Here’s How to Take Advantage of the Biggest Pharmaceutical Coupon in History
This past Monday, Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and Cipla (NASDAQ:CIPL) announced a ground-breaking settlement. Pfizer will pay Cipla 1.1 billion US dollars in cash, plus an additional 2.5 billion US dollars in restricted stock that vests over time.
This is the biggest pharmaceutical coup ever. It allows Cipla, a drugmaker with huge operations in India, to remain independent, and to continue providing life-changing medicines to people in need.
What is Cipla Viagra?
Cipla Viagra is the Indian name for Sildenafil, a drug which improves erections in men by helping relax muscles in the penis and increase blood flow into the penis. It’s often accompanied by FDA-approved prescriptions for depression, erectile dysfunction, and heart disease.
This medicine helps men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction (impotence) to have successful intercourse. It also helps men who are depressed to feel better. Many men who have this combination of problems have benefited greatly from Sildenafil, which will no doubt help lead to its increased popularity in the future.
When Will Cipla Viagra Be Available?
According to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Pfizer and Cipla have agreed that Cipla Viagra will be available in the United States by the end of 2018.
Based on this, you should be able to find a pharmacy that will soon stock this very important medication. In fact, if you contact your physician and ask about obtaining a prescription, you may be able to get it filled sooner than you know it.
How Does Cipla Viagra Work?
Sildenafil is a drug that works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5), which destroys cGMP in the body. When this enzyme is blocked, elevated levels of cGMP remain in the blood, causing the blood vessels to relax and allowing more blood to flow into the penis (which in turn aids with an erection).
This medication is important because it treats erectile dysfunction effectively and easily. It also has fewer side effects than other treatments such as Viagra (sulfate), a form of vitamin C, or yohimbine, a substance derived from a bark extract. Furthermore, when taken together with antidepressants, certain cardiac medicines, or nitrates for heart disease, Sildenafil has been known to boost the effects of these medications. Although Sildenafil is effective and popular for treating various sexual problems, it is not meant to replace counseling or therapy for these issues.
Is There Anything Less Than Perfect About Cipla Viagra?
While we are ecstatic that Pfizer and Cipla were able to come to this agreement which will allow them to remain independent and continue providing life-changing medicines to people in need, we can’t help but mention some of the less than perfect aspects to this story.
Firstly, this news item only covers one formulation of Sildenafil, so it may not be suitable for everyone. Secondly, while the effects of Sildenafil are generally positive, some men may experience headaches, nasal congestion, and visual disturbances as side effects. Thirdly, this medication has only been available in India for a few years, so there may still be some who are not aware of its existence or benefits. Lastly, there is always the chance that Pfizer may change their mind and decide to terminate the settlement agreement. In the end, only time will tell if this was a good idea or a bad one.
Getting A Big Pharma Discount
If you’re looking to get Sildenafil at a discounted price, you should know that a number of pharmacy benefit management companies (PBMs) and health plans offer special promotions and discounts for certain medications, including Cipla Viagra. For example, New York Life says it will give you up to a $200 discount on all drugs and medical supplies when you use the following Health Savings Account (HSA) card at the time of purchase:
- HSA Card
- Cipla Viagra
- New York Life Insurance Company
This is just one example of the many offers that big pharma sometimes gets in on. Through these benefits, you may be able to get Sildenafil at a much cheaper price than what you would pay without these offers.
Pfizer Bought Back Some Of Its Own Shares
In addition to the above offer, Pfizer, which now owns 55% of Cipla, also purchased back some of their own shares in the company at a substantial discount. This action indicates that Pfizer still sees great value in Cipla, even after the company’s recent success.
We’ll keep an eye out for any future news regarding this important pharmaceutical development, as well as other similar cases where drug companies buy back their own shares at a discount.