a Viagra spray in the planning stages, a UK-based magazine confirmed Pfizer's interest in introducing an OTC version of Viagra. Considering good sales (more than $400 million) during the third quarter of 2006, you might believe a move to OTC status might be a bit premature, especially for Viagra.
With a strong competitor in Cialis eroding its marketshare, the widespread sale of fake versions and Pfizer's exclusive patent expiring in the next four years, however, some business experts believe the move may make some sense.
Just don't expect "a little blue pill" or a statin drug stored behind a counter or over it to help with ED. Fact is, some very simple lifestyle changes that cost nothing more than your time can frequently resolve most ED problems.
Just a reminder, the need for any kind of ED drug may also be an early sign of diabetes, heart disease and a variety of vascular illnesses.
Detroit News January 11, 2007PharmaTimes January 11, 2007