Because branded Viagra and generic Viagra (Sildenafil) contain exactly the same active ingredient they work in the same way. They have both been shown to be effective in around 60-70% of men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Buying generic or branded – Viagra is the brand name for generic Sildenafil. Both of these medications have been proven to be equally effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ... The generic version is known as Sildenafil. Viagra is a brand name that only Pfizer can use.
How are Viagra Connect, Viagra, and Sildenafil related?
They are the same from a medical point of view – Viagra Connect, Viagra and Sildenafil are all related because they contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate. As a result they all have the exact same effect during treatment. The only difference is branding:
- Sildenafil is a generic medicine and produced by several manufacturers
- Viagra, is the branded version of Sildenafil patented by the company, Pfizer
- Viagra Connect is 'over-the-counter Viagra', which is also made by Pfizer
Sildenafil was invented first, by accident – sildenafil citrate (the active ingredient in all 3 medications) was discovered as a treatment for ED by accident. The researchers who discovered it were originally testing new treatments for high blood pressure (hypertension). Sildenafil, however, didn’t relieve the symptoms of hypertension properly. Instead 80% of 4000 male participants found they got an erection more easily when they took sildenafil. Therefore, the drug was subjected to testing and was later approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ED.
The patent for sildenafil medication was created by Pfizer – Viagra was born from the discovery of sildenafil as an ED treatment. Although they are both the same, Viagra is the brand name for the sildenafil produced and sold by the company, Pfizer. This was until the patent expired and Sildenafil could be sold as a cheaper generic medication.
Viagra Connect was then approved as a pharmacy medication (PMED) – it works in the same way as Sildenafil and Viagra, but it does not require a prescription. The reason for creating Viagra Connect was to reduce the number of men buying Viagra from illegal sources, possibly because they don't want to go to their GP for a prescription.
How is buying each one different?
They can all be bought online in the same way – you can buy all 3 versions from us using our online service. To order, you will need to complete a short online questionnaire which will assess your suitability for the treatment. One of our doctors will then check your request and make sure it is the right choice for you. If agreed, our pharmacy team will prepare your medication and will post it directly to your door, free of charge. You can also choose to collect in store if you prefer.
Buying generic or branded – Viagra is the brand name for generic Sildenafil. Both of these medications have been proven to be equally effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra and Sildenafil. The main difference between them is pricing – Sildenafil is the cheaper of the two.
The reasons for the difference in pricing – in 2013, the producers of Viagra, Pfizer, lost their patent allowing generic manufacturers to begin producing their own version. The generic version is known as Sildenafil. Viagra is a brand name that only Pfizer can use. As Sildenafil is generic, its price is not under the control of a single manufacturer, and as it is produced by several different companies, so the price is competitive. Viagra, however, is a well-known brand name so it can command a premium price.
POM vs PMed – when buying in person, prescription-only medications (POMs) such as Viagra and Sildenafil require you to get a prescription from your GP, whereas pharmacy medication (PMeds) like Viagra Connect can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy following a consultation with the pharmacist. They can also be bought from online providers such as Superdrug Online Doctor. When you buy from a pharmacy, you still need to discuss your symptoms and medical history with the pharmacist as you would your GP, but you can avoid visiting your GP to get a prescription. Some men would prefer not to see their regular GP for problems like erectile dysfunction.
Is the POM or PMed cheaper? – you will need to pay the full price of the medication if you opt for pharmacy medication such as Viagra Connect. This is also true if you acquire a private prescription for a POM. If you are eligible for an NHS prescription you will only need to pay the current NHS charge, which is usually cheaper than the cost of the medication. This is usually only for Sildenafil as branded medications aren't normally covered by NHS prescription.
Overall, Sildenafil is still the cheapest option with a private prescription, because it is non-branded.
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