Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
What is generic Viagra? Generic Viagra is an alternative of Viagra Pfizer with the same properties, including use, effects, side effects, and administration. Generic Viagra also contains the same active chemical substance. The same dosage of Viagra applies to the generic one, as they have the same strength.
The manufacturing, formulation, packaging, or even color may have some differences between generic and brand-name versions. These variations do not affect the effectiveness of the medicine. Generic Viagra often costs less than Original Viagra. As a result, it gives patients a cheaper alternative. There is a misconception that since generic medicines cost less than brand-name ones, their effectiveness is inferior. This is not true.
The cost difference is because the FDA doesn’t need expensive clinical trials for generic medicine. The manufacturers only need to prove that their medication is the bioequivalent of the brand-name. It should also adhere to similar quality standards during manufacturing, packaging, and testing. They usually do not pay for expensive advertising, marketing, and promotional campaigns either.
What Is Generic Viagra?
Viagra does have a generic drug alternative called Sildenafil. It is available in tablet form and can be taken as needed before engaging in sex like Viagra, working in the same way (s. also How does Viagra work? Viagra Effects on Men & Women). Sildenafil was launched in 2017 by two separate companies. The first was Greenstone, a subsidiary of Pfizer, the manufacturer of the original brand-name Viagra. The other was Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Since then, other manufacturers started producing it, too, leading to a significant reduction in the price of the drug. This helped patients afford the medicine as Sildenafil launched at half the cost of the original Viagra (s. also The Cost Of Viagra – A Viagra Price Worth Paying). Plus, the price continued to decrease due to competition when other pharmaceuticals started making it. Other companies that produce the generic Viagra include:
- Accord
- Sandoz
- Mylan
- Actavis
- Ajanta
- Teva
- Torrent
- Zentiva
- Dr. Reddy
Sildenafil enables more people to have access to FDA-Approved treatment of the erectile dysfunction condition as it is cheaper (see also: Erectile Dysfunction Treatments – The Best ED Cure in Check). It also reduced the demand for fake treatments for the condition from illegal suppliers who were offering more affordable medicines, which are harmful.
What Is Generic Viagra?
The term generic Viagra refers to the medical name of the active ingredient in the drug. Viagra is a brand name of the sildenafil medicine, initially patented by the drug manufacturer Pfizer (s. also Sildenafil: The Active Ingredient Behind Viagra). After the patent owned by Pfizer expired in 2013, the market opened for other pharmaceuticals to manufacture generic versions of Sildenafil.
Sildenafil treats problems related to male sexual function, particularly erectile dysfunction. The molecular structure of Sildenafil doesn’t differ from one brand to the other. As a result, its functionality remains the same. Sildenafil increases blood flow to the penis by blocking the enzyme that promotes the breakdown of cGMP. The action relaxes the muscles of blood vessels, producing the desired effect.
All Sildenafil manufacturers produce 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets, in packets of 4 or 8 tablets (read more: Viagra Dosage By Weight – How To Take Viagra For Best results). The tablets may also differ in color, shape, and size. The different dosages vary in strength depending on the patient’s needs.
What Is the Difference Between Pfizer Viagra and Generic Viagra?
The differences between Pfizer Viagra and generic Viagra are in:
- Packaging
- Price
- Manufacturers
- Color and shape of tablets
- Brand name
- Inactive ingredients
The above differences do not affect the functionality and dosage of Viagra. Both Pfizer Viagra and all brands of generic Viagra or Sildenafil are available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets.
There is a different version of Sildenafil, which some confuse with the generic of Viagra. Sildenafil is also the generic of Revatio, which has approval from the FDA to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. This version can be easily distinguished as it is available as a 20mg tablet.
Generic Viagra Patient Reviews
Generic Viagra has many positive reviews with regards to its effectiveness from most patients who have used it. Patients report being able to maintain an erection during sex when they use generic Viagra.
The improved sexual performance from using the drug also results in better relationships. It also improves the mental health and self-esteem of the patient. Some patients who could not afford Viagra are happy to have cheaper alternatives, such as generic medications.
Doctors consider it as safe according to the indications they receive from their patients. Some patients noted specific side effects, although they were not severe for most patients. These side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches and migraines
- Visual disturbances
The side effects and effectiveness of the tablets are proportional to the dosage. If a patient experiences side effects using a larger pill, they should consider trying a smaller one, with the consultation of a doctor.
Can I Buy Generic Viagra (Sildenafil) Online?
Generic Viagra is available from various online vendors servicing clients based in the USA. You can buy generic Viagra using different payment methods such as VISA debit and credit cards, as well as MasterCard. Some vendors also accept other secure payment methods such as Medicare and Health Insurance.
