Generic Viagra® contains sildenafil, the same active ingredient as brand-name Viagra®, which means that it is just as effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as the original ED medication. Generic Viagra® is a PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor, which works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which in turn temporarily relaxes smooth muscle and improves blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Other similar PDE5 inhibitors are Cialis® (tadalafil), Levitra® (vardenafil) and Stendra® (avanafil).

While Viagra® is easily recognizable as the “little blue pill,” the generic for Viagra® comes in many different colors and shapes. Authentic pills may be white or blue, round or diamond, etc.

The cost of a generic for Viagra® tablet varies based on the strength of the dose of sildenafil it contains, but generally costs anywhere from about $4 to $10 per dose, compared to $50 to $70 per dose for brand-name Viagra®. Through Hims, generic for Viagra® costs 95% less than branded Viagra®. Generic for Viagra® is the best way to get the same effect and dosing as Viagra® with the lowest price.

The generic for Viagra® is called sildenafil citrate, which is the active ingredient in Viagra®. This means that the generic form of Viagra® will have the same therapeutic effect, but at a lower cost.

Yes, generic forms of Viagra® are just as safe as Viagra®. Both Viagra® and generic for Viagra® were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ED and millions of men have used Viagra® or the generic for Viagra® to treat their erectile dysfunction. Generic medications do not compromise the safety of a medication. The cost is lower than brand name medication for many reasons, most notably because the brand name medication is no longer legally protected against competition from other manufacturers. Generic for Viagra® may not be safe for men with some pre-existing conditions or who are taking medications that may interact with the drug. If you have (or have ever had) heart problems (such as a heart attack), heart disease, irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, narrowing of the aortic valve, heart failure, heart surgery, pulmonary hypertension including pulmonary arterial hypertension, stroke, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, a deformed penis shape (Peyronie’s Disease), priapism (an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours), sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, retinitis pigmentosa (a rare genetic eye disease), severe vision loss (such as NAION), bleeding problems, stomach ulcers, liver problems or kidney problems (such as kidney dialysis), you may be at higher risk for adverse effects. If you have any of these health conditions, or any other health condition, tell your healthcare provider. Your provider should be aware of all medical conditions, prescription drugs and over-the-counter meds that you are taking.

Multiple companies make generic for Viagra®, including Teva Pharmaceuticals and Greenstone, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.

Take sildenafil (generic for Viagra®) about one hour before sexual activity, as it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to begin working.

If you are currently taking any over-the-counter, recreational or prescription drugs or supplements, tell your healthcare provider. Some medications, like nitroglycerin (nitrates), isosorbide dinitrate, riociguat, ritonavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, alpha blockers and “poppers”, have well-documented drug interactions with sildenafil and could cause serious side effects. If you are currently taking a PDE5 inhibitor, like Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage. There are also some rare, serious side effects of sildenafil, namely an allergic reaction, loss of vision/hearing, or priapism, an erection lasting for more than four hours. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these serious side effects.

You can get the generic for Viagra® through an online or local pharmacy with a prescription from a licensed medical provider. Generic for Viagra® is not available over-the-counter. To get genuine generic for Viagra®, ensure that you are seeing a healthcare provider licensed in your state and have your prescription filled by a qualified pharmacy, one that is licensed in your state and has 3rd-party accreditations like LegitScript.