What is Revatio, and what generic drugs can replace it?
Revatio is the brand name for sildenafil, used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A “generic for Revatio” is any approved sildenafil product intended for the same indication (PAH) and with the same route and strength (tablets or liquid, depending on the formulation) as your prescription [1].
Common generic names you’ll see are:
- Sildenafil (tablets or oral suspension/solution, depending on country and availability) [1]
How do I know which generic is the right one for my prescription?
When switching from Revatio to a generic, match these details:
- The active ingredient: sildenafil [1]
- The dosage form: tablet vs oral suspension (not every generic is offered in every form)
- The strength and dosing schedule your prescriber wrote
- Your treatment goal (PAH) so you don’t accidentally switch to a product labeled for a different use
Also check the label for “sildenafil” and confirm it’s the same strength as your Revatio prescription.
Can the generic be different even if it’s the same ingredient?
Yes. Generics can differ in inactive ingredients (binders, dyes, flavorings), tablet shape, and how they’re formulated, even though they contain the same active ingredient (sildenafil). These differences usually do not change effectiveness, but they can matter if you have allergies or sensitivities to specific inactive ingredients.
What if you mean “generic sildenafil” vs “generic Revatio”?
There may not be a product literally marketed as “generic Revatio.” The practical equivalent is a generic sildenafil product. Clinically and legally, the key is that it is sildenafil, not the brand name [1].
What should you do before switching?
If you’re considering a switch:
- Ask your pharmacist to confirm the generic is sildenafil and that it matches your Revatio strength and form [1]
- If you take other PAH medications, double-check that the pharmacy has your full medication list correct (to avoid dosing mix-ups)
- If you notice new side effects or loss of effect, call your prescriber promptly
Are there any cautions with sildenafil (especially for PAH patients)?
Sildenafil can interact with nitrates and some other medicines. If you use any heart medicines or have chest pain episodes, discuss that with your clinician/pharmacist before switching brands or formulations (even within the same active ingredient). Your pharmacist can screen for drug interactions when dispensing the generic.
Sources
- FDA (U.S. prescribing information database / drug label for Revatio: sildenafil) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/