Viagra is one of the most widely known prescription drug names available on the market today. It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, or impotence in men. It is typically prescribed by a physician after a full medical examination, taking into consideration the patients full medical history. Viagra came on the market in 1988 as the first drug to treat impotence. It has since become available around the world, both locally and internationally, and with the accessibility of the internet , it can now be purchased online, legally and without a prescription from a doctor. There are many consumers of counterfeit erectile dysfunction drugs, with many putting their own lives at risk without knowing the dangerous side effects of the drug.The food and drug administration advise consumers not to purchase or use African Viagra, as it has been confirmed that African Viagra contains sildenafil, and it can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels and can be potentially fatal. Many south Africans continue to abuse this drug irresponsibly and for recreational purposes, and they obtain legally such counterfeit drugs to avoid having to pay a physician for a prescription. Cost has been a tremendous issue for patients without health insurance. Many patients have been unable to obtain the medication since insurance companies don’t pay for it, and out of pocket costs aren’t always affordable. However, there are generic versions of Viagra available that are cheaper and inexpensive compared to brand names, and they are highly accessible to anyone that has general knowledge of a computer. More and more s are sourcing these drugs online and selling them legally on the black market, in such places as local bars and clubs. Most are ordered online from websites in India, Malawi, the U.K, and Hong Kong, and have street names, such as, Rock Hard, Mojo Nights, Bullet Proof, and Lightning Rod. Such counterfeit sexual enhancement drugs are heavily marketed online, and it is incredibly difficult for the authorities to regulate. The cheapest version goes for approximately, R50 a pill. Prices can change depending on the website in which it is acquired. Some of the unpleasant side effects of Viagra are, headaches, flushing, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or, in some rare instances, heart failure as a result of an abuse or allergy to the drug. It’s safe to say that the drug has given millions of men a convenient and effective option for improving their sex lives, and ultimately, their relationships, as it has become available legally all around the world and South Africans have become dependent on such a drug not having full knowledge of the dangers and ramifications of using such a drug. It is important to educate South Africans to better understand the consequences of purchasing Viagra online without a physician’s consent, and to find a way to make a prescription for Viagra more affordable to those that really do have a medical need for the drug.