If you’ve been on the lookout for ways to purchase Viagra online, chances are you’ve encountered its steep price. Being a brand-name drug, Viagra commands a hefty cost that might not align with your current financial situation or budget.
However, there is a more accessible option available. The generic version, known as sildenafil, which is the active component in Viagra, can be found from a multitude of pharmaceutical manufacturers at significantly lower prices. This affordability makes it a noteworthy choice for those seeking an effective solution without breaking the bank.
Let’s delve deeper into this budget-friendly alternative and explore its effectiveness compared to the branded counterpart. (Hint: It delivers comparable results.)
Viagra vs. Sildenafil
Viagra, also referred to as the “little blue pill”
manufactured exclusively by Pfizer, contains sildenafil
Sildenafil
the active ingredient found in both
Generic Viagra = sildenafil
production processes can differ among brands
The cost for Viagra typically ranges from $90 to $139 per tablet. In contrast, generic sildenafil can be purchased for as little as $2 to $10 per pill, depending on the manufacturer’s pricing and the dosage of the medication.
* The quoted prices are accurate at the time of this publication.
You should not use Revatio in place of Viagra or in conjunction with Viagra when treating ED.
In the United States, sildenafil for both erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension requires a prescription, whereas, in the United Kingdom, it is available over the counter (OTC) to combat the spread of counterfeit medications.
While using sildenafil may lead to some side effects, the majority are minor and transient. Common side effects include headaches, flushing, heartburn, tingling sensations in your extremities, and increased sensitivity to light.
However, some individuals might experience more severe reactions. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- priapism (a painful erection lasting beyond four hours)
- blurry vision or a sudden, significant loss of vision
- reduced hearing capabilities
- ringing in the ears
- dizziness or feelings of lightheadedness
- fainting episodes
- shortness of breath
- chest discomfort
- burning or itching sensations during urination
- skin rash
Interactions with Nitrates and Blood Pressure
Similar to other pharmaceuticals, sildenafil carries the risk of serious interactions with other drugs, alcoholic beverages, and even particular foods.
A critical interaction to be aware of involves the combination of PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil with nitrates. Research, including a 2018 study, indicates that pairing PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates can lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels.
To mitigate the risks of an adverse reaction, it’s crucial to inform your physician about all medications you currently use prior to commencing any new treatments.
Additional Risky Interactions
- Other Treatments for ED: The use of multiple ED medications can lead to significantly reduced blood pressure, resulting in fainting, dizziness, and, in rare instances, heart attacks.
- Alcohol Consumption: Mixing alcohol with sildenafil can also lower your blood pressure excessively, making it advisable to avoid alcohol when taking this medication.
- Grapefruit Products: Grapefruit and its juice are unique in that they can interact with generic Viagra, potentially elevating sildenafil levels in your system while delaying its onset of action.
- Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Inhibitors: Medications that act as cytochrome P450 inhibitors can prolong sildenafil's effects and increase the likelihood of side effects. Concurrent use with CP450 inducers, such as modafinil, can diminish sildenafil's efficacy. Notable CP450 medications include:
- cimetidine
- clopidogrel
- chloramphenicol
- fluvoxamine
- omeprazole
- modafinil
While you may have heard of Viagra and its effectiveness, you might feel understandably cautious about trying a generic version.
If you have inquiries about the efficacy of generic Viagra or are unsure where to procure it safely, consulting a physician or healthcare provider can be beneficial.
If erectile dysfunction symptoms are affecting you and you’re contemplating the use of a generic Viagra alternative, a doctor can prescribe the appropriate generic medication to verify its safety and FDA approval.
It is crucial to avoid any generic versions that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional and are not filled by a certified pharmacy. Medications obtained outside approved channels may lack FDA approval, possess incorrect labeling, and could contain ineffective or hazardous ingredients.
Sildenafil (generic Viagra) is essentially the non-branded version of the widely recognized ED medication. It operates identically to the brand-name variant, with the primary difference being that the pills may appear in different colors (notably, they aren’t the signature blue associated with Viagra) and they are significantly cheaper.
Typically, generic Viagra is priced within the range of $2 to $10 per tablet, influenced by the dose, manufacturing brand, and pharmacy you choose.
Such pricing is generally available through subscription services like Roman, Hims, and Lemonaid.
Your final cost may vary significantly when filling a prescription at a local pharmacy, with factors such as discount programs or insurance coverage potentially impacting the price. Always consider comparing prices across multiple pharmacies or services before making a purchase to ensure you find the best deal.
No, Viagra is not available without a prescription in most nations, including the United States.
However, as of 2017, Viagra has been obtainable OTC in the United Kingdom to counteract the issue of counterfeit drugs and improve patient access.
In both the United States and most other countries, generic Viagra is prescription-only.
That said, many new telehealth services simplify the process of obtaining prescriptions without necessitating an in-person visit with a physician.
Additionally, there are a few OTC alternatives to Viagra worth considering.
If a healthcare provider prescribes you 100 mg of sildenafil or Viagra, it should be safe for use — provided you have disclosed your complete medical history and current medications to your doctor.
A 100 mg dosage represents one of the higher amounts available and is typically reserved for individuals with significant ED issues.
Often, if you’re new to using ED medications, your physician will likely initiate treatment with a lower dose, adjusting it as needed based on the effectiveness in addressing your symptoms.
A common misconception surrounding ED medications is that increasing the dosage will result in enhanced outcomes. In reality, a higher dose does not necessarily yield more substantial erections or prolong the duration of sustained erections, particularly if a lower dosage could effectively resolve your ED challenges.
Furthermore, taking ED medication when not experiencing symptoms does not tend to yield noticeable changes, even at a high dosage.
Lastly, consuming the medication without adequate medical guidance or deviating from prescribed instructions could lead to serious adverse effects due to potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) functions identically to branded Viagra but is offered at a more economical price point.
Pfizer continues to produce the renowned “little blue pill,” while numerous companies, both domestically and internationally, manufacture sildenafil. Although it may have a different appearance, it remains an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.