Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient of Viagra, is a proven treatment for erectile dysfunction. Now that Cialis and Levitra have replaced Viagra as the PDE5 inhibitor standard, sildenafil citrate is the drug of choice for people seeking ED treatment. However, which pill should you opt for? There are several options for sildenafil citrate treatments in the United States, with most pharmacies offering a variety of branded and generic medications. Let’s take a quick look at the differences between the two so you can make the right decision for your needs.
Branded Versus Generic
Not all generics are created equal. Often times, manufacturers will tweak the active ingredients of a drug so it works more effectively or has a different flavor to appeal to consumers. As a result, you may be paying a little more for a drug that is largely composed of the same substance. Even so, brand name medications also have their perks. For instance, you may have heard of the “wonderful” effects of Xanax or Valium. While these drugs may be effective for certain situations, they are certainly not the best choice for everyone. It is also important to keep in mind that some medications, such as Avanafil, contain a compound known as apaziquone. This ingredient has been shown to be more effective in treating erectile dysfunction than sildenafil citrate and is also associated with fewer side effects. If you are seeking ED treatment, then ask your doctor about Avanafil.
Generic Vs. Brand Name
Simply put, generics are generally cheaper than brand name medications. This may be because generic medications are usually produced in bulk by large pharmaceutical companies and are, therefore, more cost-effective. Another perk of generic medications is that you usually do not have to worry about price fluctuations as much. While manufacturers may offer a variety of coupons and discounts, prices for generics relatively stable. This is beneficial to people on tight budgets as well as those seeking to avoid expensive medications that contain expensive brand names.
In terms of which one is better, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you are on a tight budget, then it is probably best to opt for a generic medication. However, if you are looking for a quality product that is also backed by substantial research, then it may be best to opt for a brand name medication. Most importantly, make sure that the medication you are taking is actually effective for your particular case of erectile dysfunction and does not contain any harmful substances. Only you can make this decision, but at the very least, be sure to read up on all the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
Viagra Vs. Cialis Vs. Levitra
So you have decided to treat your erectile dysfunction with Sildenafil Citrate, also known as Viagra. This decision may have been complicated by the fact that there are three other ED medications currently available for doctors to choose from. While these medications may also be used to treat erectile dysfunction, they are often used for other purposes as well. Let’s take a quick look at the differences between Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra and try to put them into context so you can decide which one would be best suited for your needs.
Viagra
Viagra, the original ED drug, was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is available in both soft and hard forms. It was originally made available in the United States for medical purposes but has since found success as a prescription drug for men and women alike. Manufacturers like Pfizer ensure that Viagra continues to be a popular choice among doctors and patients with the introduction of new, improved versions of the drug regularly. The first-ever generic version of Viagra, Vigora, became available last year. This makes Viagra one of the few FDA-approved medications available as both a brand name and a generic. If you are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction, then it is likely that you have heard of Viagra.
Cialis
Cialis, the third most popular drug among doctors treating ED, was approved for use in 2004 and is also available in both soft and hard capsule forms. This medication is also available for both men and women, and it has been shown to be highly effective for treating erectile dysfunction. Like Viagra, Cialis is sold both as a brand name and as a generic medication, making it another FDA-approved ED medication that is available in both versions. If you are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction, then it is likely that you have heard of Cialis.
Levitra
Last but not least, we have Levitra. This is a medication that is often mistakenly considered to be a generic version of Viagra. While Levitra was officially approved for treating erectile dysfunction in late 2006, it did not become publicly available in the United States until 2007. This was likely due to brand name manufacturers like Bayer attempting to protect the lucrative Viagra market by keeping Levitra as a secret for as long as possible. Like other ED medications, Levitra is also available both as a brand name and as a generic. If you are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction, then it is likely that you have heard of Levitra.
When comparing these three very popular medications, you will notice that the chemical compositions of Viagra and Cialis are very similar. In fact, they are mostly the same with the exception of Cialis’s active ingredient, tadalafil. Furthermore, all three medications have been proven to be highly effective for treating ED. The biggest difference between these three drugs is in their side effects. While none of these side effects are deadly, they can be quite debilitating. Patients that metabolize medications quickly may experience significant side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and fainting. This is why it is always recommended to consult with your doctor before you start taking any medications for sexual health issues.
So which one should you choose for your needs? Well, if you are on a tight budget and would like to avoid spending a lot of money than go with a generic medication. However, if you are looking for a quality product that is also backed by substantial research, then it may be best to go with a brand name medication. Most importantly, make sure that the medication you are taking is actually effective for your particular case of erectile dysfunction and does not contain any harmful substances. Only you can make this decision, but at the very least, be sure to read up on all the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.