You’ve seen the commercials. The ones with the pretty blondes, dressed in fashionable and sexy lingerie or swimsuits, urging you to “call now, while supplies last.”
The commercials for Viagra (sildenafil citrate) feature hot babes and enticing offers, but did you know that the price of this popular medication can vary widely, even within the same pharmacy?
How does the cost of medication influence your decisions about buying it and what should you do if you want to get the best price? Let’s explore.
The Different Dosages Available
Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, is available in different dosages, including 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. You can request a specific dosage when you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy, but aside from that, most pharmacists will give you a standard dose of 50 mg. That’s a lot of stimulation in just one pill!
Depending on your needs, you may want to consider an alternative dosage. The most common complaints about Viagra are related to low dosing – that is, people who took the drug at low dosages often reported unpleasant side effects. These include headaches, upset stomach, and heartburn. If you have any of these complaints, you might want to try a higher dosage. Just make sure you have your doctor’s permission before increasing your dosage.
Is There A Generic Alternative To Viagra?
Yes, there is a generic alternative to Viagra. It’s called sildenafil citrate (generic name), and it’s available from a handful of manufacturers. You can also read our guide to learn more about generics and how to choose the right one for you.
The only downside to a generic Viagra is that it doesn’t have the same brand name recognition as the original version. That means you may have a harder time finding it in some drugstores or possibly even in some supermarkets. But still, it’s worth it.
How Is The Cost Of Medicines Influenced By The Pharmaceutical Company?
There are two sides to every story, but in this case, we’re focusing on the cost side. In general, pharmaceutical companies have to give you a decent deal if they want you to purchase their product. They have to make a profit off you, after all. Sometimes, the costs that are passed along to you by the company are minimal, and in other cases, they can be quite substantial. Let’s explore each scenario and what you can do to get the best price possible.
Subsidized Offers
If your doctor prescribes you a medication that’s covered by your insurance plan, your pharmaceutical company may have to cover some of the cost. In most cases, insurance will cover a certain amount of the cost (usually up to a certain limit), so the company has to work out a deal with your doctor to ensure you get the best price possible. Your insurance may even have a separate medication plan for controlling your cholesterol, called Lipitor, for example, which can be highly expensive. In that case, your doctor may contact your insurance company to get an approved prescription, which can help you save a lot of money in the long run.
Why Is It Important To Get The Best Price On Your Drug?
You may be wondering why it’s worth getting the best price on your drug. It’s for the same reason you should get the best price on any other product you buy regularly – because otherwise, you’re paying too much. Now, we’re not saying that you should go out and buy drugs and other products solely to lower your cost. That’s not fair – many medications are expensive because they are quite effective. You should get the best price when you can however, as that’s the responsible and fiscally savvy thing to do.
Price Match Guarantee
This is quite a popular promise among pharmaceutical companies: “If you meet our price, we’ll match it.” It could simply mean that they’ll match the price you get from another pharmacy or health store – that’s all it usually takes to satisfy the policy. In some cases, the policy even applies to the shipping and handling fees, so it can get quite costly for you if you have to pay for those separately. Still, it’s usually a good idea to look into this option before you buy your medication.
The Final Step
If you’ve tried to get the best price on Viagra, you’ve probably encountered a lot of skepticism from the staff at the pharmacy you’ve visited. Chances are they didn’t have the best price available, either. But you still have options. Make sure you’re aware of all your choices and the potential consequences before making a purchase. That way, you can be confident you’re making the right decision for you and your situation.