The Reason Behind Viagra Being So Expensive
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a medication used in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. It aids men in attaining and sustaining erections sufficient for sexual activity.
Since 1998, around 25 million men have been administered it. In common parlance, it is sometimes referred to as “little blue pills for men.”
The prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction increases with age among males globally. The number of men with Erectile Dysfunction would double from 152 million in 1995 to 325 million in 2025, according to 1995 research.
Viagra prices have increased as well. According to research published in the Journal of the AMA (American Medical Association), the price of Viagra increased by 190% from 2012 to 2017, making it the ED drug with the largest price rise in the United States.
How does Viagra work?
Sildenafil Citrate is the primary component of Viagra that is responsible for its effects. It is a medication known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor.
It does this by dilating the walls of the blood vessels in the penis, which in turn helps alleviate ED. Because of this, more blood can travel into the penis, which makes it much simpler to get and maintain an erection. But remember that Viagra is only effective if you are already sexually aroused before taking it.
Following sexual intercourse, the erection ought to diminish on its own after a while.
Other drugs for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) are now accessible as well, such as Tadalafil and Vardenafil, in addition to the blue pills for men.
How is Viagra so unique?
Customer support
Viagra was formerly the sole treatment for Erectile Dysfunction, but that did not last long.
Subsequently, Tadalafil, Cialis, and generic Viagra (Sildenafil) were available as substitutes for Viagra. Despite increased competition, Viagra’s costs continued to increase.
What is happening here?
It’s possible that when individuals understand more about Erectile Dysfunction (ED), they desire additional medications to address the condition.
The prices of all ED medications grew at the same pace over time. According to a report published in 2019, the price of Viagra increased by 190% between 2012 and 2017, while the price of Cialis increased by 187%.
First movers advantage
There are several reasons why Viagra is so costly and distinctive. Still, the fact that it was the first medicine for Erectile Dysfunction is significant. Before 2003, when the FDA authorised Cialis, Viagra had little competition. Therefore, costs remained high.
In addition, drugs such as blue pills for men are costly since it takes years of development and testing before they can be introduced to the public. Viagra was the first therapy for Erectile Dysfunction, and the drug company’s substantial investment in its development explains why it is so expensive.
Creating trust with Brand Name
It is common for people to believe that greater prices indicate better value.
People believe that because Viagra costs significantly more than Sildenafil, it must contain something additional that makes it worthwhile to pay for the greater price. In point of fact, Viagra and Sildenafil are the same medication under different names.
Let’s be straightforward about it: medications aren’t always effective. People tend to attempt alternative medicines when a branded drug doesn’t work for them because they believe the drug itself doesn’t work.
People tend to believe that a generic drug is deficient in some way when it fails to function for them, so they switch to a brand-name medication instead.
Why you should not choose Viagra
Since Pfizer’s patent on Viagra expired in 2012, various firms and brands have begun manufacturing and selling Viagra at substantially lower prices.
Sildenafil is an alternative name for these similar medications to Viagra. Viagra is a brand-name medicine manufactured by Pfizer, and Sildenafil is the generic name for Viagra’s active component.
Viagra and Sildenafil have no chemical differences; both are PDE-5 inhibitors. Both of these medications include Sildenafil as their active component.
Alternatives are another reason not to spend your hard-earned money on blue pills for men.
Yes, there are more options accessible on the market. We already discussed the introduction of Cialis or Tadalafil to the market in 2003.
Unlike Viagra and the other PDE5 inhibitors, Cialis is licenced to treat an enlarged prostate, making it a more effective medication.
Both Viagra and Cialis can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity. Conversely, Cialis is distinguished by its ability to remain in the body for an extended period. The drug’s effects may not manifest for up to 36 hours after consumption.
Conclusion
The reality of the situation is that Sildenafil is a perfectly adequate replacement for Viagra! The medicine is just as effective as the standard blue pill for males, even though it sells for a far lower price and has identical components. You may expect the same beneficial impacts on your health from Sildenafil as you would with Viagra.
If Viagra has been providing satisfactory results but is out of your price range, you may want to give Sildenafil a shot instead. Before making any adjustments to your health, it is in your best interest to consult with a medical professional.