Australian defence personnel warned on over-use of Viagra and Cialis

These soldiers including those in places such as Afghanistan have to be medically assessed as suffering from sexual performance problems before the pills will be prescribed to them.

These warnings come in a health bulletin from the Defence Surgeon-General in response to concerns about the possible over-use and over-prescribing of the drugs by military personnel. It applies to Viagra and Cialis medication and states that a proper diagnosis of erectile dysfunction must be made before troops can be prescribed these drugs.

The Defence Department said higher doses were available if prescribed by a medical officer. The bulletin reads, "They are not to be prescribed for women" but can be prescribed only for "clinical erectile dysfunction" or for short-term treatment following surgery. "The drug is to be accompanied by a medical review and treatment of underlying conditions...Diagnosis must be supported by clinical or sexual history...And it must be supported by an examination and investigation," the bulletin reads.

Four brand name 50mg Viagra tablets sell for A$115.95 (about R700) on the internet and four 10mg Cialis tablets cost the same.