BlueChew Review 2024: How It Works, Medications Available, & Price

What Is BlueChew?

BlueChew is an online platform that offers unique treatments for ED. Everything is done virtually, and medication is shipped directly to you. They offer a chewable version of some commonly prescribed erectile dysfunction medications. Prices include the initial consultation and recurring monthly shipments and range from $20 to $120 billed each month. The price point you chose is based on how many pills you receive and the strength of the medication.  While the site does not accept insurance, there are discounts and free trials available.

BlueChew’s process is entirely virtual and consists of you mainly filling out forms through the BlueChew website. Only a select number of states require a virtual, face-to-face call. My state required a video call, and it only lasted a few minutes. There is no way to choose a provider, and minimal time is spent with your assigned provider. Medications are then shipped to you within a few days, and the subscription can be canceled wherever you wish.

BlueChew allows you to request medication at any time, any day. The review process takes about 24 hours once submitted, and providers are always ready to conduct a video call if required. There are no follow-up appointments required, and the only other interaction with the company you might need to do is submit a request for help.

What Does BlueChew Treat & What Medications Are Available?

BlueChew only treats men for only one type of sexual disorder: erectile dysfunction. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the difficulty of getting or keeping an erection during sexual activity. To be considered for an ED diagnosis, it needs to occur for at least 6 months and cause a person significant stress. Many things may cause ED symptoms, including heart disease, medications, or anxiety.

BlueChew offers three treatment options to treat ED. These medications are a compounded, chewable version of FDA-approved treatments. BlueChew utilizes a compounding pharmacy to fulfill orders on their behalf. It is important to note that all medications can cause headaches, flushing, and feeling dizzy.

Common medications BlueChew prescribes include:

• Tadalafil: The generic form of Cialis. It works during stimulation to improve and maintain an erection. It can be used daily or just as needed.³
• Sildenafil: The generic form of Viagra.  It works during stimulation to improve and maintain an erection. This medication is intended to be used only as needed.¹
• Vardenafil: The generic form of Levitra.  It works during stimulation to improve and maintain an erection. This medication is intended to be used only as needed.²

What Are BlueChew’s Prices?

BlueChew prices range from $20 – $120 monthly, depending on how many pills you receive each month. There are no additional fees for initial or follow-up consultations. You can pay extra for faster shipping.

BlueChew price bundles include:

• Active – A small pack of 4 – 6 tabs for $20 per month
• Busy – A pack of 7 – 8 tabs for $30 to $40 per month
• Popular – A pack of 14 – 17 tabs for $50 to $65 per month
• Pro – A pack of 28 to 30 tabs for $90 to $120 per month

BlueChew Discounts

In addition to the 1st time $20 off coupon, you may qualify for additional discounts. They have a heroes discount for all military, law enforcement, and first responders. In addition to $20 off the first time, you will receive 20% off of all orders for life.

Does BlueChew Accept Insurance?

No, BlueChew does not accept insurance.

Out-of-Network Benefits

BlueChew does not offer any help with out-of-network benefits and will not provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance.

How Does BlueChew Work?

BlueChew makes the process of being prescribed ED medications as quick and simple as possible. BlueChew can prescribe Vardenafil, Sildenafil, or Tadalafil. The process begins with selecting the treatment you want and how many pills you want monthly. There is minimal interaction between you and a provider, and they only have you enter a video call if required by your state law.

In general, you can expect the following experience while signing up:

1. Go to the BlueChew website and select “Get Started.”
2. Choose which medication and plan you’d like to receive.
3. Create an account with your email address and the state you live in.
4. Verify your age and location with a state ID.
5. Fill out a medical history questionnaire.
6. Connect with a provider via video, if required by your state.
7. Wait up to 24 hours for approval of your prescription.
8. Medication is shipped or you pick up medication.

BlueChew Key Features: Detailed Review

BlueChew is an online platform that provides unique, chewable ED medications for men. There are three medication options, with prices ranging from $20 – $120 monthly based on the medication and amount. Patients fill out a questionnaire that is short and simple. After choosing shipping and payment options, you will be connected with a provider via video call or text message. They do not accept insurance, but you may be able to use your FSA card.

After you submit your questions and consult with a provider, you wait for shipment confirmation. You will also need to verify your government-issued ID. This can take up to 24 hours, they say. Once confirmed you can expect your shipment based on the time you selected. There is minimal communication after the initial consultation and questionnaire. It was almost too easy, and the ways to communicate with a provider after the initial consultation were just customer service email addresses.

