The initialism COVID-19 refers to the new coronavirus that started in Wuhan, China and has now infected over 3 million people globally. While most people are becoming immune to the virus thanks to herd immunity, the economic and health effects of the pandemic remain to be seen.
Along with the rest of the world, Americans also have to deal with higher food costs and a plummeting stock market. Fortunately, some medications that were previously unavailable for sale are now able to be purchased over the counter, allowing doctors more flexibility in treating their patients. One of these medications is Viagra, which is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and has recently been repurposed as an anti-COVID-19 treatment. Although its mechanism of action is unclear, early reports suggest that it may be able to limit the spread of the virus by blocking the activity of an enzyme called protease.
How Much Does Viagra Cost At Walmart?
While most pharmacies and doctors’ offices have drastically decreased their shelves and staff, the cost of some medications has increased due to the increased demand caused by the pandemic. One such medication is Viagra, which is now available at almost every Walmart location across the country. It typically costs around $300 a month at a Walmart, but during the pandemic, that price has risen to around $600.
Is It Worth It?
With the ability to cure COVID-19 to some extent, it’s now up to patients and doctors to decide when and if that benefit outweighs the increased cost.
According to Dr. Nancy Lee, a professor at the University of Utah, while there is no concrete evidence that Viagra can cure COVID-19, it’s a safe and effective medication that is able to reduce the mortality rate among patients with other coronavirus-related illnesses, such as SARS and MERS.
“This is a medication we’ve had available for many years and it’s been very useful in patients with heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease,” Lee told the Salt Lake Tribune. “There have been multiple studies in which it’s been proven to be safe and effective in treating these illnesses. From a cost standpoint, it’s not unreasonable to use it in patients with COVID-19.”
Dr. Dan Linchpinner, the head of the urology department at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, echoed these sentiments, telling Vox that “compared to many other medications, the cost of Viagra seems like a small price to pay for potentially saving thousands or even millions of lives.”
What About Side Effects?
While there have been no reported side effects from using Viagra in people with COVID-19, it’s important to consider the risks associated with any medication. In particular, older patients with heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease are more likely to experience adverse reactions from taking Viagra.
“These patients are already at risk for complications from COVID-19 and it’s unclear if taking Viagra further increases that risk,” Dr. Lee told the Salt Lake Tribune. “If you’re in one of these groups of patients, you should probably avoid taking it. But otherwise, it’s generally considered safe and effective for use in people with erectile dysfunction.”
How Much Does A Bottle Of Viagra Cost At Walmart?
One of the main reasons that the cost of Viagra has increased is because it comes in a single-use bottle. Previously, a bottle would cost around $15 and a box would cost around $300, but during the pandemic, those prices have gone up. A single-use bottle of Viagra costs around $60 and it is a small price to pay for the potential benefits.
Where Can I Purchase Viagra At Walmart?
Like most other medications, Viagra is available at most major medical centers and online pharmacies, but it’s more convenient for patients to get it at their neighborhood Walmart. The medication is now available at almost every Walmart location across the country and online pharmacies have adjusted their packaging and delivery to make it more affordable during the pandemic.
When Will I See Results From Using Viagra For COVID-19?
Although there is no specific study on the subject, early reports suggest that patients who are taking Viagra as an anti-COVID-19 treatment appear to be benefiting. In particular, the medication may be able to reduce the mortality rate among patients with the disease. But just like any other medication or vaccine, effectiveness depends on a number of factors and you may not see the same results from person to person.
“The best time to start taking this medication is when you first become infected with the virus,” Dr. Lee told the Salt Lake Tribune. “It’s unclear if it’ll help people already taking it for erectile dysfunction or if it’ll help prevent complications from the virus, but early data suggests that it may prevent some people from becoming sick.”
In terms of results, it can generally take a few days to a week for the medication to start showing effects and it can take a little while for that to become apparent. Once that happens, you can start to see improvements in your pulmonary function (ability to take a deep breath) and immunity (ability to fight off infection).
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Using Viagra For COVID-19?
While there is no evidence that Viagra can cure COVID-19, it’s a medication that has been shown to reduce the mortality rate among patients with other coronavirus-related illnesses and its effect on COVID-19 is unknown. Its effect on other parts of the body, such as the heart and liver, is also not yet known. But in light of its potential benefits in these areas, it’s not an unreasonable choice for doctors to consider prescribing it for their patients.
Along with the rest of the world, Americans also have to deal with higher food costs and a plummeting stock market, which has forced countless business closures and job layoffs. Luckily, some medications that were previously unavailable for sale are now able to be purchased over the counter, allowing doctors more flexibility in treating their patients.