You may have heard that Viagra is one of the most popular impotence medications, often referred to as the “pink pill.” While there are several versions of Viagra available, the most popular 20 mg tablet is prescribed to men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and is often sold much cheaper than other versions.
Here’s a look at the average price of a Viagra prescription, including the 25 mg and 50 mg varieties.
What Is The Average Price Of A Viagra Prescription?
According to GoodRx, an online pharmacy that specializes in discounts and savings opportunities for healthcare providers and their patients, the average price for a 20 mg tablet of Viagra is $9.13 as of December 2021. That’s probably why many men prefer to purchase Viagra online rather than at a physical pharmacy. It saves them money and gives them a reliable option if they want to get their medicine.
This particular medication does not have an expedited delivery option, so residents of more remote areas may have to wait a bit for their drugs. However, with savings opportunities and great discounts, many men may prefer to use a mail order pharmacy to get their prescription filled.
What Is The Difference Between The Different Versions Of Viagra?
The most popular 20 mg tablet of Viagra is identical in chemical composition to the original version of the drug, which was approved by the FDA in 1998. However, there are currently several other versions of Viagra available, which differ from the original in both their chemical composition and their dosage strength. Some examples of these newer, modified versions of Viagra are:
- Sildenafil Citrate – This is the active ingredient in Viagra. It’s a potent inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which stops the body from breaking down the hormone nitric oxide (NO). When Sildenafil is introduced to the body, it blocks the enzyme PDE5, which allows more nitric oxide to remain in the blood stream for longer periods of time. This, in turn, results in stronger erections that last longer and allow men to achieve successful intercourse after taking the drug.
- Vardenafil – This is another PDE5 inhibitor, which is available in a variety of forms, including tablets and capsules. Like the previous medication, Vardenafil allows men with ED to achieve stronger and more sustained erections. However, Vardenafil is much more efficient than Sildenafil, which makes it a more popular treatment for ED.
- Tadalafil – This is a newer PDE5 inhibitor that is also more efficient than its predecessor. It is, however, considerably more expensive. Like the other two medications mentioned above, Tadalafil allows men with ED to achieve stronger and more sustained erections. Although this medication does not cure ED, it is often prescribed to men with the condition, and is also widely available for sale over the counter.
If your doctor recommends any of these other varieties of Viagra, there will be a difference in the cost of your prescription. Your pharmacist will have the up-to-date pricing for these medications. If you are not sure which version of the medication is right for you, ask your doctor for help.
What Is The Most Popular Dosage For Viagra?
The most popular dosage of Viagra is 20 mg. It is safe for men with ED to take and has been shown to be effective in many cases. If you are currently taking any medications, your doctor may suggest you try a different dose of Viagra first, as the 20 mg tablet may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are taking any heart medication or have any heart problems, your doctor may suggest you start out with a lower dose of Viagra and then, once you have established a good tolerance for the drug, increase your dosage to the recommended level.
This medication does not usually cause dangerous side effects, but it still needs to be prescribed by a physician. For that reason, many men with ED prefer to try a few different options before they begin treatment with Viagra. Once they find the medication that works best for them, they will likely continue to take it regardless of the cost.
Does Viagra Have A Place In Modern Medicine?
Although most men will choose to treat their ED with medication, such as Viagra, there are also several non-pharma treatments available. Many men with ED will choose to try these treatments first, before turning to more traditional methods of treatment. Some of these non-pharma treatments include:
- Psychological Approach – This involves counseling and education. Your doctor may suggest that you try an online course or read one of the several books available on ED, if you are not sure what your issue is or how to fix it. These treatments are often cheaper than pharmaceutical treatments and are a viable alternative for men who want to avoid taking pills.
- Intravenous Injection – This is one of the more invasive treatments for ED. Your doctor will inject you with a small amount of a vasopressor substance, such as Levophed or Remifentanil. While this treatment is very effective at restoring erections, it is extremely painful and is not something to attempt unless you are sure it’s what you need. It is also associated with several dangerous side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and discoloration of the skin. This is an option only available in a few countries, such as Japan and China, where it is commonly used to treat ED. It is not covered by most insurance providers, so individuals must pay for it themselves. In most parts of the world, it is considered experimental and is not normally prescribed. However, it is an option for those who cannot or will not try pills due to cost or contraindications (injection medications may clot and cause problems for those taking anticoagulants).
- Surgery – This is another invasive treatment for ED. Your doctor may suggest that you have a surgery to implant a mechanical device, called a penile prosthesis, in your penis. In most cases, this is a last resort option, only considered after other treatments have failed. However, in some cases, it may be the only solution. This type of surgery is very painful and has several potential complications, including infection and malfunction. This surgery is often considered permanent and is not a treatment that is meant to be repeated.
Whether or not you decide to treat your ED with medication or with one of the above-mentioned non-pharma options, it’s important to remember that there are several different approaches to this condition. If you are not sure what will work best for you, it may be a good idea to try a few different treatments before choosing one.