Why is viagra so expensive

More often than not, the pharmaceutical companies enact across the board price hikes with little to no justifications in regard to the specific drugs. Most Americans are probably familiar with many of the excuses and justifications used by the pharmaceutical companies to justify raising prices on already overpriced medications like those used to treat ED. One of the most common arguments that pharmaceutical company executives love to cite is research and development costs. Despite being at least partially funded by taxpayer dollars, big pharma giants are then granted exclusive patents that guarantees them a virtual monopoly on the drug, which can last for 20 years or longer as in the case of Viagra and many other drugs.

Making slight adjustments or variations to the drug — without drastically altering or changing its core makeup or function — can often extend the life of the patent and delay a more affordable generic alternative even longer. Additionally, many of the drugs that are subject to the highest and most consistent price hikes are older drugs that have been on the market for years or even decades, with little to no changes to the drug in that time frame — Viagra and Cialis being a prime example.

One of the most ironic twists in prescription drug history is that sildenafil became the little blue pill that changed men's health and the world very much by accident. Not since Alexander Fleming's famous pile of dirty dishes led to the discovery of penicillin almost years ago has a case of chemical serendipity had such a profound impact on the pharmaceutical industry and the world at large.

Before it became Viagra, sildenafil was originally being studied to treat cardiovascular problems, specifically to suppress a particular protein in order to dilate blood vessels in the heart for better blood flow.

Except there was one small problem — the researchers and men participating in the clinical trials soon found that sildenafil had an unanticipated side effect — it was dilating the blood vessels responsible for achieving and maintaining an erection instead. While Viagra is most famous — and profitable — as an ED medication, Pfizer continued to test its efficacy as a heart medication and currently sells a version to treat arterial pulmonary hypertension in both men and women.

The drug is sold as Revatio. Predictably, Viagra was an overnight success, and money maker, for Pfizer. Viagra sales and Pfizer's profits predictably took a hit after its international and domestic patents expired over the last few years, opening the market for more affordable alternatives.

However even generic sildenafil which is not manufactured by Pfizer is still not cheap when compared to what they cost when purchased from a Canadian pharmacy and many people prefer the brand version which is much more affordable internationally and from Canada.

A common misconception around ED is that it only affects older men, but the reality is that men in their 30s and 40s can also experience sexual dysfunction and symptoms of ED. When the demand exists, pharmaceutical executives in the United States will not resist the opportunity to continue to rake in more profits, especially in the face of competition and diminished market share from newly available generics. Given how long they've been on the market and how essential they've become to millions of men, Viagra and Cialis should be relatively cheap, or at least significantly cheaper than they are in the U.

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Updated Nov, Get treatment for Erectile Dysfunction online! Understanding name brand vs. Is Viagra more effective than its generic version Sildenafil? How does Sildenafil work? What dosage of Sildenafil is right for me? How fast does it work?

How can Sildenafil improve my sex life? Improved self-esteem Decreased anxiety and depression Greater connection with your partner What's the best way to buy Sildenafil?

Visit your doctor: You can see your doctor to talk about your symptoms. It's best to go to a doctor that you feel comfortable speaking to about your sex life because face-to-face consultations can feel uncomfortable and invasive. Book a quick online consultation: Speak with one of our independent, online physicians. This is a safe, easy, and more comfortable alternative to making a traditional doctor's appointment and then picking up your prescription from the pharmacy.

Have a potentially uncomfortable conversation from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Plus, we ship your prescription straight to you. It's never been easier! What Is Premature Ejaculation? What Are Libido Pills? Tadalafil Cialis Vs. Does Viagra Sildenafil Expire? Is Flomax Like Viagra Sildenafil?

Is 20mg Of Sildenafil Viagra Enough? What Is Tadalafil? Is Tadalafil Covered By Insurance? It was the first oral treatment approved to treat ED in the United States. ED affects as many as 30 million men, according to the Urology Care Foundation. The rate of ED increases with age.

According to research , ED occurs in 40 percent of men ages 40 years or older, and that number increases to almost 70 percent in men 70 and up. Costs for both vary. There are some online subscription services that can lower the overall price. While Viagra may be the most well-known drug to treat ED, there are several others available as well.

Pricing with Roman is always forthright. The service offers free deliveries and no hidden fees. With Hims , you can purchase Viagra and sildenafil on a one-time basis or with a monthly subscription. RexMD offers Viagra and sildenafil with free 2-day shipping. At brick-and-mortar pharmacies, ED drug prices can vary widely depending on location. The website GoodRx allows you to compare prices per pharmacy.

Walmart has some of the most competitive prices among retail stores. This is a nonprofit online pharmacy that provides discounted medications. You can send in a prescription or use the telehealth service the company offers.

Like any medication, there are potential side effects when taking Viagra. ED can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health concern, such as diabetes or sleep apnea.

Getting treatment for an underlying concern may relieve ED symptoms. Side effects of Viagra include:. Additionally, if you take protease inhibitors or have HIV, steer clear of Viagra to avoid complications. Depending on where you purchase the medication, it may be covered.

Telehealth services such as Roman, Hims, or Lemonaid often offer multiple-month subscription services for a discounted price and provide both brand name and generic.