Pharmacy is gaining increased acceptance as a hub for health advice, with new research revealing more than three-quarters of men are comfortable talking to their pharmacist about erectile dysfunction, with side effects, duration and cost of medication the main topics of interest.
"Patients are swallowing their nerves and talking to healthcare professionals about erectile dysfunction. Advice on effective more affordable treatment options could help those men who are currently foregoing basic goods to improve their sex lives," said medical director of the Brisbane Health Institute for Men Dr. Michael Gillman.
Conducted by StollzNow research, the survey of 509 Australian men with erectile dysfunction found almost half of respondents were concerned about cost of treatment, with the average spend on medication being $616 per year, an amount that increased a patient’s expenditure on prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and other health expenses by 66 per cent.
The research also showed that three quarters of respondents would buy more erectile dysfunction medication if it was $10 to $15 cheaper per typical four-pill pack.
Many patients admitted making budget sacrifices in other areas, with 52 per cent cutting back on going out and 17 per cent buying cheaper food.
Patient questions included 68 per cent of men inquiring about the possible side effects of medication, and 61 per cent wanting to know how long the medication lasts.