While there’s no denying that Viagra has changed the way that people think about sex and male impotence, the drug’s pricing structure may leave something to be desired.
The drug is now available in both generic and brand-name forms, allowing for greater choice and variety than before. But perhaps the greatest thing about Viagra is that it has lowered the barrier to entry for men who want to experiment with more active sex lives. If you’re wondering how much Viagra cost in 2018, here’s a breakdown of the financial burden that comes along with taking the sex drug.
Generic Versus Brand Name
One of the biggest differentiations between generic and brand-name drugs is in the pricing structure. Although generics are often much less expensive than their branded counterparts, it’s not always the case. In some situations, a brand name drug may be a better value for consumers.
For example, let’s say you stumble upon a generic version of Cialis (one of the world’s best-selling hypertension medicines) for only $1 per pill when you’re in a pharmacy. That’s a total of $30 for 30 pills (the recommended dose for most patients). But if you visit a brand-name drug store and ask about Cialis, you may discover that the same drug is sold there for $4 per pill, a $30 value.
In cases like this, it’s usually best to opt for the brand name drug. Not only will you have access to better-quality medicine at a cheaper price, but you’ll also save money on doctor’s visits and testing to determine the right dosage for your specific situation.
How To Work Viagra Out Of Your Pocket
While many people use insurance coverage to cover the costs of their prescriptions, there’s no reason to feel that you have to. As long as you have decent health insurance, you can always ask the pharmacist for assistance in getting a prescription for cheaper or getting a sample of the medication so you can try it out first.
If, however, you’ve been out of work for some time and don’t have insurance coverage, you may find that it’s more cost-effective to pay for your medication out of pocket. One of the best things about Viagra is that it is a relatively inexpensive drug to manufacture, allowing a lot of individuals to benefit from its effects even if they are paying out of pocket.
Unfortunately, there is an easy way for this form of cost-effective medication to become expensive again. If you’re currently paying for your medicine out of pocket and decide to switch your pharmacy, you may discover that the prices have gone up. This could leave you with a hefty bill that you didn’t expect since you’re no longer covered by your insurance. Even worse, if you decide to stop taking the medication after going through an expensive phase of paying out of pocket, you may find that your health deteriorates and you have to start all over again. This is why it’s so important to work with a reputable and affordable pharmacy.
Viagra And Insurance
As we mentioned above, Viagra has made it much easier for people to experiment with different forms of sexual activity. This has opened the door to new forms of insurance coverage for men who take the drug. Since most cases of erectile dysfunction are associated with age or other forms of chronic illness, many insurance companies have started offering coverage for the drug (especially since it’s considered a “deteriorating” device).
Some companies may still not cover the cost of ED medications, but at least you have options. If your insurance company does not cover ED medication costs, there are several plans that do. For example, you might want to check into the HMO option since this type of insurance usually does not cover high-cost, non-rehabilitative medical procedures (like injections or surgery). In other words, you may need to look into an HMO+PPO or POS plan if ED medication is not covered by your insurance.
Cumulative Effect Of The Cost
The cumulative effect of all of these factors adds up to one expensive medication. Let’s say you’re currently spending $300 per month on Viagra, as many people are. If you decide to continue taking the drug and get a $750 bonus from your employer, you’ll have spent a total of $1,250 on the medication. In the worst-case scenario, say you stop taking the drug after getting the bonus and have to pay for it out of pocket, you’ll have spent $2,250 on the stuff, which may seem like a lot but is still less than the cost of a single office visit with a urologist.
Final Takeaway
Taken altogether, the above factors can lead to some pretty expensive medication if you’re not careful. To protect yourself from this economic burden, make sure you’re using a reputable pharmacy and that you’re covered by insurance. Even then, you may find that the cost of medication becomes prohibitive. If you can stop taking the medication or have reduced the dose sufficiently, you may consider doing so since you can always go back if things go wrong.