So you’ve heard about Pfizer’s (PFE) fabulous new drug, Viagra. With the average sales price of one 60mg bottle now standing at over $1,000, it’s no wonder so many men are flocking to pharmacies to pick up a pill that can help them keep their sex-drive intact. But what you might not know is that Pfizer’s Viagra patent expires on August 28th, 2022. That’s not very far away, so it’s high time you started thinking about what will come after Viagra.
Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for the end of Viagra’s patent protection so you can continue enjoying its awesome perks.
What Is Pfizer’s Viagra Patent, And How Does It Work?
If you’ve been to a pharmacy recently, you’ve probably noticed a banner with the silhouette of a man behind the counter. That’s because Pfizer has patented a method of administering Sildenafil, the active ingredient in their drug Viagra. With this method, the drug is deposited into the bloodstream by way of a gel capsule, also known as a ‘softgel’. The capsule is technically a delivery system for the active ingredient. When Sildenafil is dissolved in the blood, it can have various effects on the human body, including preventing blood from clotting and relieving symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (a type of hypertension).
Since Pfizer holds the patent for this drug form and distribution platform, manufacturers are required to pay them a ‘me-too’ royalty for using this delivery method. That means if you’re on the market for a Cialis or Levitra alternative, you’ll most likely have to visit your pharmacy to obtain a prescription for Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Pfizer’s Viagra drug. Fortunately, with a little planning and strategizing, you can still get your fix without leaving the comfort of your home.
How To Get Your Fix Of Viagra After Its Patents Expire
Pfizer has given us a reprieve by granting extended patent protection to Viagra. While it’s great that this drug will continue to be available for purchase, it also means we have to prepare for the day it’s available ‘over-the-counter’. Now that its patent expires, it will be available without a prescription.
But don’t fret, doc, as long as you know where to look, you can still get your fix of Viagra. Here’s where:
- Bath salts
- Irish moss
- Dextromethorphan hydrochloride
- Colchicine
- Caffeine
- Methylphenidate
- Niacin
- Grapefruit
- Gingerroot
These are all over-the-counter supplements that, when consumed in combination, can help replicate the effects of Viagra. Just follow the instructions on the bottle (or online supplement guide) and you’ll be good to go in no time.
So there you have it, gentle readers. As far as we know, this is the end of the road for Pfizer’s Viagra. What will you miss most about the drug? What changes do you expect to see in the world of ED medicine as a result of Viagra’s patent expiring? Let us know what you think in the comments below.