BlueChew

Are you a man looking to “boost your numbers”? Could your “stroke game” use a little help?

There is no shortage of euphemisms for sex in ads for BlueChew, which encourages men to “chew it and do it.”

But what is BlueChew?

BlueChew is a subscription-based service that connects consumers to online medical providers for prescriptions to generic erectile dysfunction (ED) medication in chewable form.

The company claims its chewable tablets have the same active ingredients (sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) as FDA-approved ED medications (Viagra, Cialis and Levitra). But its products are not FDA-approved, meaning the FDA has not verified their safety or effectiveness.

And the differences between the company’s chewables and the ED drugs don’t end there.

For example, BlueChew offers sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in Viagra, in 30mg and 45mg tablets.

However, according to the Viagra label, the recommended dose for most patients is 50mg.

Even at these smaller doses, BlueChew claims that its sildenafil lasts longer (4-6 hours) than Viagra, whose label indicates the 50mg dosage generally remains effective for up to 4 hours.

Another claim that’s hard to swallow? BlueChew posits on its website that chewable medications “may work faster and better than pills.” An FAQ (see below) suggests the company’s chewables are superior to pills “due to the increased bioavailability of chewable tablets.”

But rather than linking to a study that tested its products against brand-name medications like Viagra, the FAQ links a Saudi Arabian study that didn’t examine its chewables at all.

Safety issues

BlueChew tells men who may be hesitant about taking its ED medication that it “couldn’t hurt.” But according to the fine print, it actually can.

BlueChew warns on its website that sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil can cause serious side effects including sudden vision or hearing loss. The company says the most common side effects include headache, flushing, runny nose, congestion, throat or nose irritation, back pain, muscle pain, upset stomach and heartburn.

BlueChew also states in fine print on its website,  as well as in one of its TV commercials, that a prescription will only be written if deemed “appropriate” after a digital consultation by a licensed medical provider. But at the same time the company is publishing posts on TikTok suggesting that men take its tablets like candy.

Given that BlueChew markets its products for recreational use, it’s worth asking the question, Do ingredients like sildenafil improve sexual function in men without ED? According to an older study, at least when it comes to sildenafil, it does not.

“First month free” – really?

If you are interested in trying BlueChew, you may be tempted by the company’s “first month free” offer advertised in a recent TV commercial.

But according to the fine print, the first month is only free if you sign up for the “active” plan, which is the least expensive option that sends out the fewest tablets each month. Also, shipping is not included so it’s not actually free.

And then if you aren’t happy with the results, you need to cancel the subscription before you are charged the next month.

BlueChew claims you can “cancel anytime” but according to its actual cancellation policy, customers can’t cancel fewer than 48 hours before the next “processing date.” (The company also says it doesn’t accept returns.)

And according to some consumers who have filed complaints against BlueChew with the BBB, the company might continue to charge you even after you’ve canceled your subscription and there’s an undisclosed cancellation fee. Consumers have also complained about BlueChew signing them up without their consent and delivery issues, among other things.

Of note

While telehealth offers consumers convenience, it may also pose privacy risks. In fact, a recent lawsuit filed against Meta and Google alleges BlueChew installed tracking tools from the tech giants on its website, which allowed the companies to obtain patients’ sensitive health data without their knowledge or consent.

BlueChew did not respond to TINA.org’s request for comment.

Find more of our coverage on ED medication here.