Viagra vs. Sildenafil: What’s the difference?

Viagra, the blue pill that treats a serious men’s health issue broke sales records when it was released by Pfizer in April 1998.

Oddly enough, it was an accidental discovery.

Researchers were testing a drug to be used for treating angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. But during clinical trials, male test subjects reported an unexpected effect that had nothing to do with chest pain.

Once patented, approved, and released, Viagra rapidly became the most widely known FDA-approved medication for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Fast forward to 2017, when sildenafil (pronounced sill dén a fill) citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, became available as a generic alternative at half the cost.

Today, with multiple manufacturers selling generic sildenafil for ED, prices have tumbled so far that, depending on the pharmacy, insurance coverage is often a non-issue.

Viagra and sildenafil citrate work the same because they are the same.

When the patent on an approved name-brand drug expires, generic alternatives to that drug can be manufactured and sold.

The law requires every generic to perform the same and use the same active ingredients as its corresponding name-brand, in the same dosage, strength, quality, and form. That means generics have the same benefits and risks as the name-brand version.

Note that Viagra’s active ingredient is the generic alternative to two brand-name drugs.

As the generic form of Viagra for treating ED, sildenafil citrate is generally prescribed in the same 25, 50, or 100 mg dosages.

Sildenafil is also available in 20mg pills as the generic alternative for the name-brand drug Revatio, prescribed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

What’s the price difference between Viagra and sildenafil?

If you use your insurance, you will always pay less for generic alternatives than for brand names. Since insurance plans differ widely, there’s no way to say exactly how much your insurance will pay for Viagra or sildenafil.

But if you compare the retail prices of the two drugs, the difference can be staggering.

1. Sildenafil

The cost of sildenafil without insurance starts at $13.04* for 20 mg and 30 tablets using an RxSaver coupon.

What do I need to know about taking sildenafil?

Obviously, you should first talk to your doctor about whether sildenafil is right for you. If you’re taking certain medications, such as nitrates, you shouldn’t use sildenafil (or Viagra).

The information you receive with your medication will provide specific details about dosage, side effects, and other precautions. But here are some general things to consider:

• Sildenafil takes about 30 minutes to work; longer if you take it on a full stomach. High-fat foods slow its effect. The drug remains effective for about 4 hours.
• Sildenafil is designed to make it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. It doesn’t automatically cause one.
• You shouldn’t take it more than once every 24 hours.
• Some common side effects are indigestion, flushing, headache, muscle or back pain, stuffy nose, and vision changes (such as a slight bluish tinge to your surroundings).
• When taking sildenafil, if an erection lasts longer than four hours, seek medical help immediately to avoid injury.
• Other, serious side effects have been reported that may require medical attention.

Another option also available

In September 2018, Eli Lilly’s name-brand ED drug, Cialis, went off patent and its active ingredient, tadalafil (tah dá la fill), is also now available as a generic equivalent.

While there are some differences, tadalafil has similar effects as sildenafil and offers substantial savings compared to its name-brand equivalent.

The bottom line?

The law requires all generics to have the same active ingredients and work just like their name-brand counterparts. The only difference is their name, and how much you’ll pay.

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 2/11/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.