Viagra vs. Sildenafil: What’s the Difference?
Discover the key differences between Viagra and Sildenafil, including effectiveness, cost, and convenience.
Key takeaways:
- BlueChew’s compounded SIL contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which is the active ingredient found in the brand name medication Viagra.
- Compounded medications are specially made by licensed pharmacies to address the specific needs of individual patients, but they do not have FDA approval.
- The biggest difference between these two medications is the cost and formulation, with SIL being much less expensive and in a chewable format.
- BlueChew offers SIL in a chewable format, making it easy for patients with difficulty swallowing pills or a busy lifestyle to take on the go.
If you’ve been on the hunt for an erection-enhancing medication, chances are you’ve come across Viagra—the iconic “little blue pill” that took the world by storm over 30 years ago. You might have noticed that many erectile dysfunction companies and websites toss around the terms Viagra and sildenafil like they’re interchangeable.
So what’s the difference? Well, the truth is – not much.
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. Other than its size, shape, and (most importantly) price tag, there isn’t much difference.
Below, we’ll tackle the common misconceptions about compounded medications, putting your mind at ease that choosing a medication like SIL chewables from BlueChew is an effective alternative.
History of Viagra and Sildenafil
Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, was the first phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction, receiving US Food and Drug Administration approval in March 1998.
Interestingly, it was discovered by accident.
Pfizer initially aimed to create a cardiovascular drug to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). During phase I clinical trials, researchers noticed something surprising: The drug didn’t do much for chest pain or hypertension but worked wonders for erectile function.
Since its approval, Viagra (sildenafil) has revolutionized the world of erectile dysfunction treatment and turned an issue once deemed as psychological or an inevitable part of aging into a treatable common condition.
The best news? The patent for Viagra (which gave Pfizer the sole rights to manufacture the drug) expired in 2020, allowing other pharmaceutical companies to begin producing the drug in generic and compounded formulations, using the active ingredient (sildenafil).
With the start of manufacturing generic and compounded sildenafil, finding erectile dysfunction treatments became much more cost-effective and accessible to more patients, no matter their budget or insurance coverage.
Viagra vs. Sildenafil
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in branded Viagra.
You can think of active ingredients as the chemical compounds that give medications their effects. Because both Viagra and SIL contain the active ingredient sildenafil, it means they work the same way, boasting very similar erection-enhancing properties.
One way to understand the difference between these two medications is to compare buying a Rolex watch at full price versus during a Black Friday sale. Purchasing Viagra is like buying the Rolex at full price—you’re paying a premium for a premium product and its recognition. On the other hand, buying SIL is like snagging that same watch at a Black Friday discount—the same high-quality item at a much lower price.
In essence, Viagra and SIL are the same high-end, effective product, but are at drastically different price points.
Brand-name medications like Viagra can charge more for their product due to their patent and the company’s recognition, even though it contains the active ingredient sildenafil, also found in SIL.
What are Compounded Medications?
Compounded medications are custom-made by licensed compounding pharmacies to meet specific patient needs or when commercially available drugs are not tolerated. Licensed medical providers prescribe them.
Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, which means that the FDA does not check their safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are sold.
Is Sildenafil the Same as Viagra?
All-in-all, yes. SIL contains sildenafil. Viagra tablets also contain the active ingredient sildenafil.
We will discuss a few differences below, but it’s important to remember that none affect how the medication works.
Cost
As we’ve mentioned, the main difference between SIL and Viagra comes down to one thing: your wallet.
Ready for some eye-opening cost comparisons?
The average cost of a single Viagra tablet is a staggering $91. If you order a month’s supply, you’ll be spending $2,730 – a jaw-dropping $32,760 yearly.
Compare this to BlueChew SIL chews, which cost approximately $2.60 per pill and total a mere $90 for a 34-pack. With BlueChew, you’re getting four more doses of the active ingredient sildenafil per month for 30 times less than Viagra.
Choosing SIL poses some seriously significant financial perks while still giving you the ability to enjoy the same life-changing erection-enhancing effects you’re after.
Appearance
Brand-name drugs like Viagra come with a patent that covers both the ingredients and the unique look of the medication.
Viagra, made by Pfizer, became famous for its distinctive appearance and even earned the nickname “the little blue pill.” It’s a blue, diamond-shaped tablet with “Pfizer” imprinted on it.
Now that Pfizer’s patent has expired, other pharmaceutical companies have jumped into the game, producing generic and compounded versions of Viagra that can look similar to the original. This is mainly to help patients easily identify their medication by its signature blue color.
BlueChew SIL chewables are small, round, blue chewable tablets with “BC” imprinted on them.
While the appearances might differ, you can rest assured that the erection-enhancing effects remain the same, no matter the shape, color, or size.
Formulation
The formulation of a medication involves combining the active ingredient with various components to produce the final product. In the case of SIL and Viagra, this process differs.
Viagra is only available as a tablet that you have to swallow whole. This can be a real hassle for some patients—especially those with medical conditions that make swallowing difficult. Research shows that up to 40% of individuals struggle with swallowing pills, which might make taking brand-name Viagra a no-go.
