Generic Viagra, also known as Sildenafil, is a medicine for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB).
ED is a common condition in men or AMAB that makes it challenging to get or maintain an erection.
Generic Viagra contains Sildenafil, the same ingredient as Viagra. It is as safe and effective as branded Viagra.
Generic Viagra is the most prescribed ED drug on the market. However, there are various other drugs also available for treating ED.
It is essential to understand the different options for ED treatment. Understanding the differences will help you make informed decisions.
In this article on Generic Viagra vs other Erectile Dysfunction pills, we will compare all the available ED pills to determine the best for you.
Other Erectile Dysfunction pills on the market
Sildenafil, or Generic Viagra, was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ED treatment. However, FDA has also approved some other medicines for ED.
These alternatives to Generic Viagra are:
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
They all have the same mechanism of action. They work by relaxing the blood vessel and improving the blood flow to the penis. This improved blood flow help to get and maintain an erection.
But there are some notable differences between them. These include the distinctions in dosage, onset of action, and duration of effects.
Also, read – Science behind ED pills – how they work.
Which Erectile Dysfunction pill is the best?
There is no “best” medicine for Erectile Dysfunction. The effectiveness and suitability of ED pills depend on numerous individual factors.
These factors include:
- Your overall health
- Your current lifestyle
- Specific ED symptoms you have
- Any other medical conditions you have
- Medications you are currently taking
The best ED pill for you also depends on your personal preferences. These include how quickly you want it to work or how long you want it to be effective.
Another important thing to consider is the number of side effects the medicine has.
You should understand the differences between Generic Viagra and other ED pills for safe and effective use.
Here we will discuss some of the deciding factors like the onset of action, duration of effects, number of side effects they cause, etc., in detail.
Onset of action
Among all the ED pills, Avanafil works the fastest.
As per Clinical studies, Avanafil starts working as quickly as 15 minutes. Avanafil is the right choice for those seeking immediate effects.
Generic Viagra (Sildenafil), Tadalafil, and Vardenafil generally take longer to start working.
Generic Viagra (Sildenafil) starts working within 30 to 60 minutes.
Vardenafil takes the same time as Generic Viagra (Sildenafil). Tadalafil typically starts working within 30 to 45 minutes.
The onset of action can differ among individuals. It depends on metabolic rate, overall health, and food in the stomach.
Duration of effects
Source: 89stockerAmong the four ED medications, Tadalafil has the longest duration of effects. Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. This longer duration has earned it the nickname “The Weekend Pill”.
Avanafil lasts around 6 to 7 hours. Generic Viagra (Sildenafil) and Vardenafil last about 4-5 hours.
Tadalafil is the right choice for people seeking more flexibility in their sexual encounters.
The actual duration of effects can differ between individuals. Consult a doctor to determine the best option.
Number of side effects
All four ED pills have some side effects. These side effects are usually mild and can be avoided if taken as the doctor advises.
Avanafil has fewer side effects compared to all other approved ED medicines. This is because Avanafil is newer and a second-generation medication.
Even though Avanafil has the least side effects, Generic Viagra (Sildenafil) is often the initial choice prescribed by doctors for ED treatment.
Effectiveness and safety
All Erectile Dysfunction pills have a studied efficacy rate of around 80%. However, these studies are performed in small groups of people.
Regarding real-world results, Sildenafil (Generic Viagra or Viagra) has been extensively studied. It is the oldest and has the most research backing its efficacy and safety.
Clinical studies help doctors better understand risk factors and minimize potential dangers. Since Sildenafil has been tested in more clinical studies, it can be the safest option.
Cost considerations
When it comes to cost, Generic Viagra (Sildenafil) is the cheapest ED pill. It costs around $ 0.72 for a single 50mg pill. A full-month pack costs just $21.
Tadalafil costs around $0.93 for a single 40mg pill. A full-month pack costs around $27.
Levitra costs $1.24 per 40mg pill and $37.94 for a full month pack.
Avanafil is not available in generic form yet. It can only be purchased as Stendra. It costs around $68.90 per 50mg tablet and $2067 for a full month pack.
As per Healthline, most insurance companies might cover Generic Viagra or Sildenafil. With insurance, you can save money on Generic Viagra.
Quick overview of all the ED pills
A simple chart comparing the key features of Generic Viagra (Sildenafil), Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil:
| Drug Name | Generic Viagra(Sildenafil) | Avanafil (Stendra) | Tadalafil(Cialis) | Vardenafil(Levitra) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Year | 1998 | 2012 | 2003 | 2003 |
| Is Generic version available? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Onset of Action | 30-60 minutes | 15-30 minutes | 30-45 minutes | 25-60 minutes |
| Duration of Effect | 4-5 hours | 6-12 hours | Up to 36 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Efficacy Rate | 70-80% | Approximately 80% | Approximately 80% | Approximately 80% |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion | Headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion |
| Consideration | A high-fat meal can delay the effect | Rapid onset may provide an advantage for some; less affected by food intake | Can be taken daily; not significantly affected by food | A high-fat meal can delay the effect |
| Treats Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Available Doses | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg | 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg |
| Method of Taking | Oral, taken as needed, around 1 hour before sexual activity | Oral, taken as needed, 15-30 minutes before sexual activity | Oral, can be taken daily or as needed, at least 30 minutes before sexual activity | Oral, taken as needed, around 1 hour before sexual activity |
Conclusion
In this comparison of Generic Viagra vs other Erectile Dysfunction pills, no medicine is a clear winner.
All ED pills are equally effective. They all have the same mechanism of action.
However, they have different dosages, onset of action, and duration of effects.
Avanafil is the fastest-working ED pill. It starts working in 15 minutes. Tadalafil has the longest duration of effects and can last up to 36 hours.
Avanafil has fewer side effects than all other approved ED pills. However, Sildenafil has most research and studies backing its safety and effectiveness.
The choice among these pills depends on what are your personal preferences and which ED pill suits you the most.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable oral ED pill for you.
Order Generic Viagra today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine different ED pills for better results?
No, you should never combine two medications for the same health problem. It will increase the risk and cause severe health consequences. Always consult a doctor if you think your medication is not effective.
Does ED pills cause health problem if used for the long term?
Erectile Dysfunction medications are safe for long-term use. However, if ED is caused by any underlying condition, treating ED without treating the root cause can worsen it. Always consult a doctor before taking ED pills.
Is generic Viagra as effective as the brand-name version?
Yes, Generic Viagra contains the same ingredients, Sildenafil Citrate. It is equally safe and effective in treating ED as Viagra. As per FDA, generic medicines must be the same in dosages and effectiveness as their brand counterparts.
How does Generic Viagra compare to other Erectile Dysfunction pills?
Generic Viagra works the same as any other ED pill. It improves blood flow to the penis by relaxing the blood vessels. However, they differ in the onset of action, duration of effects, and individual response.
Can I switch from another Erectile Dysfunction drug to Generic Viagra?
You can, but switching between ED medication should be done under medical guidance. Each ED medicine differs in terms of dosage. A doctor can assess your situation based on your medical history and treatment goals.
Will my insurance cover the cost of Generic Viagra?
Insurance coverage for Generic Viagra depends upon your insurance provider. It’s recommended to review your insurance policy. You can contact your provider to determine what requirements need to be met.
When quoting information, ForDailyMedicine always provides full citations. Please read our Content Information Policy if you want more details on the methods we take to ensure the continued high quality of our content.