Generic Levitra- Uses, Side Effects, and How to buy Vardenafil

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Written By Julie Ingram
A sick man suffering from side effects of ED pills (2)

Men across the globe are struggling with erectile dysfunction.

But this sexual disorder has a solution- ED pills. 

Various research and studies have put light on the efficacy of ED pills like Levitra in helping men restore their sexual life.

Levitra is a medication that treats erectile dysfunction in men.

It is a Phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitor and works by boosting blood flow to the penile muscles.

Approved by FDA in 2003, Levitra is the brand name of the ED pill. 

So does Levitra come in generic form?

The answer is yes. 

What is the generic name for Levitra?

The medicine is sold under the brand name Levitra. However, it is also available in the generic form. 

Generic Levitra is named Vardenafil which is also the active salt of the medicine.

So how is the generic substitute of Levitra different from the brand medicine? 

In short, there is not much difference. 

Generic Levitra is as effective as the brand name medicine. Both use the same active ingredient- Vardenafil. 

It is approved by FDA and comes in similar doses i.e., 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. 

Read our article on Levitra’s dosage for more information.

The only difference between the brand-name medicine and the generic Levitra is that the latter is cheaper. 

Man taking Levitra pills with a glass of water
AndreyPopov/ Getty Images

Why is Generic Levitra more affordable?

Generic medicines are cheaper because they do not spend a hefty amount of money on clinical trials. 

Manufacturers simply copy the formula of the branded version of the drug once its patent expires. 

This saves them the cost of research and development thus making the medicines cheaper. 

Therefore, Generic Levitra is more affordable than the brand version. 

Click here to buy Generic Levitra online from a verified pharmacy.

Is Vardenafil safe?

Yes, a generic substitute for Levitra is absolutely secure. 

It uses the same active ingredients as the brand medicine. 

They might differ in inactive compositions like preservatives and fillers. 

However, they do not impact the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. 

Therefore, as ascertained by FDA, there is no difference between generic medicines and brand versions. 

Both follow similar guidelines to maintain quality standards. 

What is the active ingredient in Levitra and its generic version?

Both Levitra and its generic version have the same active ingredient, Vardenafil.   

Vardenafil salt is a sulfonamide and a natural vasodilator agent. 

This means that it has the properties to dilate the blood vessels, thereby lowering the blood pressure. 

When manufactured into medicine, it falls under PDE5 inhibitor drugs. 

PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking cGMP action in the penile region. This relaxes the soft muscles, thus increasing the blood flow in the area. 

Once the blood flows in the penis increases, it becomes erect. 

Also read: What is Levitra used for? A detailed analysis of usage

How long does Vardenafil take to work?

Once consumed, Generic Levitra or Vardenafil can take up to an hour to show the effect. 

You should remember that ED pills don’t automatically cause an erection. 

Arousal and physical stimulation are still necessary to get hard before sexual intercourse. 

The erection can last for 2-3 hours after taking Levitra. However, the effects of the medicine can stay in the body for up to 18 hours. 

Vardenafil is not a precaution against sexually transmitted diseases. 

To avoid unwanted pregnancy and STDs, always use precautions. 

How effective is Vardenafil in treating ED?

Generic Levitra is highly effective in treating erectile dysfunction. 

However, it can only fix the disorder when the causes are physical. 

For example, if irregular blood circulation due to cardiovascular disease is the reason behind your ED, Generic Levitra can treat it.

On the contrary, ED pills will not be very effective if erectile dysfunction stems from psychological problems. 

For example, stress at work or anxiety disorder can sometimes lead to ED. 

The following can be the causes of the sexual dysfunction in men-

1. Hormonal imbalance
2. Nerve dysfunction
3. Poor circulation of blood 
4. Anxiety 
5. Stress
6. Depression

Man suffering from stomach sickness as side effect of Levitra
Image from Odua Images

What are the side effects of Generic Levitra?

Most people experience mild side effects of Vardenafil. This, however, depends upon the strength of the active ingredient used in Levitra.

Following are the most common side effects of Generic Levitra-

  • Headache
  • Low blood pressure
  • Flushing
  • Indigestion
  • Dizziness 
  • Running/stuffy nose, etc. 

However, in rare cases, a person can experience serious side effects. They are- 

  • Chest pain
  • Pain in bones and joints
  • Temporary loss of hearing
  • Blurred vision
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Allergic reaction
  • Amnesia 

Things to remember while consuming Generic Levitra

The following points should be kept in mind to avoid any side effects and increase the drug’s efficacy-

  • Avoid taking alcohol and grapefruit with Levitra or any of its generic substitutes.
  • Don’t consume heavy food before taking Vardenafil. Keep the gap of at least 2 hours between the meal and taking medicine.
  • Don’t consume Generic Levitra if you have low blood pressure or a history of any cardiovascular disease.
  • Do not take more than one pill in a day.
  • Ask your doctor to suggest the correct dose of Generic Levitra. Do not self-medicate. 
  • The medicine does not work on its own. Erection still requires stimulating the penis physically with arousal. 

Suggested: How to make Levitra more effective?

Drug Interaction with Vardenafil

One should always consult a doctor before consuming PDE5 inhibitor drugs. 

This is because they are natural vasodilators. History of any medical condition can result in interactions that can be dangerous. 

Following are the group of medicines that interact with Vardenafil-

  • Nitrates and donors of nitric oxide
  • Medicines to treat irregular heartbeat
  • Alpha-blockers and the medicines to regulate blood pressure
  • Other PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil and Tadalafil
  • Protease inhibitors to slow HIV progress
  • Medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and heart failure

Generic Levitra or Vardenafil can also cause serious side effects if consumed with alcohol.