Fake Viagra is the UK’s most seized counterfeit drug according to data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
7.5 million doses of counterfeit Viagra (sildenafil) have been seized in the UK since April 2023, according to data secured by Oxford Online Pharmacy.
Seized doses of fake Viagra in the UK from 2023 to mid-2025 highly exceed those of other counterfeit drugs such as tramadol, a prescription opioid of which 2.96 million doses were seized and 1.5 million seized doses of counterfeit Cialis (tadalafil), a prescription medication used to treat erectile disfunction.
According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), responsible for medicine safety in the UK, most non-compliant drug seizures are made at the UK border, with most being imported from India.
What are the risks of using fake Viagra?
Kiran Jones, pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said: “The risks are significant. Fake drugs may be ineffective, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed.
“There needs to be more public education about the safest ways to access legitimate treatment.”
Why are people buying fake Viagra?
The biggest driver of fake Viagra sales is embarrassment around erectile dysfunction.
Drugs for erectile dysfunction can be purchased over the counter in the UK, but only after having a pharmacist consultation.
A study conducted by the Urology Foundation in 2022 found over half of men avoid seeking medical assistance for erectile issues due to anxiety or fear of judgement about the issue.
However, erectile issues are common – at least one in 10 men will suffer with erectile dysfunction in their lifetime.
How to avoid fake Viagra
Always check if an online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) – look for a GPhC logo or registration number, or search the pharmacy or pharmacist name using the official GPhC register.
Avoid websites which:
- Offer prescription-only medicine without asking for a prescription or consultation.
- Have no clear contact information.
- Use unbranded packaging or generic product images.
- Offer prices that seem too good to be true.
