Generic Viagra: What You Need To Know
September 24, 2020
4 mins
Viagra® is the brand name for the erectile dysfunction (ED) medication sildenafil. First approved for use in the U.S. in 1998, it's still the most popular ED medication on the market.
However, Viagra® is no longer the only ED medication on the market. Not only are there now products like tadalafil (Cialis®), but additional drug manufacturers have started selling their versions of Viagra® under a different generic name.
What is a Generic ED Medication?
Viagra® is the brand name for sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil is an FDA-approved medication for erectile dysfunction.
Patents protect new drugs for an average of 10 to 12 years. During this time, government regulations give them exclusive rights to sell the drug under their brand name. In 2017, other drug manufacturers were allowed to create their own versions of sildenafil. This happens often in the pharmaceutical industry. However, other manufacturers are only allowed to sell under the generic name.
Some drugmakers create authorized generics. These are medications made with the same formula as the original brand version. These often have the same pill or tablet shape, size, and color.
Are generic ED medications more affordable?
Still, generic versions of the medication can be just as effective as brand names. The biggest change is the price of the drug.
Generic drugs are usually available at 20-30% of the name-brand product price. This is partly because new companies don't have to spend any money on marketing and they can prove their version works simply by comparing it to the original rather than running large and expensive clinical trials.
These generic medications are bioequivalent to the original. Bioequivalency refers to whether or not they work the same way in the body as the brand name version. However, the chemical makeup and appearance of generic medications may vary slightly.
What's the Difference Between Branded and Generic Viagra®?
While branded and generic Viagra may look different, they operate the same in the body. Both types of Viagra® are approved in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses. Most men start with the 50mg dose. A healthcare provider may suggest increasing or decreasing your dosage depending on how your body responds to the medication.
Other Uses of Sildenafil
Pfizer also developed sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This medication has the same ingredient but is taken in different dosages.
How Rex MD Can Help?
Rex MD offers affordable options for ED medications like sildenafil and tadalafil. If you're looking to get started with treating symptoms of ED, Rex MD can help you find the right medication for you.
Get started today on finding an ED medication that helps you treat your health concerns.
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