--- title: "FDA Approves First Erectile Dysfunction Gel That Doesn’t Require a Prescription" description: "The Food and Drug Administration just approved the first topical erectile dysfunction drug in the US that works within just ten minutes." date: "2023-06-15" modified: "2023-06-15" authors: - name: "Frank Landymore" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/flandymore" url: "https://futurism.com/neoscope/fda-approves-erectile-dysfunction-gel-no-prescription" categories: - "Health & Medicine" - "Medical" - "RX and Medicine" tags: - "drugs" - "erectile dysfunction" - "fda" - "viagra" --- # FDA Approves First Erectile Dysfunction Gel That Doesn’t Require a Prescription ![The Food and Drug Administration just approved the first topical erectile dysfunction drug in the US that works within just ten minutes.]() *\Image: Getty / Futurism\* Those looking for a good time — but having a [harder time downstairs]() — may finally have a solution that doesn't require a prescription: the suggestively named Eroxon, a topical erectile dysfunction gel that [has just been authorized]() by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use. Futura Medical, the British pharmaceutical firm behind the drug, announced the FDA's approval on Monday. The [release]() notes that the FDA has given Eroxon a "de novo" classification, meaning the drug is the first gel or topical treatment for erectile dysfunction to have been approved, let alone be authorized for sale without a doctor's prescription. While many sufferers may find it embarrassing to admit having it, erectile dysfunction is a pretty widespread problem. According to the National Institutes for Health, [some 30 million men]() in the US are affected by the condition, which makes it difficult for someone to achieve and maintain an erection. It's especially common in men over 40, and by the age of 70, it's virtually the norm, with 70 percent of men in that age bracket reporting to be affected, according to the NIH. The factors that cause or contribute to the condition can range significantly, from type 2 diabetes to the use of antidepressants. And that's not to mention the many psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression. Futura Medical makes some big claims about its new drug. While popular pills like Viagra and Cialis can take between 30 to 60 minutes to kick into action, the company advertises that Eroxon starts working within just ten minutes. You can probably thank its topical application for that. Since it's a gel, Eroxon cuts to the chase and is applied directly to the head of the penis, which its [instructions candidly note](), can be done "as part of foreplay." Double the fun! Futura is a little more vague on how long the effects persist — but it's "long enough," at least, "for successful intercourse," according to the company's [website](). Still, whether Eroxon could be the more affordable alternative is harder to say as it isn't being sold in the US just yet. *CNN* [notes]() that in the United Kingdom, where Eroxon is already being sold, a pack of four retails for about $31.22. Name brand Viagra and Cialis pills can be [ludicrously expensive]() in the US, but generic versions [are usually far cheaper](). Either way, once Eroxon hits the shelves, it'll soon be easier than ever for guys with penis problems to get the fix they need. **More on erectile dysfunction:** *[Dick Pills May Be Linked to Lowered Risk of Heart Attack, Scientists Say]()* ## Author At Futurism, my work has often centered on bringing a sense of clarity and insight to complex topics ranging from the regulation of emerging technologies to the esoteric ideologies of Silicon Valley executives, while striving not to lose the poetic sense of awe inspired by often-obscure fields like astrophysics and quantum computing. I broke the story of CNET using AI to produce articles that turned out to be riddled with factual errors and plagiarism — a dam-breaking inflection point, as I've reported, that's inspired copycats and endless discourse while beguiling stakeholders ranging from tech giants to purveyors of spam around the web. My work at Futurism has been cited by publications including CBS News, the Los Angeles Times, Vice, Gizmodo, Engadget, the Verge, and Vanity Fair. I grew up in locales ranging from India to China, and now live in the exotic suburbs of Virginia. In my free time, I'm an avid reader of weird sci-fi literature, an aficionado of East Asian cinema, and, regrettably, a relapsed gamer. Allegedly, I’m working on a debut novel, currently untitled. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()