Sildenafil is oftentimes known by popular brand names, such as Viagra and Revatio. It's a prescription medication that treats erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a fairly common condition in a man where the penis will not remain erect, or an individual cannot maintain an erection. The typical cost for Viagra is between $150 and $205.
If you’re paying too much for prescription medications, you should try MiraRX. As part of your Mira membership, you can get up to 80% discounts on some of the most popular prescriptions while also getting access to urgent care services and lab testing. Sign up today and see how much you could save with the medication you need.
The Cost of Viagra Without Insurance
Viagra costs between $150 - $205, out-of-pocket. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra and can be accessed at a lower price point, between $57 - $133.
Usually, the generic version is just as effective when compared to the brand name version. However, you should check this with your healthcare provider. Below is a breakdown of how much 2 Viagra tablets of 100 milligrams each cost at the major chain pharmacies:
The Cost of Viagra at Major Pharmacies
| Pharmacy | Viagra Retail Price | Sildenafil Retail Price |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | $161.14 | $89.58 |
| Walmart | $181.03 | $56.83 |
| Walgreens | $176.86 | $92.42 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $207.88 | $132.90 |
| Albertsons Pharmacy | $172.43 | $30.19 |
Other Generic Versions of Viagra
Revatio has the same main ingredient as Viagra, which is Sildenafil. However, they are both used in different ways. Revatio and Viagra are part of the same family of drugs. Other drugs in this category include Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil). These prescriptions work by increasing a substance known as cGMP in the blood. This causes blood vessels to dilate, which results in different effects depending on the dose of the drug.
Revatio and Viagra are not the same, and their biggest difference is how they are marketed and the dosages prescribed. Revatio is used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), while Viagra treats erectile dysfunction (ED). Revatio contains a smaller dose of sildenafil when compared to Viagra. One tablet of Revatio contains 20mg of sildenafil, approximately one-fifth of the amount in the strongest Viagra tablet.
Viagra Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nicole Prause, Ph.D. is an American neuroscientist researching human sexual behavior, addiction, and the physiology of sexual response. She is also the founder of Liberos LLC, an independent research institute. Dr. Prause contributed to this section of the article.
What is Viagra & how does it work?
According to Dr. Prause, “Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, belongs to a class of drugs that inhibit the action of Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). PDE-5 normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscle in the penis to cause an erection. This means that Viagra, and drugs like it, do not "give" you an erection. They only work to prevent the inhibition of erection. Put another way; Viagra will not work if you are not sexually aroused by something in the first place. This is the most common misperception of how PDE-5 inhibitors work.”
How long does Viagra last?
Viagra typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours before its effects start to diminish.
What’s the difference between Viagra and Sildenafil?
Although the price point differs significantly, Sildenafil is no different than Viagra in terms of effectiveness. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. The major difference between the two is the color and price of the pill. Viagra is a “little blue pill,” while Sildenafil is a “little white pill.”
What is a typical dose of Viagra?
Brand name Viagra is available in three dosages:
- 25mg
- 50mg
- 100mg
Sildenafil can also be prescribed off-label as the generic of Revatio in doses of
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
- 60 mg
- 80 mg
- 100 mg
Viagra in 50 mg is the most common starting dose. 100 mg is the maximum dose available. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose that’s best for you. The dosage prescribed often depends on:
- How old you are
- Your overall and cardiovascular health
- Other medical conditions you have
- How you may react to the first dose
- How often you will use the medication
Is Viagra available over-the-counter?
“PDE-5 inhibitors, including Viagra, are exceedingly easy to access. No tests are used. Simply the person's belief that they should be responding more sexually than they are is often sufficient because very few physicians are trained to evaluate criteria for actual erectile dysfunction. Of those trained to evaluate erectile dysfunction, the diagnosis relies most heavily on the patient's dissatisfaction with their own erections. Further, online start-up companies exist to facilitate cheap prescriptions for PDE-5 inhibitors, making them a fairly easy pharmaceutical to access,” says Dr. Prause.
How can I access Viagra?
Many websites may be offering Viagra over-the-counter, but it is not advised to purchase them. Due to its popularity, formulary, cost, and the stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction, Viagra is one of the most frequently counterfeited drugs globally. If you wish to access Viagra or Sildenafil, you should contact your healthcare provider.
What are the side effects of Viagra?
Some side effects of Viagra include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flushing or stomach upset
- Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or trouble telling blue and green colors apart
If you are concerned about side effects, please be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.
Accessing Viagra at a Lower Cost
While accessing Viagra could be costly without insurance, there are ways to get the medication at a lower price point:
Ask about generic prescriptions: As previously mentioned, Sildenafil is the generic name for Viagra. Sildenafil is significantly less expensive when compared to the cost for Viagra. You can ask your healthcare provider if you can be prescribed Sildenafil instead of Viagra to save money on your prescription.
Ask your healthcare provider about buying prescriptions in bulk: Sometimes, buying your prescriptions in larger quantities can help save on costs. To do this, ask your pharmacy and healthcare provider if it’s a good option.
Discuss alternative medications: Viagra and Sildenafil aren’t the only medications that treat ED. Alternatives include Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), which have generic medications available. All three drugs treat ED similarly, relaxing the blood vessels supplying the penis so an erection can occur.
Use MiraRx: Mira offers up to 80% off Viagra and Sildenafil, along with other medications that treat ED. You can check the cost using the MiraRx prescription portal.
Bottom Line
While finding the right prescription at the best cost can be overwhelming, many options help pay for Viagra, Sildenafil, or other medications that treat ED. One is a membership with Mira. For just $45 per month, members get access to up to 80% off prescriptions, low-cost urgent care visits, and affordable lab testing. Get covered and start saving today.