Just like many other drugs before it, the chemical compound Sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra) was once a common prescription medicine. Described as a “pharmaceutical treasure,” this drug was first synthesized in the 1970s and later approved by the FDA in 1992. Its ability to enhance sexual function led to a massive surge in sales, and since then the drug’s share of the market has risen to about 10% each year. As a result of its high popularity, many pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop alternative versions of Viagra that are more effective and have fewer side effects than the initial drug.
While it might be tempting to try and synthesize your own version of Sildenafil and offer it for sale in your local pharmacy, a much safer option would be to simply purchase an already approved generic equivalent.
We examined the recent approval records of four different generic forms of Viagra to determine whether or not they are safe and effective, the ingredients they contain, and their prices. We also looked at whether or not they are bioequivalent to the brand-name drug. By understanding these criteria, you’ll be able to choose the best generic form for your needs.
Approved Generic Viagra
The first and most economical choice for those looking to save money on Viagra is Tadalafil, an already approved generic form of the drug. While Tadalafil was once again approved by the FDA in 2014, the original approval date for this drug is from 1998, which means it has been on the market for more than 15 years. Tadalafil is also one of the only approved generic remedies for both erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious condition that can lead to death.
Tadalafil is made of the same substance as Sildenafil, with the difference being that it does not contain the dangerous substance sulfinpyrazone. Instead, it contains the generic version of sildenafil, which is safer and more effective at treating erectile dysfunction. Because it is a generic version of Viagra, Tadalafil does not come with the same manufacturing standards as the brand-name drug and is therefore significantly cheaper. This makes it a popular choice not just with those who can’t afford the more expensive medications, but also with pharmaceutical companies who want to reduce their drug supply costs.
The Downsides To Using Tadalafil
While there are many benefits to using Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction and PAH, there are also some potential downsides. First off, just like any other drug, Tadalafil has the potential to cause serious side effects. Even though it is considered a generic drug, it is still a prescription medication and as such has the potential to cause interactions with other medications. Since Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor, it also has the potential to cause drug interactions with nitrates, which are found in some medications used to treat heart disease.
One of the main reasons Tadalafil is so effective at treating erectile dysfunction is that it enhances both the intensity and the duration of penetrative sex acts. If you or your partner is experiencing low libido, this medication may not be the best fit since neither of you may be inclined to have frequent sex. However, if you are both experiencing problems with sexual function, Tadalafil can be a great option since it will help increase both of your sexual desire and satisfaction. As long as you are aware of the potential side effects, which include headache, flushing, and diarrhea, you may be able to use this medication to the fullest.
Bioequivalency And Interchangeability
Since Tadalafil is a generic form of Sildenafil, it must be bioequivalent to the original drug in order to be approved by the FDA. This simply means that it must be able to deliver the same benefits as Sildenafil in a similar manner, which is definitely not an easy task since not all generic medications are created equal. While we were unable to find any studies that directly compared Tadalafil to Sildenafil, there are a number of studies that compare the two chemically. The main difference between the two is that Tadalafil does not contain sulfinpyrazone, which is present in Sildenafil.
Based on the data available, Tadalafil is considered comparable to Sildenafil and since it is cheaper and already approved, it is often selected over the brand-name drug. However, just because Tadalafil is bioequivalent to Sildenafil doesn’t mean that it is interchangeable with the brand-name drug. Even though Tadalafil meets the criteria set by the FDA for being a generic version of Sildenafil, it still has subtle differences that affect how it functions in vivo. The most obvious difference is that the molecule itself is a bit smaller in Tadalafil than it is in Sildenafil. This difference in size can cause subtle interactions at the cellular level that affect how well this medication works. While there are cases where Tadalafil can be successfully used to treat erectile dysfunction and/or PAH, it is still considered an off-label use and as such carries with it some risks that are related to an unexplored area of medication use. Just be aware of the fact that Tadalafil is not interchangeable with the brand-name drug and that if you are ever in a position where you need to choose one over the other, you should go with the brand-name for safety and effectiveness reasons.
Prices
The final consideration to make when choosing a medication is its price. While we all want to get our medications for as cheap as possible, this consideration must take into account the severity of our condition and whether or not we need to switch medications due to drug interactions. The cheapest option for Viagra is Avalide, which is produced by a Japanese drug company and retails for $2.16 per dose. This option would not be my first choice for treating erectile dysfunction or PAH since it has become readily apparent that pharmaceutical companies are trying to maximize their profits and do not necessarily prioritize patients’ needs above all else.
The most popular option for those who need to save money on Viagra is Tadalafil, which is made by a Swiss pharmaceutical company and can be purchased for as low as $1.62 per dose. However, if you have a prescription and you meet the criteria set by the FDA, you should avoid using a generic since they are much cheaper but might not be as safe or effective as the brand-name drug. The only reason why Tadalafil is so widely available is that it has been on the market for so long and has been repeatedly repurposed due to its success in treating erectile dysfunction and PAH. While it might be tempting to try and improve upon a proven formula and offer your own take on a drug that has helped millions, it would be best to leave this to the professionals so they can ensure the safest and most effective medication for your condition.