Since the advent of Sildenafil, Viagra has been a household name and a multibillion-dollar business. But its success has come with a price: generic versions of the blue pill now appear on store shelves everywhere, and savvy shoppers seeking value have begun to ask the question: “Is this the best value for my money?”
The short answer: Yes, for the right person.
Let’s examine the various factors that influence the value of a low-cost generic alternative to Viagra.
How Does The Manufacturing Process Impact Price?
One of the primary differences between brand-name and generic drugs is in the manufacturing process. The name-brand manufacturer goes through a lengthy process that starts with cultivating the botanical ingredients in its internal growth rooms, then isolating, purifying, and crystallizing them into a finished product. This entire process can take more than a year, but the brand name manufacturer gets the benefits of a consistent and reliable product throughout the year. As a result, brand-name drugs tend to be more expensive than their generic counterparts.
However, this doesn’t mean that generics are always less expensive than their name-brand counterparts. There are various factors, including the strength adopted by the manufacturer, that impact the overall price of a drug. Let’s examine some of the variables that influence the price of a cheap generic drug.
Time To Market
The very nature of pharmaceuticals is that they are designed to treat complex health issues that are not life-threatening. Because of this, they must undergo an extensive testing phase before they can be sold to the public. In the case of generic drugs, this testing phase can begin as soon as the active pharmaceutical ingredients are produced, but the product itself will not be available for sale to the public until it undergoes final review and approval by the Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the time to market for a generic drug is often significantly longer than that of its brand-name counterpart.
Starting Material Matters
The starting material used to manufacture a drug is also significant, especially in regards to its cost and the overall value it provides. The more expensive the starting material, the higher the cost of the resulting drug. On the other hand, cheaper materials often lead to substandard products that do not provide the same level of effectiveness. In other words, cheap drugs often become less cheap over time because they are not as good as their more expensive counterparts.
An example of this would be manufactured theophylline, which is a derivative of magnesium ammonium acetate. This material was previously used to treat respiratory ailments and is now considered a fairly common ingredient in over-the-counter cold remedies. But the problem is that while it may work for its intended use, the theophylline that ends up in your local drug store is often of insufficient purity to offer the same benefits as the high-quality material that can be purchased from a reputable supplier.
The Place Of Origin
Sometimes, the place of origin is significant when it comes to the price of a drug. This could be due to the fact that the source material used to manufacture the drug is readily available in places like Australia or Japan, but not in the United States. In other words, your country of residence may have a say in how much you have to pay for the pharmaceuticals that you consume.
How Is The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Quality?
This question will depend on the nature of the drug, but also the source. Regardless of the source, the quality of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is often a major determinant of the value that you receive for your money. The more expensive the API, the higher the value added by the end product. This could be due to various factors, such as the consistency of the particles, the purity level, and the yield of the process.
For instance, let’s say that you are buying Viagra for a man with ED. One of the things that you will want to examine is the consistency of the pill. If the pill is a gritty, powdery substance, it will dissolve quickly in your mouth and may not provide the same level of stimulation that you are looking for. In this case, quality control during the manufacturing process will be of primary importance, as you do not want to waste your time or money on a substandard product.
What Is The Strength Of The Medication?
This is a significant factor, especially for people who are looking for a strong effect without having to spend a lot of money. If you are purchasing an ED medication, a common practice is to look for a potent medication that is sold in a relatively affordable form. To give you an idea of how much this could matter, let’s examine one example. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, which is a relatively inexpensive drug. However, it is extremely potent, and this quality can make a significant difference in your value for money. Just remember that more potent drugs tend to be more dangerous, so you must proceed with caution and understand the risks involved.
How Long Does It Take For The Drug To Start Working?
Not all drugs require that you wait for them to start working before you can feel the benefits. However, in the case of some medications, including those used to treat cardiovascular issues and ED, you will need to give it some time before you can notice the effects.
There are various strategies that you can use to lower the price of a medication, including looking for a suitable substitute or buying a generic drug. In some cases, you have the option of combining the drug with another that is less expensive, but equally as effective. Sometimes, you will need to visit your doctor for a reasonable prescription, especially if you are purchasing a medication that is not covered by your insurance provider. In other words, cheap generic drugs may be your best option if you want to save money without risking your health.
Final Word
While there are various pitfalls that you need to be aware of when purchasing medications, especially those used to treat chronic illnesses, there are also opportunities that present themselves. One of the main differences between brand name and generic drugs is that brand name manufacturers go through a lengthy and costly process that results in a consistent, high-quality product. In contrast, generic drug manufacturers cut corners and use less expensive materials, which could lead to a higher quality product, but often times the results are not guaranteed and must be purchased with some degree of risk.
If you are looking for a way to save money, especially on medications that are not covered by your insurance provider, then consider looking for a cheaper option or opting for a generic drug. But you must be aware of the fact that substandard medications are often thrown away after a few weeks, so you may lose out on some of the benefits of the expensive drug if you go this route.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises after you receive the medication, try to read the ingredients on the packaging carefully, especially if you are purchasing an over-the-counter medication. This will help you determine what you are really getting and whether it is worth the high price that is being asked for it. In addition, make sure that you are not being mislead by claims that the product is effective for a certain purpose. If you are not sure about the composition of a medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This way, you will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of the medication without any of the risks that are involved.