Is Sildenafil As Good As Viagra?
September 30, 2020
4 mins
While Viagra was once the primary drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), today there are many other types of ED medication for men to choose from. The main ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. Sildenafil was initially used to treat high blood pressure, but over time health experts realized it had promising effects on erectile function.
Generic versions of sildenafil work the same way as the brand-name drug Viagra. The key differences between Viagra and generic sildenafil are how the medication is distributed and its availability.
What's the difference between sildenafil and Viagra?
Sildenafil is the main ingredient in Viagra. Most people recognize ED medication under the Viagra brand name. Pfizer was the first company to put Viagra on the market in 1998. When Viagra first hit the market, it had to be prescribed to you by a healthcare provider.
Generic sildenafil is a more accessible version of Viagra. Sometimes a healthcare provider replaces a 100 mg tablet of Viagra with five 20mg tablets of generic sildenafil because of cost. When Viagra was first approved and released on the market, a single pill could cost as much as $100. Today, generic versions are available for less than $10 per pill.
Different pharmaceutical companies sell sildenafil for more affordable prices than Viagra. In addition to erectile dysfunction, sildenafil can also treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) under the brand name Revatio.
How Do Viagra and Generic Sildenafil Work?
The main ingredient in Viagra works as a PDE5 inhibitor. A PDE5 inhibitor breaks down chemicals in the body that slow blood flow to the penis. Both generic sildenafil and Viagra work to increase blood flow to the penis to reach and maintain an erection.
What Are the Side Effects of Sildenafil and Viagra?
Viagra and generic sildenafil both have potential side effects. While it's rare for men to experience side effects while taking sildenafil, it does occur for some men.
Side effects you may experience while taking ED medication include:
Headaches
Indigestion
Congestion
Low blood pressure
If you experience side effects, a healthcare provider may recommend switching medications or using another form of treatment.
What Other Versions of Viagra Exist?
Teva Pharmaceuticals was one of the first drug companies to launch a generic sildenafil pill. Pfizer took them to court and in a settlement arrangement Teva agreed to wait until 2017 to launch their version. Since then, many online telehealth platforms have offered their own generic versions of different medications.
How Rex MD Can Help
Rex MD offers access to generic sildenafil and tadalafil to treat ED. Through Rex MD, a licensed healthcare provider can suggest the proper dosage.
Get started today with taking control of your health and confidence.
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