Are Online Sales of ED Medications Dangerous? Counterfeit Risks and Safe Alternatives

ED medication “online sales” refers to purchasing overseas medications through personal-import proxy sites. In Japan, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are all classified as prescription medications – not sold over-the-counter.

Personal import for self-use is not itself illegal under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, but this approach carries serious medical and legal risks. Only a 1-month supply may be imported at a time, no reselling is allowed, and dosing must follow safe limits.

1. High counterfeit rate – 35.6% are fake. The 2016 4-company joint survey proved this alarming rate. Counterfeits may contain no active ingredient, wrong doses, or toxic impurities.

2. No medical evaluation. PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated with nitrates (heart medications) – combining can cause fatal hypotension. No doctor screens for contraindications with online purchase.

3. Undisclosed health issues. Many ED patients have underlying cardiovascular disease. Self-treatment without evaluation may delay diagnosis of heart disease.

4. No adverse event safety net. Personal-import purchases are not covered by Japan’s Relief Fund for Sufferers of Adverse Drug Reactions (PMDA system).

5. Consumer dispute difficulty. If harmed, legal recourse against overseas sellers is near-impossible.

The 2016 joint survey (Pfizer, Bayer, Nihon Shinyaku, Eli Lilly Japan) sampled ED medications from online stores claiming to sell legitimate products. Result: 35.6% were confirmed counterfeit.

Types of counterfeits found:

• No active ingredient: Tablets contained only inert fillers
• Wrong active ingredient: Different PDE5 inhibitors or unrelated drugs
• Incorrect dosage: Over or under-dosed
• Harmful impurities: Industrial chemicals, antibiotics, unauthorized substances

Overseas death reports: In 2019 the UK reported a patient who died after taking counterfeit PDE5 medication containing an uncontrolled blood-pressure-lowering compound. WHO estimates 50% of medications sold online worldwide are counterfeit.

1. In-person consultation at a medical clinic. Most traditional route. Doctor evaluates contraindications, prescribes, dispenses at clinic pharmacy or attached pharmacy. Requires time to visit.

2. Online consultation (recommended). Video consultation with a physician via smartphone or PC, then discreet home delivery. Combines safety of medical prescription with convenience. MCC offers this at fair pricing, no first-visit/re-visit fees.

3. ED specialty clinic walk-in. Like MCC, specialized clinics offer same-day consultation, discreet service, and campaign pricing. Generic sildenafil 10 tablets JPY 4,000 first-time at MCC.

Online consultation is a legitimate medical service by a Japanese-licensed physician who evaluates your condition via video, prescribes appropriate ED medications, and arranges discreet home delivery from a licensed pharmacy. All products are genuine, approved in Japan.

Online sales (personal import) bypasses medical evaluation, imports untested/often counterfeit products from overseas, offers no adverse event protection.

STEP 1: Book online via website, 24/7 availability.

STEP 2: Video consultation (5-10 min). Japanese-licensed physician reviews medical history, medications, contraindications.

STEP 3: Prescription. Physician selects optimal medication (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or generic).

STEP 4: Discreet delivery. Plain packaging, no mention of contents, delivered to home or specified pickup point. Usually next-day.

Three main PDE5 inhibitors are approved in Japan, each with generic equivalents:

• Sildenafil (Viagra generic): 30-60 min onset, 4-6 hr duration. Most common first-line. JPY 800-1,200/tablet.
• Tadalafil (Cialis generic): 1-3 hr onset, 24-36 hr duration. Food-resistant, natural feeling. JPY 1,500-2,000/tablet.
• Vardenafil (Levitra generic): 15-30 min onset, 5-8 hr duration. Fast-acting. JPY 1,200-1,800/tablet.

Our physicians recommend the optimal medication based on your lifestyle, health conditions, and contraindications. Start with the generic sildenafil 10-tablet campaign at JPY 4,000 (first-time only).

Men’s Care Clinic offers ED consultation across three Tokyo clinics (Shimbashi, Akihabara, Omotesando) plus nationwide online consultation. Benefits:

• Japanese-licensed physicians only
• Genuine medications from Japanese-licensed pharmacy
• Initial and follow-up consultation fees FREE
• Discreet packaging, no mention of contents
• Same-day consultation, next-day delivery in most cases
• PMDA adverse event fund coverage