Viagra is a well-known medicine with sildenafil as its active component. It is part of a group called PDE5 inhibitors and helps men with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Generic Viagra has the same active ingredient and serves the same purpose. You take Viagra as an oral pill. It improves sexual performance, not desire, and may not be helpful for women with sexual problems.
So the main difference between Viagra and generic Viagra is that the former is a brand-name prescription, and the latter is just another version of the same drug lacking a brand name.
Many people prefer buying these medicines online, but there can be some issues associated with that, which we will address in this blog.
Can generic Viagra be purchased without a prescription?
In most countries, including the US, you can’t buy generic Viagra without a prescription. The UK made it available over the counter in 2017.
You should definitely avoid using any generic alternatives not prescribed by a doctor or from a reliable pharmacy, as they may not be safe (we’ll tell you how to be safe in just a bit).
Get a prescription from a doctor, which can often be done through telehealth. You can receive Viagra or generic versions from approved online pharmacies in the US, but be cautious of counterfeit products.
What are counterfeit drugs, and can generic Viagra be counterfeited online?
Fake medicines, or counterfeit drugs, imitate real medications but may contain harmful or ineffective substances.
Viagra and other ED drugs are some of the most counterfeited out there. Some online sellers provide genuine generic Viagra, but you should ensure it’s prescribed by a doctor and from a trustworthy online pharmacy.
Counterfeit drugs can be found on unsafe websites pretending to be online pharmacies. People may use online pharmacies for convenience, privacy, and cost savings, but some sell dangerous products.
Pfizer, Viagra’s maker, created a website to help people buy legitimate Viagra online.
You must report counterfeit activities to the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
This begs the question:
How do I know which online pharmacy is safe?
By now, you know you have to be careful when selecting an online pharmacy to ensure it’s safe and legitimate.
To check if an online pharmacy is legitimate and licensed, just follow these steps:
- Verify the pharmacy’s license through the state board of pharmacy or certification by organizations like CIPA or NABP.
- Look for red flags, such as a P.O. box address or unusually low prices.
- Use resources like the FDA’s BeSafeRx program to learn about safe online pharmacies and avoid unsafe ones.
- Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for reputable online pharmacy recommendations.
- Always be cautious when buying medications online and use verified sources for safe and effective medications.
Some other important points you shouldn’t miss about buying generic Viagra online.
Searching “Viagra for sale” online can be risky, as fraudulent websites can never be reported enough times. New ones will take the place of those removed soon.
The best way to buy Viagra or its generic is to get a prescription from your doctor or healthcare provider, possibly through a telehealth call. Shipping prescriptions in the U.S. are common and shouldn’t cause issues.
Check your insurance plan for covered drugs. Generic Viagra might be covered and is affordable if you pay the total cash price. Remember, prices can vary.
Pfizer offers a copay card for eligible patients with private insurance, potentially saving 50% on up to 12 prescriptions. Their contact information is easily available online.
Many U.S. insurance companies provide mail-order pharmacy services for regular medication shipments, ensuring your medicine’s safety.
By following these guidelines, you can obtain safe and effective medication without compromising your health or safety.