Generic Sildenafil Citrate

From 2012, Pfizer’s iconic branded Viagra tablets will be available generically, which means they will be sold under different brand names as well as their generic name. The generic name of a medicine is the name of its active ingredient, which in this case is sildenafil citrate 100mg, or 50mg, or 25mg. The tablets will be available in many different shapes and forms and made by many different manufacturers. Below is a general overview of the medicine designed to inform and help you make a guided choice.

BuySildenafil.co.uk works in partnership with MyOnlineDoctor to provide online prescriptions for sildenafil citrate.

What is generic sildenafil citrate?

Sildenafil citrate is a prescription-only medicine which had originally been developed to treat angina. During clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of the drug, patients taking part in clinical tests noted a dramatic improvement of their erectile function and as such further development towards sildenafil as an angina remedy was halted in favour of extensive research to establish the medicine as a treatment against erectile dysfunction. The product was launched by its original manufacturer Pfizer under the trade name Viagra in 1998 and has since proven to be a ground-breaking drug. The iconic blue, diamond-shaped pills have since been prescribed million fold all over the world.

As Viagra patents will expire in 2012, the market is set to open up as the medicine goes generic. It will as such be available both as Viagra sold by Pfizer as well as numerous generic versions sold under new brand names as well as the generic name sildenafil citrate.

Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. It inhibits an enzyme playing a key role in erectile function and as such restores potency in men suffering from erection problems, be they of physical or psychological nature. The tablets are available as sildenafil citrate 100mg, 50mg or even 25mg. The medicine needs to be prescribed by a doctor following an appropriate medical consultation.

Who cannot take generic sildenafil citrate?

Sildenafil citrate is contraindicated in patients suffering from coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disorders and other health conditions where sexual activity is inadvisable. The drug is not compatible with certain other medicines, particularly those containing nitrates which are often used in angina remedies. Recreational users of poppers need to be aware that the amyl-nitrates can lead to a dramatic sudden drop of the blood pressure when combined with generic sildenafil citrate. Full information about contraindications and other usage restrictions and precautions can be found in the patient leaflet in every box.

Sildenafil citrate side effects

The drug has a well-established safety profile and is generally well-tolerated. Nevertheless, you should be aware that, like any other medicine, sildenafil citrate 100mg as well as the other strengths of this impotence treatment might have side effects. They are generally mild and only temporary. The most common ones are congestion, diarrhoea, facial redness, headaches, blurred/bluish vision. A full list of all side effects reported to date can be found in the patient leaflet, be sure to read it carefully prior to taking sildenafil citrate. If you suffer a severe adverse reaction, seek medical advice and help immediately. For further details and information about sildenafil citrate side effects, you may also wish to consult your prescribing doctor or pharmacist.

Branded vs. Generics

What is meant by “generic medicine”?

Generic medications use the same active ingredient as their original branded drug formulation. Using the same chemicals to formulate a generic ensures comparability between the drugs in terms of dosage form, strength, method of administration, quality, efficacy and intended use. Generic drugs are generally given a new name in order to distinguish them from the original branded version or are simply referred to using the name of its active ingredient.

When a generic medicine is produced it must respect a list of criteria, which in the UK are set by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency). The drug needs to be identical or within an acceptable bioequivalent range to its original branded version and all generic medicines must be submitted for approval by the MHRA before they can be produced in the UK.

BuySildenafil.co.uk works in partnership with MyOnlineDoctor to provide online prescriptions for sildenafil citrate.

Why are medicines patent protected?

The drug development process is extremely time-consuming and research and development requires considerable financial investment. Pfizer, for example, spends over $4 billion a year on R&D. Many drugs which are developed and tested never make it to market, so those that do need to be profitable.

Patents are necessary to protect a company’s return on investment and research. The patent on Viagra has thus far served to prevent any company other than Pfizer from producing any bioequivalent drugs and allows the pharmaceutical giant to recoup the costs involved in research and development.

When can you buy a generic drug?

Generic drugs can be produced and bought legally under the following circumstances:

The patent has expired
The generic company has legitimately certified the brand’s patent is invalid, unenforceable or will not be infringed
When the drug in question has never been patent protected
When the drug is produced in a country where a drug is not patented.*

*It is important to be aware that patents expiries can vary from country to country. As long as a patent is in place for your country you may not import generics from abroad.

All generic drugs must meet UK standards of safety, quality and efficacy as set by the MHRA.

The UK patent on Viagra expires in March 2012. Until this date it continues to be illegal to produce and buy a generic version of Viagra.

What is the difference between Pfizer branded Viagra, a “legal” generic and “illegal” generic?

Essentially, until March 2012 Pfizer branded Viagra is the only version of this treatment which can be legally produced in the UK. This means that any generic versions touted on the internet are illegal and likely to be manufactured and sold abroad. In choosing to import an illegal, counterfeit, pirated and patent-infringing generic you could find yourself in trouble with HM Revenue and Customs.

Once the patent on Viagra expires in March 2012 other pharmaceutical companies may apply for permission to produce the medication. If approved they can legally produce a generic version of sildenafil citrate. Companies who produce generic Viagra without approval will do so illegally.

Identifying a “legal” generic from an “illegal” generic will become another challenge to be faced by consumers of Viagra and sildenafil citrate.

What are the benefits of buying branded Viagra?

Branded Viagra has been tested by millions of men and the chances are as a consumer of ED treatments you have already tried this medication. As all Pfizer branded Viagra tablets are made with the same active ingredient and same excipients (inactive ingredients) the efficacy of the medications is consistent. This means that if you already take Viagra you know what to expect from the treatment.

Whilst generics are chemically equivalent and bioequivalent to original brands, they may not necessarily contain the same excipients as the branded original. This means you could notice small differences in the effects of a generic compared to Pfizer Viagra. For example, it may take longer for the treatment to be absorbed and begin working or you may notice different side effects.

People who switch to generic sildenafil citrate, could find themselves switching back to the Pfizer brand.

What are the benefits of buying a generic treatment?

Generics tend to be significantly cheaper than original brands. This is because generic manufacturers invest no money in research and development, so their lower costs can be reflected in a cheaper commercial sale price.

The availability of generic treatments makes it likely that Pfizer will lower the cost of Viagra to reflect increased competition.

How can the quality of a generic medication be guaranteed?

All medications sold in the UK undergo an approval process. This means they must be tested for safety and efficacy. When a generic is released the MHRA must ensure the treatment is chemically and bioequivalent to a previously approved drug.

Have you tried Pfizer branded Viagra or Sildenafil Citrate? Tell us about your experience.