Key Summary
- In the last five years, 20 million illegally traded erectile dysfunction pills have been seized.
- The MHRA has been working closely with Border Force to intercept shipments and disrupt organised criminal networks.
- Though erectile dysfunction is common among men aged between 40 and 70, research suggests the two in five men would avoid seeking medical advice.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned people against buying erectile dysfunction pills from unauthorised online sellers.
The regulator said that 20 million illegally traded erectile dysfunction pills have been seized in the last five years, and 4.4 million in 2025 alone.
The MHRA has been working closely with Border Force to intercept shipments and disrupt organised criminal networks.
Its Criminal Enforcement Unit has been working with internet service providers and, in 2025, disrupted more than 1,500 websites and social media accounts illegally selling medical products to the public and removed more than 1,200 social media posts.
Many of the pills were being illegally sold online and contained active ingredients sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil.
Erectile dysfunction medicines remain one of the most frequently seized illegally traded medicines in the UK, with yearly seizures more than doubling since 2022.
Though erectile dysfunction is common among men aged between 40 and 70, research suggests that two in five men would avoid seeking medical advice and approach unsafe online sellers.
The MHRA has warned that buying erectile dysfunction medicines from unregulated websites, social media, or messaging apps can have serious consequences.
They are dangerous for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or those taking other medications, and can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and dangerously low blood pressure.
The regulator has advised people to buy only from UK-registered pharmacies, including online pharmacies, displaying the official green cross logo.
For online pharmacies based in Great Britain, check the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) website to see whether they are registered.
It also urged the people to speak to a GP or pharmacist about safe and effective treatment options.
MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit head Andy Morling said, "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."
He said he is happy that almost 20 million doses of unauthorised erectile dysfunction medicines have been taken off the streets, and the 2025 seizure is a record.
Health minister Zubir Ahmed said, "There should be no shame in talking about erectile dysfunction, but stigma and embarrassment are being exploited by criminals selling fake medicines that can be deadly."
He urged the people to approach a GP or pharmacist and avail safe, effective treatments.
Pharmacy2U superintendent pharmacist Phil Day said, “As the UK’s largest online pharmacy, we’ve seen demand for advice and treatment for ED grow by 81 percent from 2024 to 2025.
"This is largely because they’re easier to obtain (especially online and over the counter), there’s less stigma around using them, and more men are seeking treatment due to ageing, health issues, and greater awareness.”
“Buying ED medications from unregulated sources poses a serious risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated pills that could contain the wrong dosage or ingredients. Men taking the medication could find it to be completely ineffective, but at worst, it could lead to serious side effects.
"The best advice is to only obtain ED medications from regulated pharmacies or licensed online providers to ensure the treatment is genuine, safely prescribed, and appropriate for their health profile.”
