10 Things to Know About Generic Viagra

Viagra is a popular prescription medication that treats erectile dysfunction(ED). You’ve likely seen commercials for it on television, on your newsfeed, or on the radio. You may have even heard about its lower-cost generic that shares the same active ingredient: sildenafil.

If you’re prescribed Viagra or generic Viagra, it’s natural to have some questions. For instance, you may be curious if the brand and generic versions work the same way. Or what side effects you should be aware of. Knowing some basics about Viagra can help you get the most out of your prescription.

1. There are multiple generic Viagra manufacturers

Teva Pharmaceuticals was the first company to make generic Viagra. And ever since it originally launched in December 2017, more manufacturers have come to the table. This has continued to drive generic Viagra prices down.

Examples of generic manufacturers of Viagra include:

• Amneal Pharmaceuticals

• Aurobindo Pharma

• Lupin

• Sunshine Lake Pharma

• Torrent Pharmaceuticals

2. How to save on generic Viagra

There are many ways to save on Viagra, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 95% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Viagra's price at certain pharmacies is less than $11.27 with a free GoodRx discount.

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to save up to 50% off your copay for Viagra using a savings card from the manufacturer.

3. Generic Viagra comes in multiple doses

Just like brand-name Viagra, sildenafil is an oral medication. Both versions come as tablets in three different dosages:

• 25 mg

• 50 mg

• 100 mg

The typical dose of Viagra is 50 mg by mouth 1 hour before sexual activity. But depending on your response, you could take it anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours beforehand. Your dose may also be higher or lower. Just make sure you don’t take it more than once daily.

4. Sildenafil is no different from brand-name Viagra

Some people voice concerns about how well generic medications work. Thankfully, strict regulations are in place in the U.S. that regulate the quality of all medications.

Alongside other quality control measures, guidelines are in place that ensure generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts.

The biggest difference between brand and generic Viagra is their colors. Viagra is known as “little blue pill,” but sildenafil generally comes as a small white pill. They also can have slightly different inactive ingredients, but this doesn’t affect their safety or effectiveness.

5. A different version of sildenafil also exists

Sildenafil is the generic for two common brand-name products: Viagra and Revatio. These medications are FDA approved for two different health conditions. While Viagra treats ED, Revatio is approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This is a type of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

So, how can you distinguish between the two? Dosages and available formulations play a big role.

Generic Viagra comes as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. But generic Revatio comes in different forms. It comes as a 20 mg tablet. It’s also available as a 10 mg/mL oral liquid (suspension) and an injection given into a vein by a healthcare provider.

6. Viagra is one of the most counterfeited drugs in the world

Viagra is a popular medication, and that means counterfeit versions can be an issue. In fact, the problem of counterfeit Viagra is so widespread that Pfizer has created their own security force to help cut down the number of unregulated drugs on the market. This team — Pfizer Global Security— works with law enforcement officials, pharmacies, and wholesalers to monitor and improve surveillance on counterfeit Viagra.

Why is this so important? A 2011 study done by the Pfizer Global Security team found that nearly 80% of Viagra purchases made from online websites were counterfeit. Most of the counterfeit tablets just had less sildenafil than what was labeled. But the team sometimes came across dangerous additives. Blue printer ink, amphetamines, road paint, and more were hidden in certain tablets — all things you don’t want to put in your body.

7. Can you get generic Viagra online?

Yes. With continued adoption of telehealth providers and services, getting prescriptions or refills for medications online is a convenient option for many people with access to the internet. This is also true with obtaining an online prescription for Viagra.

However, it’s a good idea to do some research before purchasing Viagra from an online pharmacy. For example, make sure it’s a certified VIPPS online pharmacy. This credential helps demonstrate that a pharmacy is legitimate.

These are some other signs that an online pharmacy is safe:

• A prescription from a healthcare provider is always required

• A physical U.S. address and phone number are listed

• Staff includes a licensed pharmacist to answer your questions

• Pharmacy is licensed with a state board of pharmacy

8. Viagra can cause side effects

Viagra is an effective medication for ED. But there are some side effects you should be aware of. Possible Viagra side effects include:

• Headache 

• Flushing (skin redness)

• Upset stomach

• Vision changes

• Dizziness

Viagra can also cause an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism). If you experience this side effect, seek emergency medical care right away. If left untreated, a prolonged erection can cause permanent damage to the penis. 

Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you experience any other side effects that are bothersome, don’t go away, or get worse at any point.

9. Is generic Viagra available without a prescription?

No. In the U.S., Viagra is only available by prescription. 

However, pharmacy regulations are different in other countries. For instance, in the U.K., people can buy Viagra over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. It’s sold under the name Viagra Connect. The decision to make it available OTC was made by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency — the U.K.’s version of the FDA. This decision was made in an effort to help men get the care they need and avoid illegally-operating websites.

10. What else does sildenafil treat?

Viagra wasn’t initially meant to be an ED treatment. It was first intended to treat chest pain (angina). But in clinical studies, people prescribed sildenafil for chest pain reported an interesting side effect — an increased amount of erections. It was approved to treat ED soon after.

Since then, sildenafil’s approved uses have expanded to include PAH.

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. By answering the following questions honestly, you can begin to address the concerns you may be having about your current sexual health and get set up for success when you speak to your healthcare provider about potential treatment options. This is for informational use only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, a diagnosis, or endorsement of treatment. Always consult a doctor. By continuing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

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