The erection problems that many men experience can be quite frustrating, particularly as there are many treatments available and proven to be effective. It is therefore no surprise that so many are seeking alternatives to buying expensive branded Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets from their local pharmacy. Is there any generic equivalent to Viagra?
In order to answer this question, let’s first establish what Viagra is and what it does. Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (commonly known as impotence) in men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, thus causing an erection.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate, which is a selective inhibitor of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5). PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a substance that is naturally produced in the body in response to sexual stimulation. This means that with PDE5 inhibition, cGMP levels rise, resulting in greater vascular smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow.
It is clear that Viagra is a drug that has gained a lot of popularity, particularly amongst men who want to avoid paying exorbitant prices for branded medication. However, due to its status as a prescription medicine, many are curious as to whether there is any generic alternative to Viagra.
In this article we will discuss the various options available to those seeking a generic alternative to Viagra and identify some of the things you need to consider before making a decision.
What Is The Status Of Generic Viagra?
With few exceptions, all the generic medications are bioequivalent to the branded versions. This essentially means that they have the same efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Due to its patented nature, Viagra is different, and in most cases, when a generic is available it will be less expensive than the branded product. This is mainly because generic medications don’t need to go through the costly process of getting approved by regulatory authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
However, this doesn’t mean that all the generic versions of drugs are created equal, and in some cases, the low quality of the medication could be a cause for concern. Fortunately, due to the pressure of pharmaceutical companies to cut costs, many reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers have established stringent policies regarding the quality of the ingredients used to produce their generic versions. This ensures that at least the basic quality standards are met, which in turn justifies their low price.
Are There Any Differences In The Effective Dosage?
One of the things you need to consider when seeking a generic alternative to Viagra is the question of effective dosage. Like all other medications, Viagra comes with a recommended daily dosage that ranges from 1 to 24mg. However, this can vary widely based on the product, and in many cases it is highly dependent on the body weight of the person using it. In other words, for a given weight, the recommended daily dosage of Viagra will be greater for some people than for others.
If you are using Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, it is imperative that you consult with your physician in order to determine the right dosage for you. However, you should note that in general, the lower the dosage the better, as too much vitamin C can be harmful. For this reason, you should avoid taking doses greater than 600mg daily.
What Is The Difference Between The Patented And The Brand Name?
The most significant difference between the patented and the brand name versions of Viagra is, of course, the price. As already mentioned, the cost of a typical prescription for Viagra is usually around $30 a month. On the other hand, many generics are sold at a fraction of this cost and without the need for a prescription.
Additionally, for those seeking a generic alternative to Viagra it is advisable to shop around and compare various offers and prices before making a purchase. Some Internet vendors and online brokers will offer substantial discounts for bulk orders and for those seeking international shipping. The convenience of shopping online and avoiding long queues at drugstores is also a big plus.
Is It Safe To Use Generic Viagra?
Another critical question that you need to ask yourself before purchasing a generic alternative to Viagra is whether or not it is safe to use the medication. All medications come with a certain degree of risk, and in most cases, using a generic will not pose any greater risk than if you were to buy a brand name product. However, a few precautions should be taken in order to ensure safety. For example, always make sure that you have a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals in your diet, and if you are taking blood thinning medications, such as anticoagulants (like warfarin), then you should make sure to consult with your physician before increasing your dose.
Additionally, in some cases, using a drug that is not approved by the FDA may raise the risk of adverse effects. In the case of Viagra, there was no approved generic available at the time of this writing, so its safety could not be verified.
How Long Does It Take For Generic Viagra To Work?
Another critical question that you need to ask yourself before purchasing a generic alternative to Viagra is how long does it take for the medication to work. The answer to this question is highly dependent on how you use it. In most cases, the medication will begin to work after a few days of ingestion, however, in some instances it could take a few weeks or months to get the full effect. In order to determine how long it takes for your generic to kick in, you need to keep in mind that it is not a fast-acting medication, so in most cases you will need to wait till later in the day before you begin seeing noticeable results.
If you are using Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, it is imperative that you consult with your physician in order to determine how long it takes for the medication to work. However, for those seeking a generic alternative to Viagra, you should expect to wait at least several weeks before you begin to notice any improvement.
How Long Do You Need To Use Generic Viagra For Treatment?
Another critical question that you need to ask yourself before purchasing a generic alternative to Viagra is how long do you need to use the medication for treatment. The answer to this question is again highly dependent on how you use it and how your body responds to it. In most cases, once you begin to see improvements in erectile dysfunction caused by Viagra, you will be able to stop using it and continue to enjoy its benefits. However, in some instances, it could take a few weeks or months before your body stops producing its own cGMP in response to sexual stimulation, and at that point you will need to re-dose again.
If you are using Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, you should consult with your physician in order to determine how long you need to use the medication for treatment. However, for those seeking a generic alternative to Viagra, you should expect to need the medication for the rest of your life, as the effects of PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil citrate will always be present.
Is There Anything Else You Should Know?
While we have discussed the most significant things you need to know about generic Viagra, there are actually several other aspects that you should be aware of. First, be sure to consult with your physician or health care provider before beginning to use any medication, particularly if you are not sure about its effectiveness or safety. For more information, you can also visit the FDA website or call their consumer hotline if you have any additional questions.
In conclusion, for those seeking a generic alternative to Viagra, the decision to purchase should not be a difficult one. In most cases, it will be much cheaper and offer the same benefits as the branded medication. Additionally, for those approved by the FDA, the quality of the ingredients and the way the medication is produced are usually more than acceptable, so you can be sure that you are getting what you pay for.