Viagra Vs Sildenafil: Which Is More Effective?

If you're considering treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), you may be weighing up brand-name vs generic options: for example, Viagra vs sildenafil. But what makes these two treatments different? Why are they not priced the same? And is one more effective than the other?

Article Summary

• Viagra is the brand name for a medicine known as sildenafil. It has been proven to be effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Pfizer was the original manufacturer for Viagra and was approved for use in the UK in 1998. However, in 2013 the patent ended in the UK. This meant generic manufacturers could start producing their own version.
• Today, both Viagra and generic sildenafil are available for the treatment of ED. There are some differences between the two: for example, Viagra has a distinctive appearance and is more expensive. However, the generic sildenafil sold in the UK is as effective as branded Viagra tablets.

Viagra vs sildenafil: a quick history

For nearly 30 years, people who experience sexual dysfunction have benefitted from Viagra. It was one of the first treatments to be approved to treat erectile dysfunction, and today its name is synonymous with stronger, longer-lasting erections and an improved sexual experience.

The pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer had originally developed Viagra in the late 1980s as a potential treatment for angina (a form of heart disease). During early clinical trials, participants reported improved erections, and further studies showed it was far more effective for treating erectile dysfunction than angina. This led to Viagra being approved for erectile dysfunction in the UK in 1998. [1]

The active ingredient that made this possible? Sildenafil citrate.

Sildenafil citrate is part of a class of medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels to increase blood flow in the penis during sexual stimulation. [2]

In 1998, Viagra was approved for use in both the US and Europe for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. But in 2013, the Pfizer patent on Viagra ended in the UK. [3] This meant manufacturers could start producing their own versions as a generic drug: sildenafil.

The generic drug contains the same active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) as the branded drug (Viagra). In other words, Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, which only Pfizer can use. And that's why today, despite containing the same active ingredient, Viagra and sildenafil are prescribed separately.

Do Viagra and sildenafil look the same?

Pfizer doesn't just hold the rights to the brand-name Viagra: it also has a design patent on the medication's unique blue diamond appearance. So, even today, the 'little blue pill' is still associated with only the branded Pfizer product.

In contrast, the generic product is produced as white tablets. However, the appearance of the product is purely cosmetic and has no medical difference.

Do Viagra and sildenafil cost the same?

You might be wondering about the price difference between brand-name and generic treatments: for example, Viagra vs Manforce tablets.

Because sildenafil is a generic drug, its price is not controlled by a single manufacturer. In fact, several manufacturers produce ED tablets which contain sildenafil citrate. This means the market is very competitive, and has helped drive down the price substantially. Today, sildenafil can be up to 80% cheaper than Viagra.

Viagra, on the other hand, is produced only by Pfizer. This means it can control the price without any competition. And, because Viagra is a well-known brand, the company can charge a premium.

However, as sildenafil becomes more well-known, it is expected that demand for the branded Viagra product will decrease. As a consequence, the price for Viagra may drop.

Do Viagra and Sildenafil cause the same side effects?

Because Viagra and sildenafil contain the same active ingredient (sildenafil citrate), the reported side effects are identical.

A very common side effect of usage is headaches. Common side effects include:

• Facial flushing
• Changes in vision (objects may appear to have a blue tinge)
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion

An uncommon side effect is muscle pain.

None of these symptoms should last more than a few hours. If you experience more serious adverse effects, like sudden loss of vision, chest pains, sudden hearing loss or irritation, a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours (called priapism) or a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis), seek immediate medical attention. Signs of anaphylaxis may include swollen lips, tongue and throat, as well as breathing difficulty.

Although extremely rare, there have been cases where people have experienced severe side effects and reactions, including:

• Heart attack (mainly in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular risk, during and after sexual activity)
• Eye issues such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Symptoms include double vision, reduced sharpness, swelling or seeing halos around lights
• Swelling inside the nose

For more detailed information, always refer to the official patient leaflet. If you have any questions or experience any side effects or adverse reactions not listed, contact your healthcare provider. Reporting side effects helps improve the safety of medications.

Is sildenafil as effective as Viagra?

Viagra has been proven to be a very effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. In one clinical trial, over 90% of patients felt that treatment with Viagra improved their erections. [4]

But what about sildenafil? To receive market approval, a generic medicine must be 'bioequivalent' to the branded product, which ensures that the generic product has the same effectiveness. And sildenafil contains the same medical ingredient and dosage as branded Viagra.

This means you can be confident that the sildenafil sold in the UK is just as effective as the branded Viagra tablets.

So, which ED tablet is the right one for you?

When it comes to Viagra and sildenafil, there is no difference in efficacy. The core active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) is the same. It simply comes down to personal preference. Some people may feel more comfortable taking a brand-name treatment, while others may prefer to choose the more cost-effective generic option.

As with any prescription medication, the first step towards treatment begins in consultation with a clinical expert. They can provide guidance and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. If you prefer remote treatment, online pharmacies such as MedExpress provide online consultations.

But remember that no matter which treatment you choose, neither Viagra nor generic sildenafil are to be taken alongside any other ED tablets. Stick to your prescription and recommended dosage, and contact your healthcare provider if your prescription isn't working for you.

Find out what treatment is suitable for you with MedExpress.

References:

1. Ghofrani HA, Osterloh IH, Grimminger F. Sildenafil: from angina to erectile dysfunction to pulmonary hypertension and beyond. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006 Aug;5(8):689-702. doi: 10.1038/nrd2030. PMID: 16883306; PMCID: PMC7097805.
2. Andersson KE. PDE5 inhibitors - pharmacology and clinical applications 20 years after sildenafil discovery. Br J Pharmacol. 2018 Jul;175(13):2554-2565. doi: 10.1111/bph.14205. Epub 2018 Apr 25. PMID: 29667180; PMCID: PMC6003652.
3. Connelly D. Three decades of Viagra [Internet]. The Pharmaceutical Journal. Available from: https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/infographics/three-decades-of-viagra
4. Steers W, Guay A, Leriche A, Gingell C, Hargreave T, Wright P, et al. Assessment of the efficacy and safety of Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) in men with erectile dysfunction during long-term treatment. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2001 Oct 1;13(5):261–7.