BlueChew feels very gimmicky, to me, and the website felt like the opposite of a medical platform. BlueChew only treats erectile dysfunction, and they don’t shy away from that at all. Between the slogan of “Chew It and Do It” and the very “TikTok” feeling advertisements, it is not on the same level professionally as other online erectile dysfunction treatment platforms.

However, I do feel that BlueChew can be beneficial for some. If you have been prescribed treatment before and simply need refills BlueChew may be an appropriate place for quick access to ED medication. You certainly won’t be bogged down by other advertisements or extra health questions, and the process is fast and simple. If you are trying treatment for the first time or have health concerns, I would steer clear of BlueChew and find more comprehensive care instead.

Who Is BlueChew Right For?

BlueChew is simple and is ideal for men who have taken ED medications in the past, those who don’t take many other medications, and men looking to save money on treatment.

Men Who Currently Take ED Medication

If you have taken vardenafil, sildenafil, or tadalafil in the past BlueChew can be a great option. You can compare prices to your current pharmacy and try a new chewable version. Be sure to choose a similar treatment and disclose which medication you have taken previously.

Men Who Don’t Take Many Other Medications

There are many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that can interact with prescription ED medications. If you do not take other medications, the risk of ED treatment complications is reduced. With the less-than-optimal support from BlueChew, you want to ensure you won’t need follow-in-depth care.

Men Who are Looking to Save Money on ED Treatment

Prices for medications on BlueChew are transparent and competitive. If you struggle to find inexpensive copays for ED medications or are tired of pharmacy shopping in person, BleuChew can be your solution. Be sure to include the price of delivery and amount of pills you will receive when you compare prices.

Who Might Want an Alternative to BlueChew?

While BlueChew is great for some, there are those who will need to seek out an alternative. Men who have never taken ED medications have other health conditions, or those needing additional sexual health support will need other options.

Those Brand-New to ED Treatment

Taking any prescription medication is a decision that comes with risk. When starting any treatment for the first time, having access to a healthcare team is important. You want to be sure a medical team is ready to assist you with questions and respond to side effects in a reasonable amount of time. BlueChew does not have the best framework in place to provide this.

Those with Other Diseases or Medical Issues

Having sex and taking ED medications can cause complications for those with other health conditions. BlueChew takes in only limited health history information before prescribing medications. If you have other diseases like heart disease or diabetes, you may want to consult a doctor in person for more extensive care.

Those that Need Care for Other Sexual Issues in Addition to ED

BlueChew only provides treatment for erectile dysfunction. If you suspect you may have an STI (sexually transmitted disease), you should seek care elsewhere.

BlueChew User Reviews

BlueChew has a 2.6 rating from 28 reviews on Trustpilot and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Many reviews were great, stating they have been using the service and medications for years. Others experienced problems with shipping and found customer service lacking or non-existent.

Customer Service Issues

For those who had shipping issues or billing issues, reviews stated that communicating with customer service was difficult and slow. There are no refund options, which gave some consumers the notion that BlueChew takes your money and doesn’t care much about following up.

Quick & Easy Process

Several reviews mention how satisfied they were with the overall process, especially the speed of signing up and minimal interaction with a provider. If you have been taking ED medications before and are looking for a cheaper alternative with more convenience than traditional pharmacy, this seems like a great option.

More Follow-Up Care Needed

Many reviews stated they felt like the medications did not work for them. As a pharmacist, this leads me to believe that the dose may not have been correct. Some people who take ED medications need higher doses than others. If, at first, an ED medication does not work, you should follow up with a provider to see what else might be at play. I don’t feel that BlueChew is a well-equipped platform to address follow-up concerns about treatment.

BlueChew Vs. Competitors

BlueChew is not the only online platform to provide ED treatment. Many other sites exist, most notably Roman and Hims.

BlueChew Vs. Roman

Roman is a platform that offers virtual visits and supplements with quick, discreet shipping. Roman is not just for men, and there are several treatments available on the platform. Roman also has its own line of nonprescription supplements and vitamins. I urge caution with products that are not prescribed to you by your healthcare provider.

Much like BlueChew, Roman does not accept insurance, and out-of-pocket costs for their ED treatment will depend on the medication and how many you are prescribed.

