THE number of veterans taking Viagra-type drugs for impotence caused by war service has skyrocketed at the cost of millions of dollars to the taxpayer.

The drugs, which are used to help men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), cost the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme $2.6million last year, an increase of $1million over five years.

The cost has risen every year since subsidies were introduced in 1999.