Generic Viagra (sildenafil) is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and low blood pressure. On June 25, 2014, the FDA approved a generic equivalent to Viagra for sales worldwide in all physical forms (including tablets and capsules).
Although the formulations are identical, the drug labels for the two medications may differ slightly.
This could be important information for the pharmaceutical company marketing one product versus the other.
That being said, consumers shouldn’t be fooled. There are no actual differences in the effectiveness of the two drugs, and they are both designed to treat the same conditions and symptoms. It’s just a question of which drug company’s product you’ll end up purchasing.
What Forms Do These Products Come In?
Since Viagra is a fairly new drug, most pharmacies and supermarkets don’t have a wide variety of tablets and capsules available for purchase. If you’re looking for a generic alternative, you might have to visit a large chain pharmacy or health food store for the full range.
Fortunately, there are options. On June 25, 2014, the FDA approved a generic version of Viagra for sale worldwide in all physical forms. This includes tablets and capsules as well as liquid and gel forms. So, if you’re looking to purchase a medication in a more convenient form, you can now do so without having to visit several different pharmacies to find one that carries the brand you want.
Are There Any Differences In Effectiveness?
You’d think that pharmaceutical companies wouldn’t want to advertise the fact that their drug is essentially the same as the well-known Viagra, but it happens. Here are some subtle differences.
First off, the price of generic Viagra is usually a lot cheaper than that of the brand name. As a result, many insurance companies cover the cost of generic Viagra as part of their plans. In fact, the manufacturer of one popular brand of generic Viagra, Carlisle Labs, even advertises this as a savings opportunity.
Another difference between the medications is the length of time it takes for them to begin working. Most pharmacies and supermarkets carry only limited varieties of products for sale, so if you’re looking for something more potent, you may have to wait a while before your local convenience store stocks up on it. This could become frustrating if you’re in urgent need of the medication.
The effects of both medications can vary from person to person. However, in general, they’re both known for increasing blood flow to the penis and for relaxing the muscles there so that you can achieve and sustain an erection. Whether you’re trying to overcome performance anxiety or simply want to spice up your love life, Viagra is still a popular choice among men.
As for women, the effects of generic Viagra are somewhat the opposite. The drug is sometimes known to reduce female blood flow to the genitals, resulting in less sexual stimulation and pleasure for the woman. This may cause a temporary reduction in sexual desire, making the drug less suitable for treating low libido in women.
Given all the similarities between the two drugs, many people wonder if a generic version of Viagra is even available. While the answer is yes, the question itself is a little misleading. Since there are no actual differences between the medications, it’s safe to say that a generic version of Viagra is just as effective as the brand name drug.
How Long Does It Take For The Effects To Be Noticed?
Just like with most medications, the effects of generic Viagra won’t be immediately apparent. However, if you’re planning on using the medication for erectile dysfunction, you should begin seeing improvements within the first few weeks of treatment. In fact, many men have reported experiencing improvements as early as the first day of use.
Even more interesting is that some men have said they noticed benefits as early as thirty minutes after taking the medication. Whether this is due to the potent effects of the drug or the novelty of the experience is anyone’s guess, but it’s certainly an unusual and interesting tidbit.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There are several different types of side effects that are associated with both medications. These can include headache, flushing, heartburn, and diarrhea. Since both medications are classified as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, they’re also associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure. Especially if you’re already taking a prescription medication for these conditions, you could experience additional side effects from adding another drug to the mix.
While these side effects are generally mild, they’re something to watch out for. As with any new medication, there are also the typical questions about the long-term effects. Some men have reported experiencing liver problems after years of using Viagra, so it’s always wise to ask about any potential side effects before making a routine prescription part of your lifestyle.
What Sort Of Doctor Administration Is Needed?
The proper administration of Viagra is relatively straight forward. Since it’s an FDA-approved medication, most doctors should be comfortable prescribing it. Just make sure that you consult with your doctor before making any non-prescription medication (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements) part of your daily routine.
As for the actual form in which you’ll want to take it, it’s generally agreed that the liquid or gel forms work the best. These are both available in convenient liquid or gel form, so you might want to consider these over tablets or capsules. In fact, many doctors will tell you to avoid taking pills if you can help it, due to the increased risk of overdose and potentially fatal damage to the liver if the pills are consumed erroneously.
The most popular brand of Viagra is also the most expensive. However, since the drug is relatively straightforward and effective, the expense becomes less significant. On the other end of the scale, many people prefer using generic Viagra due to the significantly lower price point. If your doctor agrees, you may want to consider this route as well. Just make sure that you inform them of all your medical history, including any preexisting conditions. This will help ensure that the medication is safe for use in conjunction with all your other medications and treatments.