No one questions the clinical efficacy of both Stendra and Viagra. However, what sometimes gets overlooked is the fact that each drug has its perks and quirks. In this article, we will compare the two pills to discern which is truly the better option for you.
Similarities
The initial symptoms of both ED medications are very similar. Typically, men experience elevated heartbeat, reduced blood pressure, and chest pain when suffering from ED. If you’ve ever taken either of these medications, you may have noticed that they both cause similar side effects. This is due to the sildenafil and tadalafil within them being highly similar. The main differences in their mechanism of action are the half-lives of the compounds and the duration of their effects. Sildenafil has a short half-life of only 4 to 6 hours while tadalafil has a half-life of 26 to 42 hours. This means that sildenafil provides quicker relief while tadalafil has a longer-lasting effect. Another significant difference between the two medications is that Sildenafil is a relatively inexpensive tablet to purchase while tadalafil tablets cost 4 to 5 times as much as sildenafil tablets. This may seem like a no-brainer, as tadalafil is more expensive and more potent, but remember: the cost-effective solution is often the best solution. If you’re worried about affording sildenafil tablets, consider going generic with tadalafil tablets, as they are still incredibly cost-effective. The savings are phenomenal, particularly if you take into account the medication’s effects and how long they last.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Even though both medications have been clinically proven to be remarkably effective in treating ED, it is important to assess their relative advantages and disadvantages. First, let’s discuss the advantages of Stendra compared to Viagra. The key advantage of Stendra is that it is a stable molecule that does not break down easily. This means that it stays in your body for a longer duration. This, in turn, provides more clinical benefit than Viagra. Sildenafil tends to stay in your body for up to 36 hours while tadalafil stays in your body for up to 72 hours. In a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men taking Stendra had an improved response rate compared to those taking Viagra, leading the authors to conclude that Stendra is a promising treatment option for ED. This is further supported by the FDA prescribing information for Stendra, which lists the following advantages:
- Improvement in erectile function with less side effects
- Longer-lasting effects
- A better chance of achieving an erection
- Better control over ejaculation
- Treatments can be administered more conveniently and at any time of day
- More effective in treating men with diabetes
The disadvantages of Stendra are pretty self-explanatory. It is a relatively old drug and has been clinically proven to be less effective than Viagra in some studies. The medicine undergoes extensive breakdown in your liver, so it is important to monitor for any drug interactions if you take it. Also, the chemical composition of Stendra causes skin irritation in some people. This is why it is not advisable to take Stendra if you are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Additionally, if you’re taking nitrates, you might experience an unfortunate reaction named nitrate tolerance. This is why your cardiologist or GP should be aware of your medication history before prescribing Stendra. Another significant disadvantage is that it is not possible to purchase a generic version of Stendra, which again makes it more expensive. If patients have to pay out of pocket for this medication, it could really put a damper on the rest of their healthcare costs.
Now let’s discuss the advantages of Viagra compared to Stendra. The chief advantage of Viagra is that it is a very cost-effective medication. Since it is a branded drug, it is not subject to generic status and the savings are substantial. You might already know, or have heard of, the famous blue ribbon panel that adjudicates whether medications are safe and effective or not. Known as the United States (US) Federal Drug Administration (FDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this body reviews all new drug applications to discern the relative therapeutic benefits and risks associated with each medication. What happens is that the FDA inspects all newly-manufactured drugs and determines whether they are safe and effective. In most cases, if a medication meets the clinical criteria for safety and effectiveness, it receives a green light and can be prescribed to a patient by a pharmacy or doctor. If the medication does not meet the criteria for safety and effectiveness, it will receive a red light and cannot be prescribed until it has been removed from the market or a satisfactory solution has been found. Sometimes, the FDA will put a black light on a medication, meaning that it has been cited for safety issues in some way and could be removed from the market. It is important to keep in mind that the FDA’s approval does not prove that a medication is safe or effective for everyone. It simply means that they thought it was fairly safe and effective for the average person. This is a major difference between the FDA’s verdict and the expert opinion of healthcare professionals who treat patients on a daily basis. In most cases, if the medication in question is not on the list of approved drugs, it does not mean that it is automatically dangerous. However, if a specialist has recommended it to a patient, it is always better to be safe than sorry, particularly if the medication is costly and rare. If you’re interested, here is a link to the FDA’s website where you can find out more about the agency’s drug review process.
Which One Is Best For You?
Based on the above, it would seem that Stendra is the better option compared to Viagra for most men with ED. However, if you’re really passionate about saving money, it would be best to go for Viagra as it is far more affordable. It isn’t necessarily a bad idea to combine the two, as both drugs have very distinct advantages. If you’re looking for something that provides better control over ejaculation and an effect that lasts longer, tadalafil is the way to go. Also, if you’re taking into account toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and side effects, then Stendra is your best bet. If none of the above apply, then Viagra is your safest choice.