MEN HERE TRYING TO BUY SEX PILL AT #15 APIECE

IMPOTENT Irishmen and others who want to use the so-called wonder product
Viagra as a "recreational" drug have been trying to buy them on the Internet
for #15 a pill, it emerged yesterday.

One British-based company advertising on the Net is also charging an
additional #50 for an on-line medical consultation with each order.

One tablet can give men with erectile dysfunction an erection for four hours
but the drug can have powerful side-effects.

Viagra is not yet licensed here but is expected to be available early next
year following three years of trials.

The blue, diamond-shaped pill is already in this country, according to
Dublin-based surgeon Dr Emad Massoud, head of the Wellman private clinic in
Eccles Street which specialises in male medical problems.

In this newspaper on Thursday Dr Massoud's clinic was advertised in the
personal columns under the heading 'Viagra in Ireland.' However, yesterday
the doctor said he was not supplying the drug.

"The advertisement was intended to advertise our services regarding male
impotency. Until the drug is properly licensed in this country we are one of
the only 'Viagras' or male impotency clinics offering a solution to men
suffering from this problem." he declared.

However, the clinic received about 200 calls following the advertisement, Dr
Massoud told the Irish Independent. Some men who called to the clinic
already had the drug in their possession, he added. "They are getting it on
the Internet."

Among companies with the product for sale is one based in Stoke-on-Trent,
England. It is offering 50mg of Viagra tablets for #15 a pill. Each order
must also include #50 for a medical consultation or application to be
reviewed by Dr Richard Bryce Franklin, LRCP,MRCS. In other words, for an
individual one tablet costs #65.

Contacted by phone last night, the retail web site confirmed it had received
enquiries from the Republic.

And yesterday Dr Massoud revealed: "A number of fit young men have come to
me seeking the drug, saying they just 'wanted to try it once."'

Meanwhile, six men have died after taking Viagra but it is not clear whether
the drug can be blamed, America's Food and Drug Administration said last
night.

The FDA and Pfizer, makers of the drug, are investigating the deaths and
whether they can be linked to Viagra.

Checked-by: "Rolf Ernst"