You may be familiar with the popular drug Viagra, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction (aka impotence). You may know that it was originally patented by Pfizer and is now produced by a variety of companies, including Ranbaxy and Cipla. What you may not know is that Viagra is very expensive and can cost as much as $26 for a 12-pack, or $72 for a single bottle!
While Viagra is a very effective drug and has helped hundreds of thousands of men around the world, its high price tag has helped fuel the development of generic alternatives. Today, there are five approved versions of Viagra on the market, including:
- Sildenafil (Viagra) – This is the original prescription version of Viagra, approved in 1989. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5, or PDE5. Inhibition of PDE5 may help relax muscles in the penis and allow for improved blood flow, resulting in an erection.
- Vardenafil (Levitra) – This is a slightly modified version of Sildenafil (Viagra), approved in 2003. It works in a similar way to Sildenafil (Viagra), but is twice as concentrated. The drug is also available in a gel form that can be directly applied to the penis for convenience.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) – This is a newly approved medication that is the result of a collaboration between Pfizer and Lilly. It has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective than Sildenafil (Viagra) and Vardenafil (Levitra), primarily because it is a more potent inhibitor of PDE5. Therefore, it can be a bit more effective for treating erection problems than the other drugs mentioned above. However, like the other varieties of generic Viagra, it comes at a cheaper price than the branded versions!
- Riocet (Rioguard) – This is yet another brand-name variation on the subject of Viagra, approved in 2008. As the name implies, it is a combination of the active ingredients Sildenafil and Vardenafil, which are more effective than their singular counterparts. Some experts also believe that Rioguard can be more effective than generic Viagra because of its inclusion of the drug vinpocetine (also known as AGN 203). Vinpocetine can help improve memory and mental focus in those with Alzheimer’s disease and similar situations where these skills are impaired.
- Staxyn (Staxyn) – This is a relatively new entrant on the scene, approved in 2009. It, too, is a combination of Sildenafil and Vardenafil, but it also includes Ephedra, a substance that enhances the ability of the heart to pump blood. Some have suggested that Ephedra can help prevent the progression of heart disease, but it’s not known for sure yet how it works.
Why Is Viagra So Expensive?
There are several reasons why Viagra is so expensive, and they all have to do with its unique chemical structure and the way it is manufactured. As mentioned above, this drug is patented, which means that it can be very difficult to produce and supply. In fact, the process of getting a new drug approved and on the market can take many years, and often costs millions of dollars. During this time, generic versions are often used to satisfy the needs of those who are unable to afford the brand name drug. This is why you may see more than one competing brand of Viagra on the shelves, as they try to cash in on the lucrative ED drug market.
The Way It Is Made
The way that Viagra is made is also part of the reason for its high cost. As mentioned above, it is a combination of Sildenafil and Vardenafil, two substances that are made using totally different chemical processes. Sildenafil is manufactured using organic chemistry, while Vardenafil is manufactured using a microbial fermentation process. To make matters more complicated, both of these processes need to be performed under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, which further drives up the costs. This is why some have called Viagra a ‘luxury drug.’
The Time It Takes To Take Effect
The third factor that influences the price of Viagra is the time it takes for this drug to take effect. The active ingredient in Viagra is a substance called sildenafil, which is a derivative of the natural chemical compound salvigenin. This compound is known to be slightly more effective than the original molecule and it takes about 30 to 60 minutes to begin working. During this time, the medication must be ingested and it can’t simply be injected. This makes it a little more difficult to use than other ED drugs, which can be administered immediately before sexual activity and achieve the same results.
Who Is Using Viagra And Why?
Now that we know a little bit about why Viagra is so expensive and the various forms that it comes in, let’s take a look at who is using this medication and why. As mentioned above, Viagra has been shown to be effective in helping men with erection problems, particularly those caused by cardiovascular disease. It has also been used successfully to help men with pulmonary hypertension and those who have had a heart attack. In general, Viagra has been shown to be effective for treating multiple ailments, including:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Pulmonary hypertension
As we mentioned above, the price of Viagra is a major deterrent for many who could benefit from this drug. For this reason, experts have suggested that providing free samples, coupons, or even cash incentives for doctors’ offices and drugstores to stock the medication could be effective in getting it more affordable for the average patient.