Viagra pill images – Know the differences before buying.
Last week, the FDA published a draft guidance on the development of generic versions of branded drugs. In it, the agency detailed how companies can develop their bioequivalent counterparts to brand-name pharmaceuticals. But, as the agency noted, the process can be challenging and time-consuming. That’s because drug developers have to adhere closely to the chemical and physical structure of the original product while crafting a pill that has the same effect.
To save you the effort and financials required for developing a generic medication, we’ve compiled a list of the differences between real Viagra pills and their counterfeits.
Shape And Size
You’ll always find two versions of a given drug: one in a round shape and another in a rectangular shape. The former is preferred when you’re looking for an easy-to-swallow product, while the latter is better suited for those seeking a precise medicine.
For example, Aurogra is a round-shaped tablet that was developed to match the shape of the original Viagra pill. This pill is available in a 250-milligram strength and is designed to be swallowed whole. In addition to having the same shape as the original, Aurogra also contains the same active ingredients as the branded drug.
On the other end of the spectrum, Zergegra is a rectangular tablet that was developed to stand out from the competition. This product is available in a 500-milligram strength and is more highly concentrated than a traditional Viagra pill. You’ll find this product in pharmacies as opposed to supermarkets due to its enhanced strength. Similar to Aurogra, Zergegra also contains the same active ingredients as the branded drug and is generally taken by mouth.
Color And Taste
You may also notice that some drugs come in a variety of colors, while others are white or pale yellow. This is because pharmaceutical manufacturers add different dyes to their products to make them more appealing to a certain audience. Additionally, some pharmaceuticals have a bitter or sour taste to them, whereas others don’t. This is usually the result of adding various chemicals during the manufacturing process.
Country Of Origin
When you see the flag of the country of origin on the product’s packaging, you’ll know that the medicine was produced outside of the U.S. A lot of countries, such as China and India, produce generic drugs using mostly natural ingredients.
For example, Caisson is a Chinese-made drug that’s widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies. This product is very similar to Viagra in both looks and taste, but you’ll notice that it’s labeled as being from China.
On the other hand, Sildenafil Citrate is a more highly-concentrated generic drug that’s manufactured in India. This product is more potent than Viagra and has a more subtle taste.
Dose
The recommended dose of a drug will be indicated on its packaging. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, as there may be several different ways in which you can take the medication. Furthermore, some medications are available in certain strengths, which you may or may not need. You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any product, especially if you’re not sure of the strength that’s appropriate for your body type and conditions.
Active Ingredient
Each drug’s active ingredient, or substance, is what makes it work. When a drug is patented, the company that owns the patent can specify the exact percentage of active ingredient that needs to be present in a particular strength to produce a therapeutic effect. But, eventually, due to the low cost of generics, these percentages change and become less stringent.
Packaging
You’ll find that most drugs are available in either a blister pack or a pill-style container. The former is cheaper and more convenient for consumers as it prevents the pills from being crushed, but it has to be repackaged after each use. The latter is better for patients as it prevents the crushing of the pills, which may cause damage to the active ingredient.
Registering With The FDA
Every drug that’s sold in the United States needs to be approved by the FDA. This agency ensures that each product is safe and, when appropriate, promotes generic drugs as an alternative treatment option to branded products. Before you start shopping for generic Viagra, make sure that the FDA has approved it and that it is, in fact, bioequivalent to the branded drug. If you have any doubts, contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.