What to know about generic Viagra

Creator: SingleCare
Published: 2023-09-07T17:51:22-04:00

The major difference between Viagra and sildenafil is the price and appearance

By Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D. | Sep. 7, 2023

Viagra is a brand-name drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which improves blood flow to the penis for an erection. FDA-approved in 1998, Viagra was the first drug of its kind. In its first six years on the market, Viagra was prescribed to over 20 million men, offering improved sexual performance and satisfaction. Often nicknamed the “little blue pill,” Viagra has become one of the most popular oral medications for ED treatment.

Still, the high cost of brand-name Viagra may be a financial burden for some individuals needing the medication. Fortunately, generic Viagra has become a more affordable option for ED symptoms, piquing the interest of patients and healthcare providers alike.

Is there a generic for Viagra?

Yes, a generic version of Viagra is available in the market. The generic medication, sildenafil, became accessible in the United States in 2017. Sildenafil is considered an effective alternative to Viagra for treating ED. Like Viagra, the generic version belongs to a group of medicines known as PDE5 inhibitors, and several manufacturers now sell these generic equivalents online and in person.

The primary function of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors, such as Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), is to boost the effects of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a natural chemical that helps widen the blood vessels in the penis, thereby increasing blood flow and promoting an erection during sexual activity. Generic medications like sildenafil generally offer a more accessible option for those in need of medical treatment.

Is generic sildenafil as effective as Viagra?

Sildenafil and Viagra are both effective treatments. They are virtually the same medications with slight differences that should not affect the effectiveness or safety of the medication. The following are some of the similarities and differences between the two.

Active ingredient

Both Viagra and sildenafil contain the same active ingredient: sildenafil citrate. This active ingredient helps treat ED by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Since they share the same active ingredient, their effectiveness in treating ED is similar.

Treatment success

Along with taking either the brand or generic version, lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, may also be recommended to improve ED symptoms. Discussing lifestyle changes and the appropriate medication dosage with a healthcare professional may help maximize treatment success.

Clinical trials

Viagra has undergone clinical trials that have shown its effectiveness in treating ED. In studies, 46.5% to 87% of men taking sildenafil reported improved erections, while only 11.3% to 41.3% of men taking a placebo reported improvement. As both Viagra and sildenafil contain the same active ingredients, these results can be applied to both medications.

The main difference between the brand and generic

The major difference between Viagra and sildenafil is the price and appearance. Viagra is a well-known brand name produced by Pfizer, while sildenafil is produced by various manufacturers. As a result, sildenafil is generally more affordable than Viagra. In addition, Viagra is typically sold as a blue, diamond-shaped pill, while sildenafil may come in different colors and shapes.

	Viagra (sildenafil)
Uses	Erectile dysfunction
Standard dosage	50 mg taken approximately one hour before sexual activity, although the medication can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. Dosage range may vary between 25 mg to 100 mg.
Common side effects	Headache Upset Stomach Flushing Nausea Dizziness Rash Back or muscle pain Runny or stuffy nose Changes in vision
Contraindications	Avoid nitrates or nitrites due to the risk of dangerously low blood pressure. Avoid use with an allergy to sildenafil or any other ingredients in the medication.
Other considerations	Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects. Eating a high-fat meal before taking Viagra may delay the onset of action. Viagra doesn’t cause erections without sexual stimulation. Caution is advised for people with heart disease or other heart problems; consult a healthcare provider before use. In rare instances, Viagra use can lead to priapism, a condition involving a prolonged erection. Seek immediate medical help if an erection lasts for more than 4 hours. Viagra can interact with other medications, including antihypertensive agents, antifungals, and HIV protease inhibitors. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), although rare. In rare cases, sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss has been reported.

Other uses for generic Viagra

Brand-name Viagra is primarily used for treating ED in men. However, there are several other medical conditions for which sildenafil may be used as an effective treatment. These include pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, and Raynaud’s disease.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Sildenafil is also used under the brand Revatio to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Individuals with PAH have high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. The drug helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing strain on the heart. Sildenafil can help reduce symptoms of PAH, like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Heart failure

In some cases, sildenafil may have potential as a treatment for heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. By improving blood flow and relaxing blood vessels, sildenafil may help alleviate some of the strain on the heart and potentially improve symptoms for people with heart failure.

Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease affects blood flow to the extremities, causing them to feel cold and numb in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. Sildenafil has shown promise as a treatment for Raynaud’s disease by counteracting the narrowing of blood vessels that may occur during an episode. Studies have shown sildenafil may reduce the number of episodes a person may experience each week.

