Viagra®, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil, is one of the most popular prescription medications for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).
When Viagra first became available in the late 1990s, prices for Viagra tablets were generally quite high. Prices remained high throughout the 2000s as Pfizer, the company that developed and produced the medication, maintained exclusive rights to Viagra.Â
Today, Viagra is widely available in its generic form as sildenafil at significantly more affordable prices.Â
Below, we’ve explained how Viagra pricing works, as well as the difference in pricing between the brand name version of Viagra and generic sildenafil. We’ve also explained the other costs that go into a pack of Viagra, from a provider’s visit to insurance and more.
The price of Viagra can vary widely based on factors such as your location, insurance status, the medication’s dosage and the pharmacy from which you purchase medication. In general:
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil — a PDE5 inhibitor that works by increasing the flow of blood to your penis.Â
For several decades, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer had exclusive rights to manufacture and sell sildenafil as Viagra. Today, it’s legal for other companies to produce and sell sildenafil with their own brand names and packaging.
Like with other generic medications, generic sildenafil is significantly cheaper than brand name Viagra. For example, we offer sildenafil online from $30 per month, whereas brand name Viagra is available for $425.
Viagra and generic sildenafil both contain the same active ingredient. Once they’re in your body, they work in exactly the same way. The only differences are the company that manufactures the medication, the packaging, the brand name and, of course, the price tag.Â
Viagra is a prescription medication, meaning you’ll need to factor in the cost of seeing a healthcare provider if you don’t already have a prescription.Â
If you have erectile dysfunction and think Viagra or generic sildenafil could be a good option for you, you can talk to a healthcare provider online using our telehealth service. If appropriate, you’ll receive a prescription or Viagra, generic sildenafil or another ED medication.Â
In addition to the cost of seeing a healthcare provider, there are several other factors to keep in mind when comparing Viagra prices:
Some insurance providers may cover Viagra or generic sildenafil. If you have health insurance and want to use Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction, it’s best to contact your insurance provider to find out more about medication coverage.Â
Pricing for Viagra and generic sildenafil at Walgreens, Walmart, CVS and other pharmacies can vary based on a number of factors, including your location, insurance provider, current discount offers and more.Â
If you have a prescription for Viagra and want to fill it at your local pharmacy or a pharmacy chain, it’s best to call the pharmacy for accurate pricing information before you visit.Â
Several other FDA-approved medications are available for treating erectile dysfunction, such as Cialis® (tadalafil), Levitra® (vardenafil) and Stendra® (avanafil). Our guide to the most common ED medications provides more information about how these medications work.Â
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.