Differences between BlueChew and Roman include

• BlueChew only treats men with ED
• Roman offers non-prescription products like supplements
• Roman also offers treatment for a wider range of conditions

BlueChew Vs. Hims

BlueChew is less broad than Hims and only offers erectile dysfunction treatments. The site is rather simple and set up to get started right away. BlueChew offers only three different medication options to treat erectile dysfunction. Hims, on the other hand, treats a wide variety of disorders from ED to mental health and more.

Both platforms feature virtual consultations and discreet shipping, with neither accepting insurance.

Differences between Hims and BlueChew include

• BlueChew only treats ED
• BlueChew is much simpler
• Hims seems to be much more in-depth in the types of treatment available
• Both have chewable ED treatment options

BlueChew Key Takeaways

• Sign-up is fast (less than 15 minutes). This is great for those who have busy schedules and don’t have time to coordinate a doctor’s appointment and/or a pharmacy pick-up.
• Interaction is limited and feels a lot like online shopping. There are limited intake forms and a face-to-face consult is not always required.
• Prices are transparent and reasonable and they have discounts available. The prices shown include a consultation and medication, which is often lower than a doctor’s office copay and a pharmacy copay.
• BlueChew is not a full telemedicine platform and some parts of the website feel unprofessional. Since the platform only treats one health issue, there are no other services offered and a full medical history is not needed. The focus is on the low-cost, easy-to-obtain, novel ED treatment choices.

History of BlueChew

BlueChew was founded in 2014 by Steven Sullivan. It is currently considered a small company as it acts as an online portal. The company was founded to eliminate awkward doctor visits, reduce the cost of ED medication, and make taking ED medication more enjoyable with flavors and chewables.

Frequently Asked Questions About BlueChew

What Credentials Do BlueChew Providers Hold?

They do not list all provider types on the Blue Chew website. I was matched with a nurse practitioner. The provider type will vary by state based on state laws. My provider did not highlight any special certification they may have had.

How Am I Matched With a Provider on BlueChew?

After completing the medical history questionnaire, you are automatically connected to a provider via video call. It is a quick call that isn’t very well advertised until it happens. So be prepared! The provider introduces themselves, and then you ask a few questions; it takes no longer than 5 minutes.

Can I Choose a New Provider?

No, there is no way to choose or reselect a new provider. Depending on your state, you will automatically connect with a provider via chat or video call. You are matched with a provider without input from your end.  Since only medication for ED is prescribed, the practitioner asked only a few simple questions.

Do Medications Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is mainly treated with a class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors. There are many different drugs in this class that are effective at treating erectile dysfunction. The most common ED medication is an oral medication like sildenafil, taken when needed, or some like tadalafil, can be taken daily.^{1, 3}

What Are the Possible Side Effects of ED Medications?

It is important to remember that all ED medications are prescription medications that should be taken exactly as prescribed and only by the person they are intended for. ED medications work to increase blood flow to the penis during sex to help achieve and maintain an erection. Unfortunately, this can cause unwanted side effects elsewhere. Common side effects from ED medications include flushing, dizziness, and headaches.^{1, 2, 3}

How Do I Get My Medications From BlueChew?

Your selected medication is shipped to your address by a partner compounding pharmacy. You can select how fast you would like the shipment to come. Prices vary from $5 for ground shipping of 4-6 days to $30 for overnight shipping.

There is an option to have a pharmacy of your choice fulfill the prescription, but it’s important to note that it must be a compounding pharmacy, and prices may be more than advertised.

Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?

Yes, you can use your HSA card for payment with BlueChew. If you are in doubt whether your funds will work, you should check with your specific program and ask.

How Can I Cancel My Subscription with BlueChew?

BlueChew makes it very easy to cancel a subscription or put a subscription on pause. Under the membership tab, there is an easy one-click button to pause or cancel the subscription. The site makes it clear it should be done 3 – 5 days before the next scheduled shipment.

Does BlueChew Offer Refunds?

No, BlueChew does not offer refunds. It is important to cancel an order before it ships to prevent unwanted orders. If there are any issues with orders, BlueChew directs customers to email [email protected].

Is BlueChew HIPAA Compliant?

In the BlueChew privacy and security policy it specifically states the site is not HIPAA compliant. The terms do state that all applicable laws regarding health information will be followed, but it is important to be aware of this distinction.

Sexual Disorder Medications With BlueChew