Branded Viagra vs generic Viagra

Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah

Viagra and generic Viagra (Sildenafil) are essentially the same medicine. They contain the exact same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, which means they work in the same way.

Viagra is the brand name, whereas Sildenafil is a common label for the generic equivalent. Both are taken to treat erectile dysfunction. They have both been shown to be an effective treatment for men for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. In this article we’ll look at how these treatments differ and how they’re similar.  

What is Viagra?

Viagra is an erectile dysfunction treatment that helps men achieve firmer, longer-lasting erections. It’s available in different types including:  

Branded Viagra

Sildenafil citrate was originally developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Pfizer decided to begin selling it under the brand name Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and until June 2013 they were the only company that could legally manufacture it. When Pfizer’s patent ended in 2013, it became legal for other companies to develop and market their own versions of Sildenafil citrate. These other companies use the name “Sildenafil” in place of “Viagra”, as a recognisable shorthand for its active ingredient.

Generic Viagra

Because it is not associated with a particular brand, Sildenafil is generally sold at a cheaper price.  For comparison, it’s helpful to think about ibuprofen, the active ingredient of Nurofen and Anadin. While you can buy these brand medicines in pharmacies, you can also buy the generic, cheaper equivalent: Ibuprofen.

What is the difference between branded and generic Viagra? 

As it contains the same active ingredient, Sildenafil (or “generic Viagra”) provides the same benefits as Viagra itself. These include increased frequency and duration of erections sufficient for sex.

However, as with Nurofen vs Ibuprofen, people may feel more confident in taking the well-known brand over the cheaper generic alternative. It is therefore possible that this may have an additional psychological effect upon some men taking Viagra, leading to greater sexual confidence and improved erections. 

The main differences between branded Viagra and generic Viagra is:

• Pack sizes
• Dosages available
• Price
• Where you can get them 

Dr Bhavini Shah: “Your doctor will be able to advise which ED medication is suitable for you.”

How does Viagra work?

Viagra and Sildenafil (“generic Viagra”) works in exactly the same way. They both belong to a group of medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors. These medicines work with the enzymes in your body to relax the blood vessels that supply the penis. This allows more blood to flow to the penis when aroused, enabling an erection. Find out exactly what Viagra does in the body.

What types of branded Viagra are there?

There are two types of branded Viagra, Viagra itself and Viagra Connect.   

Viagra 

Viagra is the ‘original blue pill’, it comes in a number of dosages and pack sizes. It’s usually available in 25, 50 and 100mg. You must have a clinician's prescription to get Viagra.  

Viagra Connect 

Viagra Connect is a ‘pharmacy medicine’, this means you don’t need a prescription to get it. You can get it online or from your local pharmacy, but you’ll just have to answer a couple of simple questions to make sure it’s suitable for you. Viagra Connect only comes in 50mg.

What is the difference between Viagra and Viagra connect?

The main differences between Viagra and Viagra Connect are:

• How you can get them – with or without a prescription
• Where they are available
• Pack size
• Dosages 
• The price  

What types of generic Viagra are there?

Most people have heard of Viagra, but do you know that sildenafil is the only form of generic Viagra?

Sildenafil 

Sildenafil ('generic Viagra') works in the same way as Viagra to help you get and maintain an erection. Sildenafil is the only generic form of Viagra. It’s effective for up to 82% of men and is available in different dosages.

What are common side effects of generic Viagra?

As with all medicines, when taking generic Viagra there is a chance that you may experience side effects such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Hot flushes
• Indigestion
• Blocked nose
• Dizziness 

Although these are relatively uncommon, you should always report any side effects. If you experience any chest pain or an erection that lasts more than five hours, you should seek urgent medical attention. 

FAQs

We answer the most popular questions and bust the myths surrounding generic Viagra:  

How long does generic Viagra work for?

It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes for Viagra to work for ED and, when taken correctly, both Viagra and generic Viagra should last for around four hours. Both Sildenafil and Viagra are taken in the form of tablets, on an empty stomach about an hour before sex.

They are not aphrodisiacs, so you will still need to be sexually aroused for them to work. You should also avoid drinking alcohol before taking Viagra or Sildenafil as this may limit its effectiveness. 

Is generic Viagra safe?

When bought from a trusted source, generic Viagra is just as safe as Viagra. All medicines must be approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency). It might not be obvious if a medicine has been approved or not, so it is generally safest to order treatment from a trusted and well-known source such as LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.

There are certain conditions under which generic Viagra may not be safe to take. This means that you should be completely honest about your medical history and lifestyle with the doctor who prescribes it to you whether in person or online.

You should avoid taking ED treatments if you:

• have recently had a heart attack or stroke
• have severe liver disease
• use nitrates to control angina or another heart problem
• use recreational drugs that contain nitrates, such as poppers

If an ED medicine like Viagra or Sildenafil is not suitable to treat your erectile dysfunction, making changes to your lifestyle, using a vacuum pump or exploring other medicines are all alternative options. See erectile dysfunction treatments for more information.

Does generic Viagra work well?

In studies sildenafil (generic Viagra) works for up to 80% of men. You can help the treatment to work by: 

• Taking one tablet an hour before sex
• Being sexually aroused
• Not eating a heavy meal before you have sex
• Not drinking more than two units of alcohol before you have sex 

Sildenafil can be an effective continual treatment. It has a high success rate, helping men with ED get an erection.

What if generic Viagra doesn’t work?

Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the results you hoped for the first time that you take generic Viagra. You should persevere. It may take up to eight attempts to work for you. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend a different dosage.

Like all ED medicines, Sildenafil (generic Viagra) will not address the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction. So, it may not completely cure it. 

To “cure” erectile dysfunction, it’s important to understand what’s causing it. There are many potential causes for ED, ranging from physical to psychological so it’s best to consult a doctor either online or in person to develop a solution that works for you. 

Can you buy Viagra online?

Your GP will be able to prescribe you generic Viagra (or other ED medicines such as Cialis or Levitra) if you are suitable. But if you would prefer to buy generic Viagra online, you should make sure that you use a reliable website, as not all businesses offering generic Viagra sell genuine and MHRA approved medicine.

Make sure that the company is registered with the Care Quality Commission, the NHS or the General Medical Council. Unless you’re buying Viagra Connect, make sure that the company doesn’t offer to sell you Viagra or Sildenafil without a prescription. This is illegal and can be very dangerous.

If you wish to request generic Viagra (Sildenafil) safely and discreetly, you can order it through our own website after completing an online questionnaire. To learn more about Viagra, Sildenafil and erectile dysfunction, visit our ED clinic online.

Is Viagra expensive?

Price is important and can influence someone’s choice of medicine. Generic medications can often be cheaper than branded. However, if the price looks too good to be true or you’re not sure if the website is legitimate, your safety should come first. It could be that you’re buying fake Viagra. Look out for who the company is registered with and whether you need an online consultation.

Conclusion

It’s worth remembering that Sildenafil citrate - whether it is packaged as Viagra or the generic - is a prescription-only medicine. The only ED medication that’s available without a prescription is Viagra Connect. You’ll still need to answer some questions to make sure it’s safe for you.

Viagra, Sildenafil, Cialis, Spedra and Levitra are all used to treat ED and are safe medicines when prescribed correctly. The doctors at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor can prescribe you erectile dysfunction medicines if you are medically suitable.

References

www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020895s048lbl.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27114196/