WHEN YOU’RE DEALING with erectile dysfunction, you usually have to make an appointment with your doctor to get treated. But, soon, you’ll be able to pick up medication at your local pharmacy without a prescription.
The Food and Drug Administration just granted over-the-counter sale marketing authorization for MED3000, a topical gel created to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The medication was developed by U.K.-based Futura Medical and will be the first topical OTC treatment for ED that’s available in the U.S. without a prescription, according to a news release.
“Over-the-counter medications play a significant role in providing accessible and convenient treatment for a wide range of common health conditions—with erectile dysfunction being a very common condition,” says Amy Pearlman, M.D., a Miami-based board-certified urologist specializing in male sexual and hormonal health and co-founder of the Prime Institute.
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Eroxon, the brand name for MED3000, is currently available in Belgium and the U.K. It claims to “help you get an erection within 10 minutes.”
About half of all men will experience ED at some point in their lives. An OTC drug will help patients get treatment more quickly. Dr. Pearlman says it can often take months to get an appointment with a healthcare provider who can prescribe the medications commonly used to treat ED.
But, even with the OTC medication available, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor, Dr. Pearlman says. ED can sometimes signal an underlying medical problem, like heart disease or diabetes, that needs to be treated separately.
Here are five things to know about the new topical gel and how it can help if you’re struggling to get an erection:
1. It Targets the Problem and Works Quickly.
Being a topical means MED3000 targets your penis directly and offers a “quick onset of action,” Dr. Pearlman says.
“People love spontaneity when it comes to having sex. MED3000’s 10-minute onset of action may be a game-changer when it comes to optimizing spontaneity.”
Oral medications, like Viagra and Cialis, which require a prescription and are commonly used to treat ED, can take 30 minutes to take effect, she adds. Injections take less time to work, but they’re invasive and might deter men from using them.
2. Side Effects Are Minimal.
Topicals tend to have a lower risk of side effects compared to oral medications, Dr. Pearlman says.
Clinical trials for MED3000 found minimal side effects. There were some reports of headaches and nausea, however. No side effects were reported in sexual partners.
Oral ED medications are generally well-tolerated, Dr. Pearlman says. But, some side effects, including flushing, heartburn, sinus congestion, and headaches, might prevent some men from taking them even though they work well.
3. You Should Still See Your Doctor.
The OTC gel for ED will help you get relief quickly. But, keep in mind that ED might signal an underlying medical problem, like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone, or sleep apnea.
“The penis is often considered a barometer of overall health,” Dr. Pearlman says. “When men present to a healthcare provider with erectile dysfunction concerns, it allows the healthcare provider to evaluate the man for other health conditions.”
She recommends trying MED3000 while waiting for a doctor’s appointment, which can take time. But, you should still see your doctor to discuss other health issues.
4. It’s Most Beneficial When You’re Healthy.
For any ED treatment, you’ll benefit most when you’re generally healthy overall.
That means eating healthy foods, exercising, getting good sleep, limiting stress, and treating other health conditions that might cause ED, like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and low testosterone, Dr. Pearlman says. That’s why it’s always good to talk to your doctor about ED.
5. It’s Unclear When It’ll Be Available.
It might be a while before MED3000 is available at your local pharmacy.
A spokesperson from Futura Medical said they’re still working out the details on a specific timeframe for the U.S. release and price tag for the OTC treatment for ED.
“We are currently in discussions with potential commercialization partners,” the representative said.
Dr. Pearlman says the availability of an easy-to-access treatment for men dealing with ED is welcome news.
“As a specialist in male sexual health, I am excited to learn more about this therapy and delve into the research to better understand its safety and effectiveness, as well as which men may benefit from its use,” she says.
Erica Sweeney is a writer who mostly covers health, wellness and careers. She has written for The New York Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Parade, Money, Business Insider and many more.