Generic Viagra is a prescription medication in the United States, for which you must consult a doctor before purchasing. This is important to ensure your doctor confirms that generic Viagra will not be dangerous to your health based on your medical history.
Patients who recently experienced a heart attack or a stroke aren’t advised to use generic Viagra. Even those with low or high blood pressure must consult a doctor first. Patients with eye conditions like degenerative retinal disorders are also advised against using Viagra. The restriction is due to the side effects related to vision.
If your doctor prescribes Viagra, you can use the prescription to order generic Viagra instead as they work in the same way.
The Best Place to Buy Generic Viagra Online
Many online vendors offer different types of medications, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake sellers. Many pharmaceuticals often make generic Viagra under many brands. That makes it even more challenging to find an authentic brand, besides finding a genuine seller.
To buy generic Viagra from an online vendor, you must ensure the following:
- The online vendor is a registered pharmacy with a license to sell products in the USA
- The brand of the generic Viagra is FDA-Approved.
- They request a valid prescription
- The pharmacy has a licensed pharmacist who can answer your questions
- The pharmacy has a secure payment platform
- The website provides their contact details
- The drug is in labeled containers indicating the name and dosage in a transparent manner
- A clear privacy policy protecting your personal information and credit card details
Generic Viagra is only available in 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg tablets. Any online vendor that sells it will have one of these or a combination of the three.
The Dangers and Risks of Buying Generic Viagra Online
Buying any drug online exposes you to many dangers and risks, which include falling victim to fraud or buying fake or ineffective drugs.
There are many online vendors and unverified pharmacies that can claim to sell generic Viagra. Although it’s convenient to have many options, this exposes you to significant risks. For example, you might lose money to fraudsters and never receive the drugs. You might also get contaminated, counterfeit, or ineffective versions of generic Viagra.
Counterfeit versions of Viagra are rampant on the internet. They’re usually imported from countries lacking in standard quality control measures. The famous brand-name Viagra, combined with the customer’s need for confidentiality, offers a golden opportunity for fraudsters. Hence the availability of many fake versions of the drug.
Is Generic Viagra for Sale Online Too Good to Be True?
An online search for “generic Viagra for sale” produces millions of results. The FDA investigated some of these and found alarming results. Several erectile dysfunction drugs sold online actually come as completely different prescription medicines. Examples include antibiotic metronidazole, amphetamines, and fertility drugs.
Some samples of Viagra tablets purchased online contain the right drug. Yet, the dosage gets diluted to produce only 10% of the original strength. Unverified generic Viagra medicines purchased online may contain diluting ingredients that are toxic or cause harmful interactions when taken with other medications you may be on.
Considering this and the fact that Viagra is one of the most counterfeited drugs, it’s enough to make anyone buying it or its generic substitutes online very skeptical. Using the wrong medication or the correct one, containing diluted composition can cause adverse health issues and undesired results. Some sellers of generic Viagra online can indeed be too good to be true. It is thus vital to be vigilant and take precautions when purchasing the drug online.
Why is the Generic 100mg Viagra So Popular?
Generic Viagra medication is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. The size of the tablet is proportional to the dosage making the 100mg tablet the strongest. All three pills usually take effect within 30 to 60 minutes after you take them, and their effects last about 5 hours. On first time use of generic Viagra, patients usually get the 50mg tablet. If they do not experience the desired results, they can then try the larger 100mg tablet, with the advice of a qualified doctor.
An important factor to consider with the use of generic Viagra is the side effects. Studies show that patients taking the 25 mg pill are less likely to experience side effects, although the effectiveness of the treatment may be lower. Patients taking the 100mg pill experience the best performance of the drug, but are more likely also to experience side effects. As much as patients may want to try the 100mg pill for the best results, the amplified possibility of side effects must be a big part of the dosage decision.
How You Can Buy Generic Viagra Using an Online Prescription in the U.S.
Patients also tend to prefer anonymity when getting medication for erectile dysfunction. Whether you’re busy or want to be discrete, you can save yourself a trip to the doctor’s office by getting generic Viagra with a prescription obtained online.
The consultation must only be with a qualified doctor on a verified and approved telemedicine website. The online doctors provide a questionnaire which they use to assess and check the patient’s suitability for the drug based on the condition they experience.
It’s crucial to provide accurate information about your medical history, allergies, and any medications you’re taking. That helps the doctor prescribe the correct medication, which will not cause harmful effects or interactions with your current medication. Upon getting the doctor’s prescription, you can take it to the online pharmacy where you wish to buy generic Viagra.
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- Gordon, Serena (11 December 2017). “Generic Viagra: Two versions of sildenafil hit the market today“. CBS News. Retrieved August 3, 2020. URL: https://www.cbsnews.com