More erection drugs to hit the market after red tape-busting move by health chiefs

MORE erection drugs will go on sale in shops after a red tape-busting move by health chiefs.

Cialis is now legal to sell without prescription — making it only the second over-the-counter pill in the UK.

Viagra got the green light in 2018.

Cialis works faster and lasts longer — for up to 36 hours compared to Viagra’s five.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ruled it is safe for many without seeing a doctor.

Dr Laura Squire, of the MHRA, said: “This is good news for men’s health.

“It not only gives them greater control over their choices but increases awareness of erectile dysfunction.”

Millions of men in the UK suffer erectile dysfunction and it is estimated to hit half of over-40s.

Causes include ageing, alcohol and stress.

The NHS last year spent £18.3million on prescriptions for meds to treat it.

Over-18s will be able to buy pills called Cialis Together after a private chat with a pharmacist, not a GP.

They work by blocking an enzyme called PDE5, which helps relax veins and arteries and boosts blood flow to the penis to give stronger erections.

It could cost around £12 for two tabs, like Viagra Connect.

Thorrun Govind, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “We’re seeing more people coming in for Viagra Connect and they’re not shy about asking for it, which is really good.

“We know men can be less willing to ask for help so having the conversation about men’s health is important.

“This gives us more options.”