viagra is one of the best known erectile dysfunction drugs; however, there are potentially serious side effects that should be known about before starting this medication.
In this article, we cover the cost of viagra, the best time to take it, how long it takes to work, and side effects to be aware of.
Reading: How much is viagra with insurance
what is viagra?
viagra is a popular drug used for erectile dysfunction (ed), or to be more direct, impotence. When someone has erectile dysfunction, it means they can’t get an erection or keep it (that is, it will go away) during sexual activity.
Erectile dysfunction is usually due to a combination of physical and psychological health problems that affect the brain, hormones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
Some of the more common causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- stress
- relationship problems
- anxiety
- depression
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- hypogonadism (i.e. low testosterone levels)
- headache
- diarrhea
- nausea
- upset stomach
- nosebleed
- rhinitis
- nasal congestion
- skin redness
- skin redness
- blurred vision
- skin rash
- cardiovascular events such as chest pain (ie, angina), heart attack, and arrhythmias (ie, irregular heartbeat)
- severe bleeding (hemorrhage) in the brain, lungs, or eyes
- vision loss
- hearing loss
- painful or prolonged erections (i.e., priapism)
- seizures
- low blood pressure
- low blood cell counts
- serious allergic reactions
- priapism (prolonged erection)
viagra works by relaxing blood vessels so that more blood can flow to your penis when you are aroused, thus creating an erection for sexual intercourse.
viagra belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (pde5) inhibitors, which work as vasodilators and cause the blood vessels to relax.
viagra versus sildenafil
viagra is a brand name drug invented and marketed by pfizer. sildenafil, or sildenafil citrate, on the other hand, is the generic name of the ingredient in viagra that is responsible for the positive effects in treating erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in both drugs, also belongs to the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).
As a pde5 inhibitor, sildenafil works by relaxing muscle tissue within the walls of blood vessels, which improves blood flow to many parts of the body.
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There are three versions of sildenafil: viagra (brand name), sildenafil (generic), and revatio (the version used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension [pah]).
While the first two options come in three strengths (25mg, 50mg, and 100mg, respectively), Revatio comes in 20mg increments. furthermore, revatio can sometimes be even cheaper than sildenafil.
viagra and sildenafil help treat erectile dysfunction in the same way. it also means they have the same potential side effects, such as low blood pressure, nasal congestion, indigestion, headaches, facial flushing, back pain, and sudden hearing or vision loss.
viagra became the first oral pill in 1998 when it was approved by the fda as the first ped5 inhibitor to treat erectile dysfunction. sildenafil was approved in March 2016 and launched in December 2017.
the cost of viagra
The choice between these medications comes down primarily to cost, is a question for you and your insurance provider, and depends on your budget.
A healthcare professional can help you determine which dose of either medication is right for you.
cost of viagra vs sildenafil
viagra risks and side effects
Viagra has been available for several years and is still considered one of the safest erectile dysfunction drugs on the market. but like any medicine, it can cause side effects in some people.
Some common viagra side effects include:
the most serious side effects of viagra include:
Viagra and similar medications may not be suitable for everyone. In addition to side effects, Viagra can cause problems in people with pre-existing conditions.
Other potential problems include potential abuse or overdose. It is always recommended that you speak with your health care provider before taking viagra.
is viagra covered by insurance?
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As with any drug, treatment, or diagnostic test, each health insurance plan has different policies about what it covers. Viagra, in its brand name form, is not covered by the insurance plans of most insurance companies.
however, many medicare coverage options and health plans offer insurance coverage under their prescription drug coverage.
It is always recommended that you speak with a representative from your insurance company to see what your plan covers and to find out how much the medication would cost.
how to save money with viagra
There are many ways to save money on your viagra prescription. some of these are listed here:
Check insurance coverage. Insurance companies often cover much of the cost of prescription drugs. If you’re lucky enough to have prescription drug coverage, you should check with your provider to see how much Viagra will cover.
patient assistance program. There may be a program that your provider is a member of that offers free or discounted medications to those who qualify. These patient assistance programs are largely funded by pharmaceutical companies and can make medications much more affordable for you. ask your provider if one is available for you, as the application process is usually very simple.
check. not all pharmacies sell viagra at the same price. people who buy viagra should always check with different pharmacies to find the best price. You should also check online stores, as many of them sell viagra at a cheaper price than physical stores.
buy generic. in some cases, buying sildenafil (the generic of viagra) is cheaper than viagra.
look for coupons. check with your local supplier to see if there are any coupons or special offers on viagra. Although this may not save you a lot of money, even a small discount can help you pay for the medicine you need.
Ask about alternative medications. You may ask your doctor if there are any alternative medications you can take that will work for you in the same way as Viagra.
how health can help
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