Is Generic Viagra as Effective as the Brand?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 30 million men in the United States. When Viagra was approved as the first oral medication for erectile dysfunction in the late nineties, this drug became the “holy grail” for men with sexual dysfunction. Nowadays, thanks to science, you may have seen TV commercials of not only Viagra but also other medications used to treat ED, including the generic version of Viagra. If someone who is close to you is using Viagra, or you have been doing some research on this medication for yourself, you may wonder if the lower-cost generic Viagra will be as effective as the brand name itself. Even though both brand and generic Viagra contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil, are there any other side effects or caution that you should be aware of? Some people are skeptical about generic Viagra because it's much cheaper. Today we will discuss the differences between generic Viagra (sildenafil) and the brand name medication.

How does Viagra or generic sildenafil citrate treat erectile dysfunction?

Viagra (generic: sildenafil) pills are oral medications that are FDA-approved ED medicines. Viagra and other ED medications like Cialis are PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors. They work by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). This action enhances the effect of a natural chemical called nitric oxide during sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide works to relax the smooth muscles in the penis and allow blood to flow into the organ’s blood vessels, resulting in an erection.

Besides being an ED medicine, sildenafil is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

Viagra and generic sildenafil should be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before anticipated sexual intercourse. You should not take more than one Viagra pill in a day. Keep in mind that this medication only works in the presence of sexual arousal.

Does sildenafil keep you hard after ejaculation?

Brand name Viagra and generic sildenafil tablets are designed to get and maintain an erection. Strictly speaking, sildenafil does not keep you hard after ejaculation. Also, it does not make you hard if you are not sexually aroused. However, studies have found that sildenafil can reduce the refractory period for erections. Meaning men find that they can become erect again 4-5 times sooner after ejaculation when they use sildenafil to treat ED.

What is the difference between generic Viagra and sildenafil?

The brand name drug, Viagra, is a little blue pill, while the generic medication (sildenafil citrate) is a little white pill. Both Viagra and generic sildenafil contain the same active ingredient. Sildenafil (generic Viagra) works equally well and is equally safe. The key difference is that, like the generic versions of most drugs, the generic form of sildenafil citrate is significantly cheaper than the brand name Viagra.

On average, brand name Viagra costs $75 per tablet, while the generic Viagra cost can be as low as $3 per pill. This is because after Pfizer’s patent expired in 2012, other pharmaceutical companies are able to make the generic form of the little blue pill and sell it at competitive prices.

Does brand name Viagra work better than the generic?

No, brand-name Viagra and generic Viagra work exactly the same way. They are equally effective in treating ED. Both contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, and are essentially the same medicine.

Branded Viagra has been widely advertised and is packed differently. The pills look a little different, but they are chemically identical to the generic medications. Taking generic Viagra works as well as the brand name drug. This is also true for other ED pills such as generic Cialis and branded Cialis.

Is generic Viagra safe?

Yes, generic Viagra (sildenafil) is safe. The FDA ensures product manufacturers make generic drugs that work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit as their branded counterparts. Generic Viagra has the same active ingredient and is equal in safety, quality, dosage, strength, and effectiveness as brand-name Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction.

My doctor prescribed me generic Viagra — How do I make the most out of it?

Here are some best practice tips if you are using Viagra or its generic sildenafil.

Discuss ED treatment with your healthcare provider

Just like any medication, you should take Viagra, its generic version, or any other ED medication exactly as prescribed and follow any professional medical advice from your healthcare professional. This will ensure Viagra (sildenafil) is the right choice for you. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, explain possible side effects, and ensure that there are no significant drug interactions with your other medications.

Compare Viagra to another ED medication

Based on your medical history and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend a medication other than Viagra. These other prescription medications (ED treatments) are also FDA-approved and can potentially show results faster or in some cases slower than Viagra. Another difference between medications is how long they last in your system. For example, avanafil (Stendra) and tadalafil both show results in 15-30 minutes, but tadalafil (Cialis) stays in your system at least 3 times longer than avanafil.

Understand how sildenafil works

Clinical trials have shown that Viagra and generic sildenafil can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction if you:

Discuss the appropriate sildenafil dosage for you with your healthcare professional. Viagra and generic Viagra are available in dosages of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Take the pill 30 minutes to 4 hours before having sex.
Get in the mood. Both brand name Viagra and generic sildenafil only work when you are sexually aroused.
Eat a light meal before using both the brand name and generic drugs. A high-fat meal can delay the absorption of the active ingredient and make Viagra less effective.
Avoid alcohol after taking Viagra and generic sildenafil. Alcohol mixed with Viagra causes side effects like low blood pressure. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, changes in vision, loss of consciousness, and headache.

Do not buy generic Viagra online

Remember that Viagra is a prescription only-medicine. While it may be sold cheaply without a prescription by online pharmacies, it is a risky practice to buy branded Viagra or generic Viagra online. Counterfeit Viagra pills can be extremely harmful. They may be out-of-date Viagra (expired pills), diluted, or contain fake ingredients. Always purchase ED medications such as Viagra from your local pharmacy or a reputable pharmacy online.

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