Is There A Difference Between Viagra and Sildenafil?
By Jennifer Hadley••Updated April 21, 2021
As the first major medication to treat erectile dysfunction, Viagra has become a household name. But like many brand drugs, without a generic alternative, Viagra was fairly expensive.
However, after Viagra’s [patent expired in 2020][1], the generic form of the drug, [sildenafil][2] became widely available, and made the medication much more affordable. Here’s what to know if you’re wondering if there is a difference between Viagra and sildenafil.
[1]: https://www.ipeg.com/viagra-extended-patent-protection-generic-wait-until-2020/#:~:text=Viagra's%20patent%2C%20originally%20scheduled%20to,patients%20suffering%20from%20Erectile%20Dysfunction.
[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sildenafil/coupons
What is the difference between Viagra and sildenafil?
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, so the drugs are virtually the same. The main difference between Viagra and sildenafil is the cost of the medication. Brand drugs are more expensive than their generic counterpart, according to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)][1].
The other notable difference between Viagra and sildenafil is that sildenafil is also prescribed to treat other conditions, in addition to erectile dysfunction.
Cost of Medication
As a generic medication, sildenafil can be significantly cheaper than the brand drug Viagra.
The [cost of sildenafil][2], the generic Viagra, without insurance starts at $13.22* for 20 mg and 30 tablets when using an RxSaver coupon.
Conditions Treated
In addition to being approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), sildenafil is approved for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, which is high pressure in the lungs. It is used to treat this condition because sildenafil helps to relax and widen blood vessels.
How do Viagra and Sildenafil work?
Both Viagra and sildenafil increase blood flow to the penis, which aids in helping to achieve and maintain an erection. They do this by relaxing and widening blood vessels in the body.
Neither medication increases sexual desire. They simply make getting and maintaining an erection when stimulated or aroused, easier.
Does Viagra work better than sildenafil?
There is no evidence that Viagra works better than sildenafil because both drugs contain the same active ingredient. To achieve FDA-approval, a generic must work the same, and provide the same benefits as the brand drug.
Does Viagra cost more than sildenafil?
Yes. Viagra costs more than sildenafil. Generic drugs are frequently 85% less than brand drugs, [according to the FDA][3]. RxSaver coupons may help you with even bigger savings on more than 6,000 prescription medications.
RxSaver is a free prescription drug coupon platform designed to be used without insurance, or in place of insurance when the coupon price beats your insurance co-pay. You do not need to sign up for a membership or provide any personal information to use the RxSaver website or [app][4].
[1]: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts
[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sildenafil/coupons
[3]: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts
[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/pharmacy-apps/
Talk to Your Health Care Provider About Generics
Be sure to request generic medications from your health care provider, for all prescriptions. Generic medications work the same as their brand name counterparts and can save you a great deal of money. So, next time you’re prescribed a brand drug, be sure to ask about a generic alternative.
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens, and Walmart as of 4/21/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
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