An impotence medicine that has been around for almost a century, Viagra is one of the most popular pharmaceutical products of all time. With dozens of competitors flooding the market, how does Viagra still reign supreme? Let’s take a look.
The History Behind Viagra
Developed in the early 1910s by two German pharmaceutical companies—Ernst & Arnold—Viagra was first marketed in the United States in the 1920s. It was a massive hit from the very beginning, with over a million prescriptions written annually during the Great Depression.
During World War II, Viagra became even more popular, with more than 11 million prescriptions written as the country transitioned from being at war to being at peace. It was so successful that by 1950, there were reportedly more than 12 million prescriptions written annually.
The ‘50s were a different story. With the introduction of alternative therapies, such as estrogens for menopause-related problems and birth control pills for women, along with the invention of the Sildenafil citrate (Viagra’s active ingredient) penile injection therapy, Viagra’s market share began to decline.
Though it still held a sizable market share in the ‘70s and ‘80s, its days as ‘the king of drugs’ were numbered.
The Competition
With the introduction of Kamagra in 1998 and Levitra in 2003, the ‘90s saw a resurgence of ‘the little blue pill’. Though it still holds a significant market share in many countries, including the U.S., it is estimated that there are now more than 40 million generic alternatives to Viagra on the market. This is in comparison to the original pill, which is now considered ‘historic’.[1]
How Does It Work?
For almost a century, researchers have been trying to discover the exact mechanism of action of Viagra. It is believed that the drug binds to specific receptors in the brain and triggers a chemical reaction that leads to increased blood flow to the penis. This, in turn, improves the erectile function of the penis. Though scientists are still working to pinpoint exactly how Viagra accomplishes this, they have confirmed that its active ingredients, Sildenafil and Tadalafil, work in a similar manner to the drug vardenafil, which is administered in the form of the drug Levaflet. This is a groundbreaking discovery, as it means that doctors now have a broader range of medications to choose from when treating erectile dysfunction, rather than being limited to just two options (as was the case with Viagra).
What Is the Cost Involved?
The wholesale cost for a typical Viagra prescription is around $30-$40. Some insurance policies cover the cost of this medicine, while others don’t. People with Medicare coverage typically don’t have to pay out of pocket for this medication. In most cases, insurance coverage pays for the entire cost of the medicine, while the patient is responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as doctor’s visits and consultations.
Is It Still Worth It?
When considering the combined global revenues of the top five brands of Viagra (including their competitors), there is no question that the drug still holds its position as the gold standard in erectile dysfunction therapy. It is also one of the best-selling drugs of all time. In the U.S., there are reportedly more than 12 million generic alternatives to Viagra on the market. This is in comparison to the original pill, which is now considered ‘historic’.[1]
Despite its popularity, there are a number of problems that patients need to be aware of, before, during, and after taking Viagra. Some of these side effects are serious and can even lead to death. Here are some of the most common side effects of Viagra:
Headache
Though commonly associated with low blood pressure, hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease, headaches are a very common side effect of Viagra. In the short term, a medication called Afrin may help to reduce the intensity of your headaches. If this is not effective, your physician may prescribe you something stronger such as Trazodone (brand name: Desyrel) or Roxycodone (oxycontin). In most cases, these medications are effective at treating severe headaches associated with Viagra use.
Dizziness
Dizziness is another very common side effect of Viagra, especially after taking the drug at higher doses (50 mg and above). If you experience this side effect, it will usually subside within a few hours of taking the drug, though it may leave you feeling a bit disoriented. In some cases, patients have reported a recurrence of this side effect once they have stopped taking the drug, though it is not clear whether this is due to a rebound effect or if the condition is permanently rooted in their brain. If you are taking the drug for erectile dysfunction and experience heightened dizziness, it is strongly advised by doctors that you do not drive or operate heavy machinery, as this may place you in danger of a serious accident.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is yet another common side effect of Viagra, especially if you experience swelling in the nasal sinuses. In some cases, patients have reported that nasal congestion worsens with age. If you experience this side effect, it may be a sign that you are allergic to something in the drug, such as shellfish or bee stings. If this is the case, your physician may do blood testing to determine if you are allergic to any substances and if so, which ones.
Fainting
Though it is extremely uncommon, fainting is a very serious side effect of Viagra, particularly when combined with other medication or alcohol. If you experience this side effect, it can be attributed to low blood pressure, which in turn affects the heart and causes it to beat faster, thus sending more blood to the brain and causing it to ‘faint’. There are a few cases reported where a patient has fainted while taking a shower or bath, though it is not clear whether this is a direct correlation to the water flowing over the head or whether it has something to do with the temperature of the water. In any case, this is a very dangerous side effect that should not be taken lightly and may even be life-threatening.
Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of breath is another very serious side effect of Viagra, especially in patients with underlying heart and lung disorders. The drug increases blood pressure, which can have problematic effects in patients with heart and lung disease. Though the drug may improve the function of these organs in patients without such disorders, it is still advisable to avoid overexposure to the substance, as it may cause damage in some circumstances. Shortness of breath will almost always be a signal that you need to reduce the dose of the drug or stop taking it altogether, as this problem tends to get progressively worse as the dose is increased.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is another very common side effect of Viagra, especially in patients who have taken the drug for a long time. In most cases, this side effect will subside shortly after the drug has been administered, though it may leave you feeling a bit ‘out of it’ for a while. In some rare cases, patients have reported experiencing this side effect as soon as the pill is taken and it has been known to recur up to three days after the drug is administered. Though this may not seem like a serious problem, it is still advisable to avoid exposure to the drug if you experience this side effect, as it is potentially sight-threatening. This is why blurred vision has been listed under ‘conditions which may be fatal’.
The above side effects reflect only the most common ones. Patients suffering from any form of impotence, or ED as it is commonly known, should consult with their doctors about any side effects they may experience. Some medications, such as Viagra, have been known to cause many dangerous side effects. If you experience any side effects that are not listed above, please consult with your physician immediately.