The cost of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs can vary from insurance coverage to insurance coverage and, more often than not, the price is determined by the manufacturer. In the U.S., Viagra is one of the most popular prescription drugs for ED, with consumers spending roughly $12.63 per month on average. That’s according to a newly released report from HealthCostTools.com. What’s more, the price of Viagra is expected to rise after the drug company Pfizer inked a new deal with the U.S. government that will raise the price. Here are some of the things you need to know about Viagra and its cost in the U.S.:
Most Popular ED Drug
The HealthCostTools.com report ranks Viagra as the sixth most popular drug for erectile dysfunction, with 44.6 million people in the U.S. taking the drug. (Aptalis, Impotence Med, Pfizer, and Shire are in the Top 5.)
The vast majority of consumers who are taking Viagra are doing so because they are unable to satisfy their womenfolk. Almost 86% of men taking the drug report having difficulty maintaining an erection adequate for vaginal sex. (This is according to the Sexual Functioning Inventory, an in-house survey that monitors consumer engagement with Eli Lilly and Company’s Advil Nighttime Pain Cream, in which 26% of respondents experienced sexual dysfunction while using the drug and 12% saw a worsening of their condition compared to before they started using it.)
Who’s Paying for What
When it comes to purchasing state-specific insurance, like hospital insurance or insurance coverage for medical procedures, the majority of people are paying for the treatment of ED. (Hospital insurance costs are based on the total cost of the hospital stay and include medical fees, room and board, and other related expenses. Medical fees are the amounts that patients are charged for services provided by physicians, medical institutions, and health care providers. Room and board costs are the amounts that patients are charged for stays in a hospital or other medical institutions.)
People aged 65 and older are the primary payers of medical costs associated with ED, according to the HealthCostTools.com report. This is most likely because Medicare covers prescriptions for erectile dysfunction and is the main payer of medical costs for those with ED.
How Does the Drug Work?
Viagra is a drug known to help men with erectile dysfunction be able to achieve an erection that is sufficient for vaginal sex. The drug prevents certain enzymes from breaking down nitric oxide, a chemical which is produced in the body and helps maintain a firm, erect penis. By preventing the breakdown of nitric oxide, Viagra allows the blood to flow freely into the penis, resulting in an erection that is sufficient for vaginal penetration. Nitric oxide also helps to relax the blood vessels in the penis, which improves blood flow into the organ and allows for an increased volume of semen.
Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Viagra for use in treating erectile dysfunction, it does not recommend that people with heart problems or those who are taking aspirin or blood thinning medications should take the drug.
What’s The Bottom Line?
If you’re wondering what the average cost of Viagra is, you’ll need to determine what you’re paying for. Most people are paying for the cost of the drug itself – without factoring in insurance coverage, government subsidies, or savings from not having to purchase additional health care services due to the drug’s effectiveness.
To get the most out of your medication, you’ll need to follow the instructions provided by your physician. In the meantime, if you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction and are worried about the cost of medication, you might consider looking into federal or state programs that provide financial assistance for medications that treat erectile dysfunction or other health issues.