OTC Viagra? A Recent Pfizer Statement:

“Since its introduction in 1998, there has been ongoing speculation about Viagra’s alternate uses and delivery mechanism. As with many of our medicines, Pfizer routinely evaluates ways to improve the delivery and formulation of our medicines to bring the greatest value to patients and healthcare professionals and continues to do so. Pfizer withdrew a regulatory application to switch Viagra in the European Union in November 2008, pending further evaluation.

Viagra is available only by prescription from a healthcare professional for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males and should always be used in accordance with its approved labeling.” source bloomberg.com

This was after the European Medicines Agency rejected the maker of Viagra’s bid to sell the drug over the counter (OTC). It is feared that men with other underlying health issues could then get the drug with conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

If you’re taking nitrates, Viagra can kill you. And because some men with high blood pressure also suffer erectile dysfunction, they maybe are taking these nitrates. Without close supervision from a doctor, things could be fatal.

Meanwhile Pfizer is currently developing a new formulation of Viagra that they hope will not require a prescription. Pfizer is already actively seeking out an ad agency to help with a new campaign. They hope to launch in the UK in 2011.

For the current Viagra formulation, Pfizer argues that millions of men already seek out Viagra on black market websites, so why not have it OTC where at least a pharmacist would be on hand to answer any and all questions related to taking Viagra and possible problems with other medications.

Past marketing campaigns have been huge for the release of Viagra, so one wonders what’s next with the not yet hired ad agency. US based ads have been safe and generic, with middle ages couple in which the man had the serious doctor consultation and discussed Viagra.

Other countries around the planet have taken a more humorous take on the drug. Canada calls Viagra the cure for antiquing. South Africa had older well built graying men in prints ads featuring suggestive roles mailman, post man, and pool boy.

Viagra’s patent is due to expire in 2012, but the company believes there is still lots of potential in Viagra yet. Viagra’s sales were off in the 1st and 2nd quarter last year, but were up again by just under 10% in the 4th quarter.