Generic viagra and Pfizer viagra. Before we can understand the differences between real and generic Viagra, we need to clearly understand if there any are the differences between real drugs and generic drugs in general. The first thing that we need to be aware of is the fact that when a pharmaceutical company invents or manufactures a new drug, the company usually files for a patent for the drug, which allows the company to produce the said medication exclusively for a number of years. It is only after this time that other drug companies can then manufacture and market the same drug. These drugs that are made by the other companies are referred to as generic drugs. In actuality, there is no difference between a real or generic drug. The reason for this is because generic drugs are mean to be the exact bioequivalent of a brand drug; there is no difference in its dosage, quality, strength or performance. Even if they do not look alike, generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand drugs and work in the exact same way. The only major disparity between a brand drug and a generic drug is its price difference i.e. generic drugs are much cheaper than brand drugs. The reason for this is because after a drug patent expires, other drug manufacturers are given permission to produce and sell the same drug at reduced rates so as to increase competition. Many people often have the misconception that generic drugs are inferior to brand drugs; however this is not the case. All pharmaceutical companies that are regulated by the FDA go through the same rigorous testing and health standards; therefore it is not possible for a generic drug to be substandard or second rate. People also believe that since brand drugs and generic drugs have different names, they are different. This is not true. A brand drug is simply the original name given to the drug, while a generic drug is usually known by its active chemical ingredient. Always remember that generic drugs are the exact therapeutic equivalent of a brand drug, this means that a generic drug must have the exact same chemical components and effects on the body as the brand or real drug does. Differences between generic Viagra and real Viagra. From the above mentioned we can see that there should be no real difference between generic Viagra and real Viagra except when it comes to the matter of costing. However it is important to note here that generic Viagra is considered illegal by the FDA as the US patent for the drug has yet to expire. With this said one can still find many sites that sell generic viagra, so how is this possible? Well the answer to this is that the generic Viagra is produced in countries like India that do not follow FDA regulations. While the drug companies that manufacture Viagra may do so following proper health standards, they are still not regulated by any governmental agency making their quality some what dubious. Generic Viagra - advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide to purchase the generic version of Viagra, it is important that you know some key facts about this drug and its history. Viagra also known as Sildenafil Citrate, and is popularly regarded as the world's first prescribed treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in men. Marketed and manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Viagra helps men with impotency problems to maintain an erection when they get sexually aroused. It is important to clarify here that you do not get an erection by taking Viagra; Viagra only helps to maintain an erection when a man gets sexually stimulated. So how does Viagra work? Viagra works when a man is sexually stimulated, by helping to fill the male sexual organ with enough blood to maintain and sustain an erection. Viagra helps to maintain a man's erection as long as he is stimulated sexually. However, after sex, the erection goes away. It is also important to remember that Viagra is not for any and everyone; it is only used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men. It is not meant for women. Another important fact about Viagra is that it is not an aphrodisiac; it is a prescribed drug for impotency. If you take nitrate medication most often prescribed for chest pain or angina, do not take Viagra as this drug can cause your blood pressure to decrease to hazardous or fatal levels. It has also been observed that men taking Viagra or other oral erectile dysfunction medication have experienced a sudden decrease in vision in one or both eyes or have experienced vision loss as well. It is necessary to mention here that at the moment it has not been determined whether Viagra or any other ED medication is the cause for the decreased vision or vision loss. However if you experience these symptoms it is important that you stop taking Viagra right away and call your doctor immediately. With Viagra still causing such a stir in the market, it is significant to mention at the moment the FDA has yet to approve the generic version of Viagra, as its patent in the United States has yet to expire. However, in 2000 Pfizer Pharmaceuticals lost its European patent to the drug. What this means is that in the US generic Viagra is illegal. However what that said today many pharmaceuticals all over the world especially in India, are now manufacturing generic Viagra which is not only cheaper than the Pfizer manufactured Viagra, but is also available in the same dosage and quality. The main advantage for anyone buying generic Viagra is mainly its price. This is because generic Viagra is very much cheaper than its original counterpart. But just like every other drug has its disadvantages, so does generic Viagra. The biggest disadvantage of generic Viagra is that it is manufactured and processed in factories that do not share the same standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing that is enforced by the FDA. Since generic Viagra is illegally produced outside the US, there are also higher risks for contamination. This means that if you purchase generic Viagra it may not work or worse can have fatal consequences. Please keep in mind that there is no FDA approved generic Viagra, and if you choose to use this drug you are taking a huge risk. |