Two generic version of Viagra pill now available in market

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Two generic version of Viagra pill now available in market
Two generic version of Viagra pill now available in market

New Delhi : Two generic versions of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra has been now made available for purchase in the market.

One of the new generics is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals, and the other by Greenstone, a subsidiary of Pfizer, the company that manufactures Viagra.

The prices of generic versions of the little blue pill (sildenafil) have been kept less than the earlier brand-name Viagra for most men. More generic versions are likely to hit market in coming days.

Viagra was launched in the market in 1998 as the first drug to treat impotence.Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are two other erectile dysfunction medications. 

Pfizer says the current wholesale cost for a 50 milligram or 100 milligram Viagra is $61.54 a pill. Greenstone will sell the generic version for between $30 and $35 a pill.

"Cost has been a tremendous issue for patients. Many patients have been unable to obtain the medication since insurance companies don't pay for it and out-of-pocket costs are astronomical," said Dr. Aaron Katz, chairman of urology at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, N.Y.

"The hope is that [the introduction of generics] will reduce the cost, and patients will have greater access to Viagra, which has been an important medication for healthy men with erectile dysfunction," he added.

Caution: Viagra must be taken via prescription by the doctor as it has its own side effects like headache, flushing of the face, nausea, lightheadedness, and a temporary bluish-tint to vision.