Erectile dysfunction (ED) medications like Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) and generic sildenafil can help men get and maintain erections when sexual stimulation occurs. But is there any difference between the brand name Viagra® and its generic form sildenafil? Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of ED and Available Medications
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It’s estimated to affect up to 30 million men in the United States alone, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
There are several prescription medications available to treat erectile dysfunction:
- Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) – The first oral ED medication approved by the FDA in 1998. Marketed by Pfizer.
- Cialis® (tadalafil) – Approved in 2003. Marketed by Eli Lilly.
- Levitra® (vardenafil) – Hit the market in 2003. Marketed by Bayer.
- Stendra® (avanafil) – Approved in 2012. Marketed by Metuchen Pharmaceuticals.
- Generic versions – Less expensive versions of brand-name ED drugs. Contains the same active ingredients.
These medications belong to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors that improve erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis. They are generally considered safe and effective for most men when used as directed.
Viagra® vs. Sildenafil
Viagra® was the first PDE5 medication approved to treat erectile dysfunction. Its active ingredient is sildenafil citrate. In 2013, Pfizer’s patent for Viagra® expired. This opened the door for other companies to manufacture generic versions of sildenafil.
Viagra® is the brand name version only available from Pfizer. Sildenafil is the generic term for the active ingredient that’s also sold as a generic medication by other manufacturers.
The FDA requires generics to contain the same active ingredients and be identical in strength, dosage form, and route of administration. Generic drugs must also demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand-name product. This means the rate and extent of absorption into the bloodstream must be essentially the same.
Therefore, Viagra® and FDA-approved generic sildenafil work in the exact same way and provide identical clinical effects. The only real differences are the name, appearance, and price.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Viagra® | Sildenafil |
|---|---|
| Brand name only from Pfizer | Generic versions from multiple companies |
| Typically more expensive | Typically costs less |
| Comes in trademark diamond shape and blue color | Variable shapes and colors |
| Says “Pfizer” and “VGR xx” on tablets | Says “sildenafil” and dosage on tablets |
The important takeaway is that brand name Viagra® and generic sildenafil have the same active ingredient and dosage strengths available. The effects on erectile function are identical.
Available Dosages
Both Viagra® and sildenafil are sold in four dosage strengths:
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
- 200 mg (Viagra® only)
The starting dose is typically 50 mg as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity, although your doctor may prescribe a different amount based on your situation. Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose in a 24-hour period.
Higher-strength tablets should be reserved for men who do not achieve the desired results with lower dosages. For safety, Viagra® and sildenafil are contraindicated in men taking nitrates or certain alpha-blockers.
Talk to your doctor about which dosage of Viagra® or generic sildenafil is appropriate for you. Do not increase your dosage without medical supervision. Seek emergency care if you experience serious side effects.
Cost Comparison
The biggest difference between Viagra® and sildenafil is the cost:
- Viagra® is only available as a branded product from Pfizer. As a patented medication, Pfizer can charge higher prices while the patent protection is in effect. This makes Viagra® more expensive.
- Generic sildenafil is sold by multiple manufacturers as the patent protections have expired. Generic competition drives prices down. Sildenafil is generally far less expensive than Viagra®.
Exact costs vary based on dosage, quantity, insurer, pharmacy, and region. But sildenafil typically costs much less than brand name Viagra®. The savings are often 80% or more per tablet.
For example, a single 100 mg Viagra® tablet may cost around $70. A 100 mg sildenafil tablet often costs as little as $3 to $10, sometimes even less. For the same results at a fraction of the price, many men opt to purchase generic sildenafil instead of brand name Viagra®.
Some cost comparisons for a single tablet in the most common 100 mg dosage:
- Viagra®: $65-$85
- Sildenafil: $3-$13
Your insurance plan, if you have coverage, will determine exact out-of-pocket costs. But going generic offers big savings for most men.
Effectiveness and Safety
Multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have confirmed that sildenafil (generic) and Viagra® (brand) have:
- Similar rates of efficacy, with around 60-70% of men experiencing improved erections.
- Equivalent side effect and safety profiles, with both drugs considered generally safe when used as directed.
- Identical mechanisms of action, as they contain the exact same active ingredient.
- Comparable absorption and metabolic pathways.
One analysis evaluated over 130 clinical trials and concluded that sildenafil and Viagra® are equally effective for treating erectile dysfunction.
There is no difference in the onset of action or duration of effects, either. Both begin working in 30-60 minutes and remain effective for about 4-5 hours.
Bottom line: sildenafil generic offers the exact same efficacy and safety as Viagra® when prescribed and used appropriately under medical supervision.
Customer Reviews
Many patients have found success using both brand name Viagra® and generic sildenafil:
“I’ve taken Viagra®, Cialis®, and the generic sildenafil. To be honest, they all work the same for me. Hard to tell the difference other than the sildenafil costs much less.” – Simon, age 43
“Generic sildenafil works just as fast as the brand name Viagra® for my ED issue. Happy that my insurance covers some of the cost too. Works great if I take it about 30 min before.” – Sam, age 49
“I was a bit skeptical of the generic sildenafil at first. But after trying it, the results are identical to Viagra®. My doctor assured me the FDA requires the generics to work the same. Save yourself money and go generic!” – Peter, age 61
Summary
In summary, Viagra® and sildenafil are essentially the exact same medication, containing the same active ingredient and providing equivalent effects on erectile function and side effects. Sildenafil offers tremendous value for money over the brand name Viagra®. But always have a proper medical evaluation before obtaining ED medications, and take them exactly as directed. Talk to a doctor to decide if Viagra® or sildenafil is the best treatment option for your erectile dysfunction.
