You’ve probably heard about the popular drug Viagra, which helps men with erectile dysfunction issue #1 on the list of the country’s most common sexual health problems. If not, you may know something about its popularity from TV commercials, where men are often seen popping the pills to help them get “unstoppable” erections that last as long as they want them to.
While there are certainly plenty of men out there who benefit from taking Viagra, the drug does have some significant side effects, which many people, especially older folks, may not be able to handle. Because of this, before you consume a pill to help you relax and get some sleep, it’s important to understand where you can get the best deal and what exactly you’re paying for. Let’s take a look.
Where Can I Get Viagra?
As the name would suggest, Viagra is primarily available from pharmaceutical manufacturers, who sell the drug to health care providers, such as doctors. In 2015, the drug was prescribed as many as 22 million times, and that’s just in the U.S. According to research, about 30% of men over the age of 45 have some level of erectile dysfunction, which is often caused by age or chronic health problems.
You may be able to find cheaper alternatives, but unless you’re looking for a brand name, there’s really no need to. While it’s not always easy to find a good deal on medications, especially when they’re required, getting a great price on Viagra is relatively easy. You just have to know where to look.
Health care providers and insurance companies frequently give patients and insurance memberships, respectively, which often come with discounts. Additionally, many pharmaceutical companies and organizations offer patient assistance programs that reduce the price of medications for patients who are economically disadvantaged. You can find out more at healthcare.gov or call 1-844-MEDICARE (1-844-662-9346) for more information.
How Much Does It Cost?
You may have seen various estimates for how much Viagra costs, ranging from about $30 to $40 per pill. Keep in mind that this is primarily just a price guide and doesn’t account for discounts or other assistance programs. In fact, the price of Viagra will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, so make sure you get the best deal possible at the pharmacy you choose.
The cost of Viagra will also vary based on whether you’re buying it in a generic or a brand-name form. Brand-name Viagra is generally more expensive than its generic counterparts, but the exact cost difference varies by pharmacy and is mostly based on the generic form. In fact, some pharmacies will match the price of the branded version, which is a great way to get the best value for your money.
What’s In The Box?
The generic form of Viagra comes with a fairly standard set of packaging, which may include labeling information, a reminder of the medication’s directions, warnings, and perhaps a logo for the manufacturer. Depending on the strength you need, you may have to open the box and check the contents, which can range from 200 mg to 400 mg, or a 600 mg version for those who need extra help getting through the day. A helpful hint: If you’re not sure how much effect you’ll need, start out with the lowest dosage and work your way to the highest one.
The branded version of Viagra will come in a stylishly designed box or a fancy blister pack that makes it look like a luxurious treat. The packaging will also contain a picture of a young woman, which is generally there to help sell the product. You’ll have to look through the stack of paperwork that usually comes with the box to find the drug’s ingredients and how it works. Be careful when opening the package, as it may contain sharp objects, which are prone to cause injury if opened incorrectly. A word of advice: If you have a habit of losing or misplacing medications, this is a good one to have around, as you can check for dosage and expiration dates without having to remember all the various pills you take. Plus, you can leave a reminder with the name of the drug for future reference.
Is It Safe?
There are certainly plenty of medications out there that can be harmful if used incorrectly or in large doses, but it’s important to note that Viagra, at least as far as its effects on men, is generally considered to be quite safe. This is mainly because it doesn’t do anything other than what its name suggests: It helps men with erectile dysfunction. Its active ingredient, sildenafil, is a substance that is chemically very similar to a human erectile dysfunction medication known as tadalafil. Because sildenafil is so similar to tadalafil, it has pretty similar effects on the human body. This makes Viagra a great option for men who have issues with ED and are looking for a medication that is both effective and safe.
Some men have complained about feeling light-headed or dizzy after taking Viagra, but these problems are usually minor and can be treated with rest or medication, if necessary. Additionally, there have been occasional reports of people who’ve had severe allergic reactions to the drug, so make sure you tell your doctor about any allergies you may have before he prescribes you this medication. It’s also worth noting that although generally considered safe, Viagra does interact with certain medications and supplements, so make sure you tell your doctor if you’re taking any supplements or medications, especially if you’re planning on taking this drug.
How Long Does It Take For It To Work?
The time it takes for Viagra to work varies from person to person, but it’s usually not long. Some men have said it takes approximately 30 minutes for the medication to take effect, while others have reported that it takes as little as 5 or 10 minutes. The key is to take it as soon as you can in the morning, as it has been shown to work best when taken in the morning and to improve with each dose.
It’s also important to remember that although the medication may help you get an erection, it does not guarantee that you will achieve an “unstoppable” one. As mentioned, many men experience side effects, although usually mild ones, and it’s not uncommon for the drug to be discontinued if it causes significant problems. Even then, there are no guarantees that the medication will work as well as it did the first time around.
While it’s not always easy to find a good deal on medications, especially when they’re required, getting a great price on Viagra is relatively easy. You just have to know where to look.