If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either trying to choose a Viagra® alternative or are curious about the differences between brand and generic Viagra.
You might be wondering what makes one medication superior to another or if there’s a difference at all, given that the medications are highly similar. To help you make better-informed decisions about your health, let’s take a closer look at the differences between brand and generic Viagra.
The Difference In Appearance
The first thing you’ll notice if you’re taking or looking at a pill or tablet is its appearance. While all medications have some aesthetic difference, the only way to know for sure what it is is by looking at the package information. With brand Viagra, you can usually find this on the bottle or within the pharmaceutical company’s website.
This information will tell you the color, shape, and size of the pill or tablet. It may also list the ingredients used to manufacture the product along with details about the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and its source. The fact that this information is available for all generic medications means you can always find out what it is you’re taking without needing to ask someone.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)
In addition to looking at the pill or tablet’s appearance, you’ll want to be sure that the substance inside is safe and effective. For generic drugs, this is usually done through a systematic review of all clinical trial data with an analysis of the results. This process can take a while, so you might have to wait for the results before you know for sure.
The API is only part of the story, however. While all the medications have the same active ingredient, they may vary in the way they are processed and compounded. This can result in subtle differences that you may not be aware of. Some manufacturers, for example, add more of something to their product, while others leave out some of the elements. You can’t always be certain of what these differences are until you compare them side by side.
The Difference In Price
While all medications have some cost associated with them, the cost of a medication can vary widely depending on several factors. The most obvious is the maker’s price, followed by the government’s negotiated price and the insurance company’s reimbursement rate. Some medications are also available in lower-priced generic forms, although premiums for these are generally higher than the brand name drug. If you’re buying this medication on your own, you’ll need to consider what factors, such as your health insurance plan and the government’s reimbursement rate, will affect how much you need to pay.
Flavor & Taste
All medications have some flavor to them, but some are more prominent than others. This is sometimes difficult to detect unless you’re specifically looking for it. Often the difference can be explained by differences in the way the medications are processed, but sometimes the ingredients used for flavor are hidden and not disclosed on the bottle or within the pharmaceutical company’s website. While all medications have some taste to them, many are more flavorful than others. For example, the taste of Viagra is often compared to that of chocolate, while Celexa is more like an apple. It’s always a pleasure to discover a new medication’s unique flavor, but you should understand that not all flavors are made equal. Sometimes the taste of a medication can be unpleasant and sometimes it can be downright caustic. If you’re experiencing problems with the flavor of a particular drug, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative options.
Availability
While all medications are theoretically available everywhere, depending on your location and your insurance coverage some medications may be harder to find than others. This is because not all pharmacies carry all medications, and some pharmacies may not have your medication in stock at all. If you’re unable to find the medication you need, either because your pharmacy doesn’t carry it or because it’s not available for purchase, you have some options. You can either call your pharmacy and ask if they have it in stock or you can go to another pharmacy and get it yourself.
Dosage
In addition to looking at the pill’s appearance, you’ll want to be sure that the recommended dose is safe and effective for your needs. Sometimes, especially with newer medications, the dosage can be different than that which was initially tested in clinical trials. This can mean that you may need to try a few different dosages before you find the right fit. If you’re not sure what dose to use, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. They will be able to advise you on how much medication you should be taking based on your individual needs.
Side Effects
All medications, even the most effective and safe ones, can have side effects. The most common ones associated with Viagra are similar to those felt by men who take the drug orally. These include nasal congestion, frequent urination, and blurred vision. If you experience any unexpected side effects, be certain to inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately so that they can address the issue. Although rare, some medications can also cause skin rashes or hives, as well as an allergic reaction. You should not, under any circumstances, try to self-diagnose or treat any medical condition with herbs or supplements until you have consulted with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Overdose
An overdose of any medication is never something to look forward to, but it is something you need to consider if you’re trying to administer a medication in a manner that is contrary to how it’s prescribed. The exact amount of the medication you need to overdose on varies from substance to substance, but all medications have a dose limit beyond which they become dangerous. If you think you or somebody you know has taken an overdose of a medication, call your doctor or poison control center immediately. Do not attempt to treat the person yourself, as even a small overdose can be dangerous and possibly fatal.
Bioavailability
Depending on how you take a medication, there can be differences in how much of the medication gets absorbed by your body compared to how much is administered by mouth. For example, intravenous (IV) medications have a high bioavailability compared to oral ones, as much as 90% in some cases. This means that for every 100 mg dose, 90 mg are actually absorbed into the bloodstream. For IV medications, the absorption is often rapid, occurring in as little as two minutes. This also means that if you’re planning to use IV medication, you should do so as soon as possible after administering the oral dosage to maximize the benefits.
Storage
All medications, even the most effective and safe ones, are best stored in a cool, calm, and dark place away from excessive heat and moisture. If you forget to take your medication or it gets wet, you may end up with a less potent or even ineffective product. It’s always a good idea to keep a medication’s blister pack or container in a safe place, as you never know when you might need it. Some medications, such as Effexor, are more prone to experiencing upsets if stored in humid places or in the sun. You should always use a cool, dark place to store your medications, and if you forget about them, you should immediately bring them back to their original location. Make sure to write down the storage location and take note of what happens if you forget to bring them back as it will save you and others if you experience an adverse reaction due to a medication’s being stored in an unsafe manner.
Interactions With Other Drugs
Sometimes, due to a medication’s interaction with other drugs or substances, the effects can be unpredictable. For instance, Viagra has the potential to interact with nitrates, which are found in some prescription medications and in some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. While these may enhance the effects of Viagra, the interaction may be harmful and even life-threatening. You should never try to self-diagnose or treat any medical condition with herbs or supplements until you have consulted with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Some medications, like Celexa, are known to interact with substances found in food. In rare situations, this interaction can trigger serious side effects or even be life-threatening. While it’s always a good idea to be aware of what you’re eating, you must also be careful about what drugs you’re taking, especially if you’re taking medications for other conditions. In some situations, it can be hard to determine whether or not a medication is safe to take while eating a specific food. You should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before changing your diet or taking any new medications.