Viagra and the generic sildenafil, are two of the most popular drugs on the market today. Their popularity has led to thousands of bad jokes and hundreds of cheesy commercials, but how much do you actually know about the infamous erectile dysfunction pill?
Here are 10 things you should know to get better acquainted with Viagra, and its generic sildenafil.
There are multiple manufacturers
Initially, generic sildenafil was only being manufactured by two companies – Pfizer and Teva. However, since the generic launch back in December 2017, more manufacturers (like Aurobindo, and Cambia) have come to the table, continuing to drive prices down.
It comes in multiple dosages
Just like brand name Viagra, generic sildenafil is sold in tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Prices keep going down
Yes, you read that right. In December 2017, Pfizer and Teva priced generic sildenafil at 50% off the current brand price – around $30 per tablet. Now, prices per tablet average around $17, and they continue to drop. Stay tuned!
Sildenafil isn’t different from brand name Viagra
We consistently see patients voice concern about the efficacy of generic drugs. But keep in mind the rigorous process that drugs must go through before they hit the market. These processes ensure that generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts, so there are very few differences between brands and their generic counterparts. You can read more from the FDA about this here.
The biggest difference is the color. The ‘little blue pill’ will now be the ‘little white pill.’
A different version of sildenafil already exists
Don’t let this confuse you. Sildenafil is the generic for two common drugs on the market right now, Revatio and Viagra, but these drugs are approved by the FDA for two different uses. Revatio is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, while Viagra treats erectile dysfunction in men.
How can you distinguish between the two? Revatio-equivalent sildenafil is only sold as a 20 mg tablet, while Viagra’s generic sildenafil is sold in 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg tablets. For more on this, see our previous blog here.
It is the most counterfeited drug in the world
The problem of counterfeit Viagra is so widespread that Pfizer has even created their own security force to help cut down on the number of unregulated drugs on the market. This team, called Pfizer Global Security, works with law enforcement, pharmacies and wholesalers to monitor distribution and improve surveillance on counterfeit Viagra.
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