Patients could soon have "unrestricted access" to a generic version of Viagra, if the Department of Health (DH) goes ahead with plans to make the drug available on NHS prescription.

The DH was considering removing restrictions on generic erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil, which has been available since Viagra came off patent in June 2013, it said in a consultation published last week (January 23).

The generic is 93 per cent cheaper than branded Viagra and the DH predicted that the expiry of Viagra's patent could save the NHS £38 million a year under current prescribing levels. As cost is no longer the main barrier to accessing treatment, the DH has decided that the drug should benefit a "wider spectrum of patients".

Even if demand for the drug tripled after  restrictions were removed, the NHS would still be able to afford it, the DH said	More on Viagra Lloyds erectile dysfunction ad prompts ASA investigation Sex? Not on the NHS Update module 1579: Erectile dysfunction
	The DH said it expected demand for sildenafil to increase if restrictions were removed. But it added that even if demand for the drug tripled, the NHS would still be able to afford it.

Current restrictions on prescribing the drug meant that some men seeking erectile dysfunction treatment due to severe distress had to be assessed by specialist services rather than their GP. The proposed changes would transfer many of these patients over to primary care, which would be an additional burden for GPs but would be more convenient for patients and save the NHS money, the DH said.

The DH would develop prescribing guidance to ensure prescribers and commissioners did not face "unmanageable demands" from people seeking sildenafil for recreational purposes, it said.

It would continue to restrict the supply of other erectile dysfunction treatments such as tadalafil, vardenafil and Viagra.

The consultation will run until March 21.