The U.S. drugstore chain Walgreens has long been a destination for those seeking generic medications, and early this year the company launched its first standalone online pharmacy, Walgreens.com. What’s more, as of January 2020, the company’s health and wellness businesses also became part of Walgreens, Inc., meaning customers can easily purchase life-improving products at nearby drugstores.
Since Viagra was the first drug to be granted patent protection in June 2018, investors have been interested in whether or not Walgreens’ purchase of the drug and several other similar medications would make a dent in Eros, the company which owns that specific patent. After all, Viagra is one of the most popular drugs in the U.S., with market share of about 11% in 2019, and much like other potent ED drugs on the market, it can be rather expensive.
So, is Viagra a good deal at Walgreens? Let’s take a look.
Why Does Viagra Hold Such Appeal?
For starters, if you’re among the 15.9 million Americans with an erectile dysfunction (ED) problem, Viagra is often the first medication that comes to mind. Developed in the 1990s, the drug is a pde5 inhibitor, which works by increasing the flow of blood to the penis. The most well-known brand name of Viagra is also the most expensive — Pfizer’s ($13.50 for a 10-pill bottle) — putting it well beyond the reach of many.
What makes Viagra appealing is its perceived effectiveness as a treatment for ED. The drug was initially approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (a type of blood clotting condition), and in 2004 it was approved to treat acute coronary syndrome. So, while the medication may be a hundred years old, the fact that it’s still so popular today could be attributed to its continued efficacy in treating these severe health problems. And given its cost, it’s no wonder why so many people are seeking it out.
How Does Viagra Compare In Price To Similar Medications?
Let’s compare Viagra to two of its analogues, Sildenafil (sold under the brand name Viagra Sublingual) and Tadalafil (sold under the brand names Cialis and Adlivaz).
Based on publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cost of a 10-mg dose of Viagra (actual cost per pill) is $12.60, while a 10-mg dose of Sildenafil (actual cost per pill) is $4.90 and a 10-mg dose of Tadalafil (actual cost per pill) is $6.60. So, while the pricing for these medications is similar, Viagra is the most expensive option.
One potential explanation for these soaring costs is the high degree of patent protection that often accompanies novel drug discoveries. Because these patents expire, allowing for the creation of cheaper generic versions, many patients are able to benefit from the low-cost drugs. However, until these patents expire, companies that discover and develop pharmaceutically active ingredients must protect their intellectual property, and charge what they deem to be fair market prices.
Are Any Generic ED Drugs a Good Deal?
While the cost of a single dose of Viagra is higher than that of many other ED drugs, it’s also relatively common for pharmaceutical companies to offer low-cost alternatives, due to the frequency with which it’s prescribed. Because of this, and given that it’s one of the most popular medications for ED, it’s not surprising that a significant number of generic ED drugs have entered into the marketplace.
Some of these drugs are quite old, dating back to the early 1900s. While the price of generic ED drugs has come down from where it was many years ago, they’re still often prohibitively expensive for those on limited incomes, or healthcare plans that don’t cover the cost of pharmaceuticals.
To that end, many insurance companies will cover the cost of generic ED drugs for those who qualify. Additionally, the FDA has also approved a number of biosimilars — copies of biological medicines, which have been engineered to be as indistinguishable from the original as possible — for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. So, while the prices of generic ED drugs are often high, they are at least somewhat affordable for the many who need and use them.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
In terms of the duration of its effects, or how long a medication with erectogenic properties will give you an erection, data on Viagra’s duration of action is somewhat limited. In a small (n=40) study published in 2006 in The Journal of Urology, participants were asked to participate in a 10-minute online survey about their experiences with Viagra. The results of the study showed that on average, men reported experiencing a burst of erections lasting for 4.1 hours after taking a pill. Additionally, in a study (n=120) conducted by the London Clinic, patients were instructed to take Viagra 20 minutes before sex. The results of the study showed that on average, the medication produced erections that lasted for 4.9 hours.
So, while the exact duration of action of Viagra isn’t known, it is believed to be somewhere between 4.5 and 6.5 hours. As with all medications that treat ED, the potency and effectiveness of Viagra wanes over time, meaning it has to be administered more frequently. To help patients maintain an erection, some doctors will prescribe them an oral therapy, known as Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor, which can be a bit more effective than just taking an ED medication.
Are There Any Side Effects To Viagra?
Yes, there are. Although often thought of as a male medication, Viagra is actually a vasodilator, which means it has the potential to cause significant blood vessel dilation, resulting in a number of side effects. These include nasal congestion, headache, flushing, upset stomach, and in some instances, an allergic reaction. Additionally, some people who have recently had a heart attack or stroke are at higher risk of having a second heart attack or stroke due to the toxicity of Viagra. The main thing to keep in mind is that as with all medications, the potential for side effects and interactions exists. So, before you begin taking Viagra, be sure to consult your doctor to learn about any precautions you might need to take.
Does Viagra Work Better When Taken In Combination With Other Medications?
While there’s no specific evidence that taking Viagra concurrently with other medications helps, in theory it could potentially increase the effectiveness of both compounds. For example, Viagra seems to work better when taken in combination with other medications that increase blood flow to the penis, such as yohimbine, avanafil, and others. So, if you’re taking one of these medications, it might be a good idea to try and add another medication that targets the same condition.
Additionally, while the main side effect of Viagra is often considered to be blood vessel dilation, in some instances it has also been shown to cause gout, liver toxicity, and kidney damage. So, if you’re taking any medications that affect the liver or kidneys, it’s always a good idea to discuss the potential risks with your doctor before beginning treatment.
How Does Viagra Stack Up In Terms Of Cost-Benefit?
Based on the data we’ve discussed so far, Viagra is a medication that’s fairly expensive, but has the potential to treat a significant number of patients who would otherwise be unable to maintain an erection. If you’re looking to get your hands on a medication that’s not covered by your insurance plan, but don’t want to spend a fortune, then Viagra might be the option for you.
However, in most instances, the benefits of Viagra, as well as those of similar medications, far outweigh its costs. So, if you’re able to get your hands on a medication that costs less than $10 per day, but improves your quality of life and makes you more comfortable in your own skin, then it’s usually a good idea to go for it.