Why Is Viagra So Expensive? What You Need to Know

Author Scott

Posted on May 9, 2022

Scott is passionate about health and wellness, and enjoys writing on various topic surrounding these fields. Scott lives in Seattle and spends his free time restoring old furniture and playing pickleball with his friends.

Did you know that over one-quarter of men under 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction? While your risk for erectile dysfunction increases with age, it is a common sexual disorder that can occur at any time.

If you've been dealing with difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection, you may have been looking into prices for that little blue pill. Have you wondered why is Viagra so expensive?

Viagra medications are costly in the United States, but what if we told you there are ways to save money and get medications delivered right to your doorstep? Luckily, we have put together a complete guide on what Viagra is, how much it costs, and if it is worth the hefty price tag, so keep reading for more information!

What Is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand-name prescription medication that helps treat erectile dysfunction. It contains the active drug ingredient sildenafil, the generic version of this medication.

Viagra medication is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which many erectile dysfunction medications fall under. It helps promote improved blood flow to the penis, which in return, assists with getting and maintaining an erection.

Viagra does not work independently. Men will need physical arousal for an erection to still happen on Viagra.

How Does Viagra Work?

Most experts suggest that men take Viagra thirty minutes to four hours before sexual intercourse. There are three main dosages available:

25 mg
50 mg
100 mg

Viagra works by mimicking your body's cGMP, which is a vasodilator. When sildenafil binds to cGMP sites, it prevents enzymes from breaking it down and promotes improved blood flow. Sildenafil also helps with smooth muscle relaxation, specifically in the corpus cavernosum.

Viagra is sometimes prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Off-label uses may include secondary Raynaud phenomenon and female sexual arousal disorder.

How Long Does Viagra Treatment Last?

Viagra medication typically works between 30 and 60 minutes at a minimum. In most instances, it remains in the system for five hours.

During a four-hour span, you are more likely to achieve an erection. However, you should not combine Viagra with other PDE5 inhibitor medication if you don't notice results immediately.

Combining other erectile dysfunction medications can result in a condition called priapism. Priapism is a painful erection that can last longer than four hours. This is an emergency that can result in permanent erectile dysfunction if not treated by medical professionals immediately.

Viagra Side Effects

Like other prescription medications, Viagra has some side effects that you should keep an eye out for. One of those side effects can be priapism. Other mild side effects may include:

Headache
Indigestion
Vision changes
Muscle pains
Nausea
Dizziness
Rash

Allergic reactions may also occur, including hives, rash, or flushed skin.

Who Can Take Viagra?

Most experts recommend that Viagra should not be taken along with nitrates. Most patients who fall under this classification have a cardiovascular disease diagnosis since nitrates can treat angina or high blood pressure.

Viagra may interact with other alpha-blockers or high blood pressure medication. However, for most males over 18, Viagra can be safe for use.

Consult your doctor beforehand since dosages can vary based on age and other erectile dysfunction factors. Your doctor may ask you how long you've dealt with erectile dysfunction symptoms and other comorbidities.

For example, physicians may start a patient under the age of 65 on 50 mg dosages. Patients over 65 will typically start on a 25 mg dosage.

Why Is Viagra So Expensive?

Brand name Viagra can cost $50 or more per pill. Without insurance, the cost is often higher. One reason why it's an expensive medication is it is a brand-name drug.

Brand prescription medications typically cost more because of patents. These patents can last decades, and without solidified price caps, they can create exorbitant costs.

How To Find Viagra for Cheap

The United States has plenty of examples of expensive medication, but you can reduce prices by shopping through an online Canadian pharmacy. PricePro Pharmacy has sildenafil prices for as low as $1.25 per unit. Viagra costs are as low as $6.13 per unit.

Viagra vs. Cialis Cost

Cialis is another PDE5 inhibitor that works similarly to Viagra. Both medications take around 30 minutes before working, but Cialis can remain in your system for up to 18 hours.

Since they are similar medications, it may be up to you and your doctor on which one is right for you. The brand version of Cialis can cost as much as Viagra per tablet.

At PricePro Pharmacy, its generic counterpart, tadalafil, costs less than $1 per unit, saving you hundreds of dollars each year on costly prescriptions. Two and a half mg Cialis costs under $5 per unit in some instances.

Is Viagra Worth the Cost?

Many patients wonder if it is worth it to buy Viagra. Ultimately, this prescription will require a medical professional to write a script. In studies, researchers found that higher dosages of sildenafil, including 50 mg and 100 mg dosages, were more effective at reducing erectile dysfunction symptoms.

However, 100 mg of sildenafil had more side effects and dropout rates. The researchers concluded that patients with difficult-to-treat erectile dysfunction could benefit from PDE5 inhibitors. Side effects were low, and it was deemed safe for most patients.

Purchase Viagra Today

You can find a cost-friendly Viagra prescription through online Canadian pharmacies. Have you wondered why is Viagra so expensive? In the United States, prescription medication (even with insurance) can create a dent in your wallet, leading to missed prescription refills.

Your sexual intimacy shouldn't have to suffer from high Viagra costs. Instead, check out PricePro Pharmacy for affordable, quality medications, such as Viagra. Find erectile dysfunction medication on our website today!