What really is the difference between generic Viagra (sildenafil) and the brand name? Learn more from a pharmacist here.
When choosing between the generic and brand versions of a medication, you might be tempted to splurge and opt for the pricier brand name. Of course, you want your medication to work the absolute best for you, especially when you are talking about ED medications.
But, does the old adage “you get what you pay for” really apply here? Not exactly.
Below, we will outline the similarities and differences between generic Viagra and the name brand, as well as review how the FDA approves and monitors the quality of generic medications, and then give your our summary of what to expect when choosing a generic medication.
There is a long list of similarities between Viagra and its generic versions. And, to your body, they will function the same way.
Viagra and its generic forms both contain the same active ingredient (Sildenafil), both will have bioequivalence in the body, both will produce the same result, have the same side effects, and both are prescription-only.
The list of differences between Viagra and its generic forms is way shorter than the list of similarities.
Basically, you might find that the color, shape, or certain inactive ingredients used, like binders in the tablet, are different than the brand name. Luckily, this won’t affect the way the medication works, just how it looks.
Secondly, and probably most importantly, there is normally a huge difference in cost to the patient for brand Viagra versus generic Viagra (Sildenafil). While you might be able to find generic Viagra (Sildenafil) starting at $3 or so per tablet (depending on the strength), the brand name could set you back as much as $50 more than that per dose.
For many people looking to find a sustainable ED treatment, this difference in price alone is the reason for going with the generic.
While it may seem strange that a more expensive brand medication can work the exact same in the body as a much cheaper generic version, there are reasons behind why this is.
When a company first releases a medication, like Pfizer with Viagra, they are given exclusivity to market that medication under the brand name only for a number of years, before generic versions (Sildenafil) are allowed to come out. This helps the company recoup hefty costs that come about from large clinical trials and getting initial approval for a new drug. But, it also allows for higher price tags due to there being no competition on the market…yet.
So, once that exclusivity period is over, generic versions are able to be produced. And, these generics are able to come out faster and at less expense since the big costly safety and dosage studies for the active ingredients have already been taken care of by the initial release. As more and more generic companies hop on the bandwagon, there is more competition and the price is able to come way down -- even from $50 to $3.
Generic versions then need to prove to the FDA that their generic version is equivalent to and works the same in the body as the brand version. More on that next.
Before a generic medication comes to market, it must be approved through a rigorous FDA review process.
Generic medications must provide evidence to prove that:
You are not compromising on effectiveness when choosing a generic medication over the brand name. In fact, you actually benefit from all the money you save.
The FDA set up the generic approval process so that you can feel good about your less expensive medications, while feeling confident that you will get the same effects.
Here at Strut, we don’t only carry generic Viagra (Sildenafil), we also offer it at some of the most competitive prices that you will find. Starting at just $3 per dose, it is hard to beat.
In addition to the affordable price, by utilizing our secure telemedicine platform, your online consultation is also offered for free, and the shipping from the U.S. pharmacy that puts your order together is also free of charge. You won’t find any extraneous fees or surprise expenses here.
To get started, simply select Sildenafil (generic Viagra) from our product page, complete your free online consultation, and checkout in less than 15 minutes. Our doctors will make sure the medication and dosage are appropriate for you, and then issue a prescription to the pharmacy, if you are a good fit for treatment. Finally, your medication will be safely shipped from a U.S. pharmacy to your front door.
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