Who makes generic Viagra?

Pfizer initially developed Viagra. However, as the patent on Viagra expired, other pharmaceutical companies gained the opportunity to produce generic versions of the drug. Teva Pharmaceuticals entered the market with the first sildenafil generic in December 2017. Since then, other manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry, such as Mylan and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, have produced generic Viagra.

With increased competition, prices tend to decrease, making the medication more affordable for consumers. Although the availability of generics has disrupted the market formerly dominated by Pfizer, it ultimately benefits patients by providing them with more options and potentially lower costs.

How much is Generic Viagra?

Generic Viagra is typically less expensive than its brand-name counterpart. One of the main reasons for the lower price is that generic medications do not carry the same research and development costs as brand-name drugs. As a result, consumers can usually purchase generic Viagra at a significantly reduced price compared to the original product.

Prices for generic Viagra can vary depending on the strength of the medication and the pharmacy location. For instance, at some pharmacies, the cost of 30 tablets of 20 mg sildenafil can range from around $15 to almost $90, while a similar quantity of 100mg sildenafil might be found for as low as $7 to as high as $300 or more at other retailers.

Brand vs. generic Viagra prices
	Brand-name Viagra	Viagra generic (sildenafil)
Average cost without insurance	$105 for 30, 100 mg tablets of Viagra	$1284 for 30, 100 mg tablets of sildenafil
SingleCare’s lowest price	$9 for 30, 100 mg tablets of Viagra	$9 for 30, 100 mg tablets of sildenafil
Free coupons	Viagra coupons	Sildenafil coupons

Is generic Viagra available without a prescription?

Generic Viagra is a prescription drug. In the United States, it is necessary to obtain a prescription from a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider before being able to purchase and use generic Viagra.

Although prescription medications ensure safety and efficacy, regulations on generic Viagra vary in other countries. Some nations, such as the UK, may allow access to generic Viagra as a nonprescription drug, but it’s important to be cautious when considering this option. Taking Viagra without a prescription could potentially lead to adverse health effects.

One way to obtain generic Viagra without visiting a doctor in person is through telehealth services and online pharmacies. Telehealth platforms allow patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, discussing medical history, sexual activity, and any pre-existing health conditions. A doctor can then evaluate if generic Viagra is a suitable treatment and provide a prescription.

Be aware of fake Viagra pills

The prevalence of counterfeit Viagra, especially online, is a growing concern. Fake Viagra pills may pose a risk as some ingredients in these products may lead to allergic reactions or even a heart attack in some people. It’s important to be cautious when purchasing medications, including generic Viagra, to avoid potential health risks.

To ensure the Viagra products you buy are safe and effective, always use reputable sources for purchasing. One way to achieve this is by purchasing medications online from licensed pharmacies. Several reputable online pharmacies allow patients with a valid prescription to purchase generic Viagra.

Avoid buying from websites that offer extremely low prices or claim to provide Viagra without a prescription, as these may be signs of counterfeit products. When ordering online, choose pharmacies that require a valid prescription, have a secure payment process, and offer customer support. In addition, importing prescription drugs via online pharmacies or from other countries can be subject to specific guidelines, such as U.S. Customs regulations. Therefore, you may want to research any potential restrictions before purchasing medications internationally.

How to save on generic Viagra

Although generic Viagra is generally cheaper than the brand-name version, it may still be expensive for some people. However, it’s possible to save on generic Viagra in various ways, including comparing prices, consulting with healthcare professionals, and using prescription discount cards.

1. Compare prices

One way to save on generic Viagra is to compare prices across different pharmacies. Prices can vary depending on the location and the specific pharmacy, so shopping around can help find the most affordable option. Online pharmacies may also offer lower prices for generic medications than traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. However, ensuring the online pharmacy is reputable and licensed is important to avoid counterfeit medications or scams.

2. Consult healthcare professionals

Other PDE-5 inhibitors are available that work similarly to Viagra and may be cheaper. Healthcare providers and professionals may be able to provide guidance on finding lower-priced alternatives and determining the best choice. Healthcare professionals may also be able to provide information on any available financial assistance programs.

3. Use prescription discount cards

Using prescription discount cards, such as the SingleCare discount card, may lead to further savings on generic Viagra. These cards work by offering discounts on medications through participating pharmacies. Some key points to consider when using prescription discount cards include: