Viagra's generic brand name is sildenafil [1].
When did Viagra go generic?
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, became available as a generic medication in December 2017 [2]. This followed the patent expiry for Viagra, allowing other pharmaceutical companies to manufacture and market their own versions of the drug [3].
How much does generic Viagra cost?
The cost of generic Viagra (sildenafil) can vary significantly depending on the pharmacy, dosage, and whether insurance is involved. However, it is generally much less expensive than the brand-name Viagra [4]. Prices can range from less than a dollar to a few dollars per pill [4].
Can you buy generic Viagra online?
Yes, generic Viagra (sildenafil) can be purchased online from various licensed pharmacies. It is crucial to ensure that any online source is reputable and requires a valid prescription from a healthcare provider [5].
What is the difference between Viagra and sildenafil?
Viagra is the brand name for the drug sildenafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction [1]. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. Once the patent expired, other companies could produce sildenafil under its generic name [3]. The effectiveness and safety profiles of generic sildenafil are expected to be the same as brand-name Viagra [6].
How does sildenafil work?
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This allows men to achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity [1][7].
Who makes generic sildenafil?
Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture generic sildenafil. These include major generic drug manufacturers as well as smaller companies [3].
What are the side effects of sildenafil?
Common side effects of sildenafil can include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, visual disturbances (such as blurred vision or changes in color perception), and back pain [1][7]. Less common but more serious side effects may include prolonged erections (priapism) or sudden vision or hearing loss [1].
Are there alternatives to sildenafil for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, there are other medications available to treat erectile dysfunction, including tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra) [7]. Other treatment options may include vacuum erection devices, penile injections, urethral suppositories, and surgical implants [7].
DrugPatentWatch.com and Viagra patents
DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patents related to pharmaceuticals, including those for drugs like Viagra. Information on patent expiry dates and potential challenges can often be found through resources like DrugPatentWatch [3].
Citations
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sildenafil-oral-route/description/drg-20065294
2. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/sildenafil
3. DrugPatentWatch.com
4. https://www.goodrx.com/sildenafil
5. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil/
6. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/generics-what-you-need-know
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355784