Prices of medicines vary between each other and even within one medicine category. While some individuals and pharma companies keep prices low for their loyal customers, others prefer to increase prices for the insurance companies and government agencies that cover the cost of medication. Sometimes, pricing can vary by more than an order of magnitude even within the same medication class. When this happens, how can a patient decide which medicine to choose when comparing prices? Is it better to pay more for a solution or to settle for a cheaper alternative that you might not need?
The Basics Of Drug Pricing
To begin with, all medicine prices are not created equal. Some medicines are more expensive than others because they are more complex to produce or because they require more testing and approval from regulatory bodies. In addition to the varying prices of different medications, some pharmacies will charge a small delivery fee while others will not. The former group is in the better position as it means they are making more money from each order.
When trying to determine which drug to order when you are purchasing medication online, you must always compare the cost of the medication rather than just the price. In doing so, you will understand whether or not the savings you achieve is worth what you are paying. When you purchase a medication that costs more than $100, you will most certainly be spending more than you would for a similar dose of medication that costs $10 or less. To begin with, the cost of acquisition for the latter is likely to be zero.
The Three Main Categories Of Pharmaceuticals
There are three broad categories of medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED):
- Pill-based, or PDE5 inhibitors
- Injectable drugs
- Oral drugs
While all three types of medication are effective and have a place in the armamentarium of an ED doctor, each one has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s examine each type.
PDE5 Inhibitors
PDE5 inhibitors are a class of medication that inhibits the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The latter is a substance that naturally occurs in the body and has a role in elevating blood pressure. When blood vessels are relaxed, more blood can flow through the vessels to reach the penis thereby furthering arousal in males or females undergoing sexual activity. Inhibiting the breakdown of cGMP prevents this dilation from occurring and so, making PDE5 inhibitors effective in preventing or treating ED. PDE5 inhibitors are more effective in treating mild ED than more severe forms of the disease. They can also be used in combination with other medications to help patients with more complex cases of ED.
Injectables
Injectables are another type of medication that can be used to treat ED. They are generally administered directly into the penis or scrotum and so will reach all levels of the organ in a short time. The most common type of injectables used to treat ED are prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a family of compounds which cause a similar effect to that of Viagra and so, can be used to treat ED. However, while Viagra is often prescribed for ED patients with a specific malady, prostaglandins can be used to treat a range of conditions from benign prostatic hypertrophy to painful erections. Prostaglandins are often given in combination with other medications or treatments, particularly for the more severe forms of ED. When used in combination, the resulting effect is often more effective than either treatment used alone. Due to the pain that can be associated with prostaglandin injections, they are often used as a second line treatment for ED, after other therapies have failed to provide adequate results.
Oral Drugs
Although less common in usage than either of the previous two categories, oral drugs can also be used to treat ED. They are sometimes referred to as ‘Chewable Viagra’ because some of the more popular forms of oral medication for ED are tablets or granules which can be chewed or swallowed whole. While the effect of these drugs is often rapid, the onset of action is often more gradual than that of injected medications. Due to this, they are often employed in cases where longer intercourse is desired or in those where the patient has tried and failed PDE5 inhibitor therapy. Due to their longer ‘half life’, many oral drugs can be taken without causing adverse effects while patients are asleep. This makes them a popular choice as a ‘sleep aid’ for patients who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In cases where both ED and insomnia are being treated, doctors may prescribe a combination of the two types of medications.
What About The Side Effects?
All three of the medications we have examined so far have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s briefly discuss these side effects before closing this section.
PDE5 Inhibitors
The most common side effect of PDE5 inhibitors is headache which can be either mild or severe. In most cases, this side effect will dissipate within a few days of medication initiation. Another rather common side effect is nausea which can also be mild or severe. In most cases, this will subside within a week of treatment. In rare instances, patients have reported an allergic reaction to these compounds leading to rashes or hives which again, will go away after a couple of days of treatment. Aside from these rather common side effects, there are no reports in the literature of serious adverse events directly attributable to PDE5 inhibitors.
Injectables
Generally regarded as one of the more dangerous classes of medication, prostaglandins can have a variety of side effects. The most common ones include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal Pain
- Temporary vision Loss
The good news is that while these side effects are rather prevalent, they are generally mild and transient. The bad news is that if they are not treated promptly, they can progress to more severe forms which, in turn, may require hospitalization. Prostaglandin injections are also associated with the formation of blood clots in certain patients which can lead to stroke or heart attack. The danger of these compounds must also be considered alongside with the risk of prostate cancer which has been shown to be induced in rodents (mice) by the drugs in the same class as prostaglandins.
In general, prostaglandins are not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to the risk of adverse side effects. However, in cases where aspirin-induced asthma is a concern, they can be quite effective. It is also worth noting that while many of the side effects of prostaglandins are due to overuse, the drugs are also known to occasionally cause allergic reactions in some people which is why it is always advisable to try a new medication for at least two weeks before commencing treatment.
Oral Drugs
Oral drugs for ED are often regarded as having one of the more convenient dosing regimens. They are generally taken once or twice daily and so, can be combined with other routines such as sleep or exercise to enhance their effect. In most cases, patients will not experience any serious side effects from these medications with the exception of headaches which can occur in some patients. Some of the more commonly reported side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth / Dry throat
- Changes in Sexual Desire
- Changes In Vision / Colour Perception
- Heartburn / Indigestion
Unlike the previous two categories of medications which we have examined, the side effects associated with most oral drugs for ED are rather minimal. In many cases, patients will not experience any side effects at all. Nonetheless, as before, it is always advisable to try a new medication for at least two weeks before deciding whether or not it is the right fit for your needs.
Final Takeaway
From this brief examination of three of the more popular types of medications used to treat ED, you will have learned that prices can vary greatly between medications. While some physicians will prescribe a specific medication for a given patient based on considerations of efficacy and side effects, other doctors will need to consider prescription affordability and a patient’s willingness to pay when selecting an ED treatment plan. When you compare prices of medications to determine which one is cheaper, you must also consider the side effects which may be associated with each therapy. In doing so, you will understand whether or not the savings you achieve is worth what you are paying for.