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BlueChew is an online subscription retailer that offers treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the form of chewable tablets.

These tablets contain sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved each of these drugs to treat ED. However, the FDA has not specifically approved the BlueChew products, and there is limited scientific evidence proving that BlueChew products are effective.

This article provides further information about what BlueChew offers. It also discusses alternative options and when to consult a doctor about ED.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

BlueChew sells chewable ED medication. This may benefit people with ED who cannot swallow pills whole. According to 2022 research, pill aversion is a common problem. Authors of older research wrote that 10–40% of adults find it difficult to swallow pills.

The company says its medically trained team assesses customers’ needs and creates personalized plans.

BlueChew offers tablets containing one of three active ingredients — sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra). All of these drugs will only work with sexual stimulation — they will not produce an erection on their own. We break down each ingredient below.

  • Sildenafil: This is the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Viagra, and research suggests that it can take effect in 30 minutes and last up to 18 hours.
  • Tadalafil: This is the active ingredient in Cialis. Prescribing information for Cialis states that it can improve erectile function for up to 36 hours.
  • Vardenafil: is the active ingredient in Levitra. A person should take it 60 minutes before sex.

The FDA has approved sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil as ED treatments, but BlueChew’s products do not currently have FDA approval.

Learn more about the differences between sildenafil, tadalafil, and other ED medications.

BlueChew is for people experiencing difficulties getting or maintaining an erection. It may also suit people who cannot or do not want to see a doctor in person for ED medication.

Individuals may also prefer this chewable tablet if they dislike swallowing regular tablets, capsules, or softgels.

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of using BlueChew products:

Pros

  • The company provides access to prescription medication online.
  • The service aims to be convenient and private.
  • These chewables have the same active ingredients as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra (sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil).
  • Chewables may suit people who cannot swallow pills.
  • A person does not need water to take the medication in chewable form.
  • The prices are competitive.

Cons

  • Health insurance companies do not cover the cost of BlueChew.
  • The products are unavailable in North Dakota, South Carolina, United States territories, or outside of the U.S.
  • The active ingredients do not work for all people.
  • People taking nitrate medications should not use BlueChew’s products.
  • Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil can cause side effects.
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Telemedicine allows an online subscription retailer such as BlueChew to sell prescription medication.

Anyone interested in using BlueChew’s products must complete a medical profile on the company’s website. They then have a digital consultation with a state-licensed healthcare professional. BlueChew does not employ these doctors itself. Instead, it contracts them from a range of telehealth businesses.

The healthcare professional reviews the person’s profile and prescribes the appropriate BlueChew product within 2 business days.

BlueChew partners with compounding pharmacies where the pharmacists prepare and ship the chewable medication to customers.

Health insurance does not cover BlueChew products, but the company claims that its customers pay less than they would if they purchased a similar product through a typical route.

Orders and shipping

BlueChew offers a subscription service that a person pays for monthly.

After placing an order, the customer receives an email with tracking information when their order ships. BlueChew says it uses discreet packaging for every order.

People can opt for overnight shipping Monday through Thursday for orders placed before noon Central Standard Time. However, it will not ship overnight to military bases or P.O. boxes.

BlueChew delivers to most addresses within the U.S., but not North Dakota, South Carolina, or U.S. territories. It also does not ship internationally.

Returns and refunds

A person cannot return or obtain a refund for their prescribed medication. However, anyone who has received an incorrect or possibly defective order should contact customer support.

If a BlueChew product is ineffective, a person should inform the company, and the medical team will consider other appropriate treatment options.

Privacy

The company’s website states that BlueChew keeps personal data, medical records, and financial transactions completely private.

It does share limited information about site visitors to advertisers. However, people can opt out of this.

BlueChew offers sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, which are common treatments for ED.

Sildenafil is a popular and effective treatment for ED. Tadalafil and vardenafil are also first-line treatments for the condition.

All of these medications are PDE5 inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme in the smooth muscle of the vessels in the penis. This stops the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which allows blood vessels to dilate, resulting in an erection.

BlueChew products use FDA-approved active ingredients and are generally safe to take. However, these ingredients can cause side effects and may not be safe for everyone.

People should not take PDE-5 inhibitors if they have had:

Additionally, people taking nitrate medication should not use BlueChew products, as they can counteract nitrate medication and may cause life threatening low blood pressure.

According to the older prescribing information, Vardenafil is unsafe for people undergoing kidney dialysis.

A person should speak with a doctor before trying BlueChew products.

The price of a BlueChew subscription depends on the medication and dosage prescribed and the plan a person chooses. The per-pill cost decreases as the order size increases.

SildenafilTadalafilVardenafilPrice
Active• 6 chewables
• 30 mg or 45 mg doses
• 4 chewables
• 6 mg or 9 mg doses
• 4 chewables
• 8 mg doses
$20–$30
Busy• 10 chewables
• 30 mg or 45 mg doses
• 7 chewables
• 6 mg or 9 mg doses
• 8 chewables
• 8 mg doses
$30–$35
Popular• 17 chewables
• 30 mg or 45 mg doses
• 14 chewables
• 6 mg or 9 mg doses
• 15 chewables
• 8 mg doses
$50–$65
Pro• 34 chewables
• 30 mg or 45 mg doses
• 28 chewables
• 6 mg or 9 mg doses
• 30 chewables
• 8 mg doses
$90–$120

BlueChew has a Trustpilot rating of 3.2 stars out of 5, with just 23 reviews. Almost half of the reviews are positive about the effectiveness of the product. The other reviews are critical of the product, stating it did not work, has an unpleasant taste, and produced worrying side effects.

The company has a customer review rating of 1 star out of 5 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company is also BBB accredited and closed one complaint last year.

Customer reviews on the company’s website are generally positive. Some report improvements in erections and sexual confidence. Others report prompt product delivery.