Fortunately, BlueChew’s SIL is compounded into a chewable tablet for this reason. Forget the hassle of swallowing pills and the need for water—chewable SIL can be taken anywhere and anytime, perfect for patients with difficulty swallowing pills or busy lifestyles looking for convenience.
How Do They Work?
Viagra and SIL work in exactly the same way.
They both belong to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i). These medications work by blocking the effects of an important enzyme responsible for dilating blood vessels, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).
As PDE5 is inhibited, it prevents the breakdown of chemical messengers in the body that dilate blood vessels. This increased dilation of vessels leads to increased blood flow throughout the body, particularly to the penis, where PDE5 concentrations are high.
Other areas of the body also have high concentrations of PDE5, such as the lungs, brain, heart tissue, and urinary tract. This is why the active ingredient sildenafil has also been FDA-approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (under the brand name Revatio).
Doctors may sometimes prescribe the medication off-label (for uses without FDA approval) due to research supporting its potential health benefits for individuals with Raynaud’s phenomenon and altitude sickness.
There is also encouraging research supporting its use in the treatment of premature ejaculation, especially when combined with antidepressants like SSRIs.
Sildenafil vs. Viagra Dosage
Viagra has several strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
The SIL chewables from BlueChew come in two custom strengths: 30 mg or 45 mg tablets.
If you are switching from Viagra to SIL and aren’t sure what dose you need, reach out to a healthcare professional at BlueChew who can guide you through this process. We offer 24/7 customer support and access to our team of medical professionals for members who can answer any questions about choosing the best dose.
Side Effects of SIL vs. Viagra
Since Viagra and SIL both contain sildenafil, the potential side effects are identical. Common side effects to look out for include:
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Heartburn
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
These side effects are typically mild and subside with continued use.
In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur. This includes:
- Changes in vision or hearing.
- Prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
SIL and Viagra can interact with certain medications, particularly those aimed at treating high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). Common drug interactions to be aware of include:
- Nitrates (amyl nitrate, nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate)
- Alpha blockers (alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, and silodosin)
- HIV medications (ritonavir)
- Certain antifungals (itraconazole and ketoconazole)
- Certain antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin)
Taking SIL with these medications could cause life-threatening side effects. Before starting a sildenafil it is crucial to discuss your current medications with your doctor to avoid the potential for unsafe reactions.
Final Thoughts
What it boils down to is SIL and Viagra both contain sildenafil as the active ingredient, with two main differences: price and convenience.
Both medications provide identical benefits, but SIL stands out due to its cost-effectiveness and convenient chewable form.
With the ability to take it anytime, anywhere, chewable SIL from BlueChew makes it easier for patients to access the enhancement they desire right before sexual activity—no pills to swallow and no hefty price tag to worry about.
You can rest easy knowing that with Sildenafil, you’re enjoying all the perks of Viagra in a form and at a price that seamlessly fits your lifestyle.
How To Get Sildenafil Through BlueChew
Ready to boost your bedroom performance without breaking the bank? BlueChew has got you covered.
BlueChew makes it easy. Select a plan, complete an online intake, and you’re done. A medical provider will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe your plan, which will be shipped directly to your door.
No doctor appointments or patient support charges make it a stress-free experience.
With plans starting as low as $25 per month, BlueChew can fit into anyone’s budget. Plus, there’s no commitment—you can easily cancel or switch plans anytime. Click here to explore all plan options for treatments at BlueChew.
FAQS
Does SIL work the same way as the brand name?
Yes. Both of these medications contain sildenafil. This active ingredient works by inhibiting an essential enzyme in the body known as phosphodiesterase 5. When this enzyme is blocked, it causes a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) build-up, which increases the levels of an important chemical mediator that dilates blood vessels (nitric oxide). As these levels rise, blood flow is increased to the penis. When you experience sexual stimulation, you’ll experience harder and longer-lasting erections.
What are compounded medications?
Compounded drugs are customized medications made by a pharmacist or physician to meet a patient’s specific needs when an FDA-approved drug is inappropriate or unavailable. They could involve altering the dosage, removing allergens, or changing the form (like turning a pill into a chewable). Unlike brand-name medications, compounded drugs aren’t FDA-approved, meaning their safety and effectiveness aren’t evaluated the same way as commercial drugs. They’re typically prescribed when no commercially available option works for a patient’s unique medical needs.
What are the potential side effects of sildenafil?
Common side effects include headaches, flushing, heartburn, nasal congestion, back pain, muscle pain, nausea, and dizziness. Rare but serious adverse events include sudden changes in hearing or vision, irregular heartbeat, allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and prolonged erections lasting more than 4 hours. If you experience these side effects, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Sildenafil may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions such as heart disease (or a recent heart attack), sickle cell anemia, retinitis pigmentosa, leukemia, or multiple myeloma.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
References
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- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA Glossary of Terms. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published 2023. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drugsfda-glossary-terms#active_ingredient
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