BRITAIN is being flooded with fake Viagra pills that could pose a deadly risk to men, officials warned today.
Figures show almost 20 million dodgy little blue pills have been seized by the regulator in the last five years – equivalent to one dose for every three in four men.
The “stigma and embarrassment” of erectile dysfunction is being “exploited by criminals”, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
It warned that many of these pills contained no active ingredient or were the wrong dose.
Some even contained hidden drugs and toxic ingredients.
While Viagra is available from a pharmacy without prescription for around £4, fake versions can cost as little as £1.
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Drugs sold on physical shelves in the UK must undergo strict quality control to ensure they are as safe as possible for people to use.
But, experts have long warned that many ED drugs bought online are often produced in unhygienic conditions and lab tests have even found fake Viagra containing ingredients like detergents and printer ink.
Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit, said: “Stigma and embarrassment are being exploited by criminals selling fake medicines that can seriously harm your health.
“These seizures show the sheer scale of the illegal market for erectile dysfunction medicines in the UK – and the risks people are taking without realising.
“Any medicine not authorised for sale in the UK can be unsafe or ineffective and there is no way of knowing what is in them or the negative health effects they can have.
“These pills may look genuine, but many are potentially dangerous.
“These products may contain no active ingredient, the wrong dose, hidden drugs or toxic ingredients.”
The agency’s criminal enforcement unit seized around 19.5 million doses of drugs which claim to help with erectile dysfunction between 2021 and 2025.
This includes 4.4 million doses in 2025 alone.
Annual seizures of illegal erectile dysfunction pills have more than doubled since 2022.
The MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit is also cracking down on online sellers.
Working with internet service providers, the regulator disrupted more than 1,500 websites and social media accounts illegally selling medical products in 2025, and removed 1,200 social media posts.
Erectile dysfunction affects 4.3million men in the UK, including half of all men aged 40 to 70.
One in 10 will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lifetime.
Drugs like Viagra are used to manage erectile dysfunction in at least two thirds of cases, according to the NHS.
Erectile dysfunction often acts as a marker of a man’s overall health.
An inability to get or maintain erection could be a result of undiagnosed high cholesterol or blood pressure or even a warning sign of cardiovascular disease, according to experts.
This is because blood vessels need to dilate for blood to flow to the penis and allow a man to get erect.
But cardiovascular disease can narrow the arteries meaning less blood can flow through — making it difficult to get or maintain an erection.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR MEDICINE IS FAKE
TO spot counterfeit medication, be vigilant about packaging, especially the label and any security features, and compare it to your usual medication.
Look for inconsistencies like poor quality printing, spelling errors, or missing information.
Also, be wary of suspiciously low prices or offers of prescription-only medication without a prescription.
Here’s what you can do…
PACKAGING
Compare packaging
If you’ve used the same medication before, compare the packaging to the new one. Look for any differences in colour, font, or printing quality.
Check for security features
Some medications have security features like holograms or color-shifting inks. See if these are present and appear genuine.
Inspect for damage
Check for any signs of tampering, such as broken seals, torn packaging, or damage to the container.
Looking for missing information
Ensure the packaging includes the patient information leaflet, the “UK Only” label, and that the active ingredient(s) are listed.
MEDICATION
Taste, smell, and appearance
Be suspicious if the medication has a strange taste, odour, or a colour that is different from what you’re used to.
Texture and consistency
Counterfeit tablets may be crumbly or easily break apart.
Compare to previous medication
If you’re familiar with the medication, compare its size, shape, colour, and texture to your usual medication.
OTHER RED FLAGS
Suspiciously low prices
Be cautious of medicines that are significantly cheaper than usual.
Offers without a prescription
Avoid buying prescription-only medication from sources that don’t require a valid prescription.
Unfamiliar or untrustworthy sources
Be wary of buying medication online from websites that are not registered pharmacies or from sellers who are not legitimate.
IF YOU SUSPECT COUNTERFEIT MEDICINE
Report it
Report any concerns to the relevant authorities, such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). You can contact the MHRA’s counterfeit hotline or report it online, according to the NHS.
Don’t use it
If you have any doubts, do not take the medication and seek advice from a healthcare professional.