Is Generic Viagra Effectual?

Minoo Behzadi
UPGUYS
Published in
6 min readDec 8, 2021

A Quick Review on Sildenafil

Viagra is the most famous pill used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It is very well-known, to the point that we all have heard of it at some point. We know it either from the magical blue pill in a Hollywood movie or the first google suggestion while searching ED. Sildenafil, on the other hand, might not be as widely known, basically because it is not a brand.

Sildenafil is the active ingredient of Viagra. What does it mean? It means that Sildenafil is the main reason why Viagra becomes magical. Now, you might wonder if there is a difference between the two or if the efficiency is the same.

If you are here for just a quick answer, let me be loud and clear, YES! They are just as effective! But, if you are eager to know more and you want to have more details, I’ll walk you through the nature of Viagra and Sildenafil, and by the end of this article you’ll know enough to make an informed decision.

In this article, we talk about the following:

  • Viagra
  • Sildenafil; the generic Viagra
  • The difference between Viagra & Sildenafil
  • How & when to take generic Viagra
  • Why is the branded Viagra pricey?
  • What are the side effects of generic Viagra?
  • Introducing UPGUYS Sildenafil (generic Viagra)
  • FAQ about Sildenafil (generic Viagra)
  • Disclaimer

Viagra

Viagra is the most famous medication used for treating ED. Chemists first discovered this medication at Pfizer. Like many other important discoveries, it happened by accident. Pfizer was testing this medication to treat high blood pressure and angina when they discovered its effect on inducing erection. Viagra became the first oral medication ever prescribed for ED treatment and it was approved by FDA in 1998.

Sildenafil; the generic Viagra

As mentioned above, Sildenafil, or Sildenafil Citrate, is the active ingredient in Viagra. In other words, it is the magic behind the magic. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors. Below, there is a brief explanation on how these inhibitors work.

Erection happens when the nerves communicate well with the brain, and as a result, there is proper blood flow in the penis. This communication does not occur properly for men with ED. Taking drugs with PDE5 inhibitors block PDE5, an enzyme in the walls of blood vessels. This way, the blood vessels relax, the blood rushes into the penis, and erection happens.

The most famous PDE5 class of drugs used for treating men with ED are Sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil. Contrary to a common belief, taking these drugs alone does not result in an erection. You need to be sexually aroused for these drugs to work.

The difference between Viagra & Sildenafil

Basically, the only difference between Viagra and Sildenafil is that Viagra is a brand name, and Sildenafil is a generic name. Since they are both technically the same thing, the effectiveness of the equal dosages and the side effects are also identical.

How & when to take generic Viagra

Sildenafil, like Viagra, is a prescribed medication. Your healthcare provider will give the information on what dosage to use as it varies depending on the person’s response to treatment.

Sildenafil starts to work within 30–60 minutes. This pill can be taken an hour to four hours before sexual activity. If you are planning to take Sildenafil or Viagra, you need to have a light meal because a heavy meal postpones the drug’s action.

If you have a pre-existing health condition or take any medications (over-the-counter and prescribed) or any vitamins and herbals, consult your healthcare provider first. You should not take generic Viagra more than once daily.

One more thing to consider is that this medication cannot be taken with grapefruit. This fruit reduces the absorption and breakdown of Sildenafil, which can ultimately cause a toxic level of this medicine in the blood.

Why is the branded Viagra pricey?

As mentioned above, the branded Viagra and the generic one are precisely the same. The main reason behind the astronomically high price of Viagra is only because it is a brand and that the company has decided to price it high. There is literally no other reason behind it. But if you are surprised why there are men who insist on paying such a high price for a brand-name drug, well, I am with you!

What are the side effects of generic Viagra?

Since the branded Viagra and the generic one have the same active ingredient (Sildenafil), the side effects of both are identical. These are the most common side effects of branded and generic Viagra:

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Runny nose
  • Upset stomach
  • Abnormal or blurred vision
  • Muscle pain
  • Back pain
  • Numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation in your arms, legs, hands, or feet
  • Changes in your perception of color, such as a visible blue tinge or difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and

As the medicine starts exiting your body, these side effects also fade away. But, there are more severe side effects that need immediate medical attention:

  • Prolonged, painful erection (more than 4 hours); priapism can permanently damage your penis if not treated immediately.
  • Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
  • Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

Introducing UPGUYS Sildenafil (generic Viagra)

UPGUYS is the first online pharmacy in Canada, located in Burnaby, BC. It is a member of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia and British Columbia Pharmacy Association, compliant with PIPEDA and PIPA.

In UPGUYS, everything is done online, and the medication is shipped all over Canada in a couple of days. Of course, if the customers prefer a person to help them with the process, the Care Team contacts them and walks the customers through on the phone.

The process is straightforward:

  1. There is a brief, preliminary questionnaire that you would fill in online and submit your request.
  2. Then, you will receive a phone call from a doctor, who issues a prescription, if needed.
  3. Once UPGUYS receives the prescription, the Care Team prepares and ships the meds to the address of your choice.

Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) is a prescription drug in Canada. The doctors prescribe different dosages and quantities based on each person’s medical background and body response to the medicine.

FAQ about Sildenafil (generic Viagra)

  • What is the most important thing I should know about Sildenafil?

The most important thing to remember about Sildenafil is that it may cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly if taken with a particular medication. If you take any medicines called nitrates (used for chest pain), do NOT use Sildenafil (Viagra). Always consult with your healthcare provider before use.

Read more: Unsafe Interactions With Sildenafil (Viagra)

  • How long will it take for Sildenafil to work?

Sildenafil starts to work within 30–60 minutes. It should be taken only when you need it, with or without food. Remember, high-fat meals may cause it to work later than usual.

  • Can I take a higher dosage if it didn’t work the first time?

Do NOT take more than one pill in a day. If you took the pill and it didn’t work, consult with your healthcare provider to change it to a proper dosage or recommend another medication.

  • How often can I take Sildenafil?

Your healthcare provider prescribes the proper order for you. But remember that you should not take more than one pill a day. It takes 30–60 minutes to work. You can take it 4 hours before sexual activity.

  • Can I take Sildenafil with other medications I’m taking?

You should always consult with your healthcare provider before taking Sildenafil. Tell them all the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins & herbals. Sometimes these medications affect the way the other one works.

  • Is it normal to have pain after taking Viagra?

If you have a painful or prolonged erection, seek immediate medical help.

  • Can I take alcohol with generic Viagra?

If you take generic or branded Viagra, keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum.

  • Where should I keep my Sildenafil?

You should keep Sildenafil at room temperature (20°C to 25°C).

Read more: 30 Viagra FAQs: Answers To Every Viagra Question

Disclaimer

Your healthcare provider is the best source of health and medical information. Articles written by UPGUYS are informed by peer-reviewed studies and research and government health authorities and agencies — but they cannot replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns you might have.

--

--