For almost two decades, people seeking medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) were limited to brand-name medications like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil). But not anymore. Now, each of these medications is available as a generic, giving patients equally effective but much cheaper options.
As the second most popular ED drug after Cialis, Viagra received a lot of attention when its first generic version, manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, became available back in December 2017. Teva’s version of sildenafil debuted at an average cash price of around $30 per pill, roughly 50% cheaper than brand-name Viagra. Since then, more manufacturers have brought generic versions of Viagra to market, bringing prices down even further.
You can now purchase a typical prescription of sildenafil (thirty 20 mg pills) at a discount with a GoodRx coupon. Another buying option is to get an online prescription for Cialis (tadalafil) or Viagra (sildenafil) using GoodRx Care.
What’s the difference between Viagra and generic sildenafil?
Essentially, Viagra and its generic are the same medication, because they contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil. At the same doses, they are equally effective. Remember: The FDA rigorously reviews all generics to ensure that they work just like the brand-name medications that preceded them.
If you’ve been taking Viagra and decide to switch to generic sildenafil, you’ll notice that the pill looks a bit different. Viagra comes as a little blue pill; sildenafil comes as a little white pill.
Revatio, a medication approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults, is another brand-name version of sildenafil. Generic Revatio comes in different forms:
- 20 mg tablet
- 10 mg/mL oral liquid (suspension)
- An intravenous injection given by a healthcare provider
Ways to save on Viagra
Below, we discuss four ways you can save on Viagra, whether you have insurance or not.
1. Check your insurance coverage
Insurance companies are more strict about covering brand-name medications than cheaper generics. So, even if your insurance plan didn’t cover Viagra in the past, it may cover the generic now. Your individual copay will depend on your plan, so check with your insurer to find out how much you’re responsible for out of pocket.
If your plan doesn’t cover sildenafil, you can try to appeal. The exact appeal process will depend on your insurance company. You are typically required to work with your healthcare provider to submit a letter explaining why the medication is medically necessary. But you may also need to submit a prior authorization form or go through step therapy before you can get the medication covered.
2. Use a GoodRx coupon
Insurance isn’t your only option to save. If your copay is too high or you don’t have insurance coverage at all, a GoodRx coupon can help. GoodRx may be able to help you save over 95% off the average retail price of generic Viagra at certain pharmacies.
The average retail price of the most common prescription of sildenafil could cost a couple hundred dollars, but you might be able to get that same prescription for as little as $11 with a GoodRx coupon.
To get a GoodRx coupon for generic Viagra, just search for your prescription on goodrx.com or in the GoodRx mobile app. Then, click on “set your location” to find coupons specific to pharmacies in your area. Even if you have insurance, it’s worth it to compare prices.
3. Ask your doctor about a larger prescription
With most things, buying in bulk is cheaper in the long run. And it’s often that way with medications, too.
If you have insurance, your savings will also come in the form of fewer copays, because larger prescriptions mean you’ll need to make fewer trips to the pharmacy.
To get a larger quantity of medication than you were originally prescribed, you’ll likely need to request a new prescription from your provider. You may also need to get approval from your insurance company to cover it.
4. Talk to your provider about alternative medications
Whether or not you have insurance, it’s always smart to ask your healthcare provider about alternatives to the medications you’re prescribed. This will give you an opportunity to learn about the pros and cons of your options and see if you can save with another, similar medication.
Alternatives to Viagra include Cialis and Levitra. All three medications treat ED in similar ways, relaxing the blood vessels supplying the penis so an erection can occur.