However, other reviews note that the medications were ineffective. Some reviewers report that the taste of the chewables was initially off-putting but that they quickly grew accustomed to it.

The table below compares BlueChew with its competitors.

Brand Medications
and uses
CostDosageTelehealth
option
BlueChewED $20–$120 depending on dose and amount• sildenafil: 30–45 mg
• tadalafil: 6–9 mg
• vardenafil: 8 mg
yes
Ro• ED
• hair loss
• premature ejaculation
• herpes
• allergies
$4–$10 per sildenafil pill
$11–$44 per tadalafil pill
• sildenafil: 25–100 mg
• tadalafil: 2.5–20 mg
yes
Hims• ED
premature ejaculation
• hair loss
mental health
allergies
• other primary care
• sildenafil: from $3 per dose
• Viagra: from $139
• tadalafil: from $82 per month
• Cialis: from $958
• Stendra: from $53
• sildenafil: 25–100 mg
• tadalafil: 2.5–20 mg
• Stendra: 50–200 mg
yes
ViagraEDfrom $2.32–$2,584, dependent on the pharmacy25–100 mgdepends on provider
CialisEDfrom $5.31–$2,599, dependent on the pharmacy2.5–20 mgdepends on provider

Pharmacy prices for Viagra and Cialis can change regularly. The prices listed in this article are correct at the time of publishing.

BlueChew states that customers generally experience very few side effects. According to the prescribing information for sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, the most commonly reported side effects of these products include:

BlueChew states that if any of the above side effects become troublesome or do not pass, discontinue the medication and contact a doctor.

Serious side effects include sudden loss of hearing or vision, or a prolonged and painful erection (priapism). If any of these side effects occur, a person should seek emergency medical help.

What to do in the event of an overdose

If a person has taken too much of an ED medication, they should contact emergency services at 911. Alternatively, they can call the America’s Poison Centers for emergency attention at 1-800-222-1222 or visit the Poison Help website.

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The following are some alternative treatment options for ED.

Vacuum devices

A doctor may prescribe a vacuum device, a tube that fits over the penis. Some of these devices are available over the counter. They draw blood flow to the penis, helping it become erect.

Research suggests that 77% of males and their partners are satisfied when they use a vacuum device. These devices may also be suitable for people on a budget, as they are more affordable than others.

However, it is important not to apply too much vacuum pressure when using an ED pump, as this can cause bruising and injury.

Learn more about ED vacuum devices.

ED rings

ED rings are devices people can wear around the base of the penis to restrict blood flow to help them reach an erection.

Most are flexible and feature a rubber, silicone, or plastic construction.

Note: The studies below contain graphic images.

A 2022 case report states that ED rings can be effective at helping individuals maintain an erection and may help reduce urinating during orgasms.

However, it is important not to wear an ED ring for more than 30 minutes. Wearing one for too long can cause penile ring entrapment, requiring a healthcare professional to remove the product. Penile ring entrapment may cause complications and adverse effects.

Learn more about ED rings.

Other advice

The following self-care strategies can help reduce symptoms of ED:

  • quitting smoking, if applicable
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • limiting alcohol consumption for people who drink
  • engaging in more physical activity
  • refraining from using illegal drugs

In some cases, a doctor may discuss surgical options, such as a penile implant or artery repair that could increase blood flow to the area.

ED is a common problem, especially for older adults. Certain factors, such as stress, anxiety, tiredness, or excessive alcohol consumption, can cause or contribute to it.

Anyone who experiences persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection should consult a doctor for advice.

In some cases, ED could signal an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

Below are answers to some common questions about BlueChew.

What are the downsides of BlueChew?

The downsides of BlueChew include that it is not FDA-approved, and health insurance does not cover its services or medication. It is unavailable in North Dakota, South Carolina, United States territories, or outside of the U.S., and its active ingredients may not be suitable for everyone.

People may also prefer to read about BlueChew’s doctors before they have an appointment, which is currently not possible on the company’s website.

Does BlueChew work?

The active ingredients in BlueChew products are sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. These medications are effective treatments for ED in most people.

However, they might not work for everyone, and a person should check with a doctor that PDE5 medication is safe for them to take.

Why is BlueChew not FDA-approved?

The active ingredients in BlueChew’s products — sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil — are used in FDA-approved medications, such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. However, the FDA has not separately approved BlueChew’s chewable, compounded versions of these drugs.

It does lay out recommendations for manufacturers of chewable medication, stating that it should be easy to chew, palatable, have an appropriate shape and size, and be able to disintegrate fully.

Is BlueChew safe?

Sildenafil came onto the market in 1998, and tadalafil in 2003. These medications are generally safe, though the most common side effects include:

  • headaches
  • nasal congestion
  • indigestion
  • cold-like symptoms

However, both can cause serious side effects and interact with other medications. Individuals should speak with a doctor before using any medication for ED.

Does BlueChew make the penis bigger?

BlueChew’s products can help people with penises have and maintain erections. However, they do not increase penis size.

How fast does BlueChew work?

BlueChew products can work within 60 minutes. The company states that certain products, such as those containing tadalafil, should be taken daily instead of as-needed. This keeps the medication in a person’s system for longer.

How long does BlueChew work?

The effects of BlueChew products can last for 4–6 hours, and they may make a person’s erection last longer.

When should I take BlueChew?

BlueChew recommends taking its products 60 minutes before sexual intercourse. Its tadalafil product can be taken daily.

BlueChew sells chewable tablets that contain either sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. All are treatments for ED.

The products are available to purchase online without an in-person visit to a doctor. However, the company conducts online consultations before its medical team prescribes the products.

A person should speak with a doctor about ED symptoms before trying medication. They should also report any persistent side effects of drug-based treatments.