Many men today experience erectile dysfunction (ED) for a variety of reasons. There are several treatments available to help manage this. We have all heard of brand names like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. But there are now also generic versions of these drugs.
When a new medication is created, it is patented, meaning only the company that created it can make it. Once a patent expires, usually after roughly twenty years, other pharmaceutical companies can produce the drug, and this leads to more competitive pricing.
So, instead of Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, you can have Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil; the same medication, using the same active ingredients, but at more affordable prices. Buying generic erectile dysfunction drugs also means that there is less chance of a shortage, as several different companies are producing the medication making more options available.
In this post, we will look at these affordable ED medication options, comparing how they work, what they are best suited for, and how you can get access to them.
Differences Between Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil
Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil all belong to the same family of medications, phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. PDE-5 is an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict, creating higher blood pressure to speed up blood flow. The active ingredient in these medications prevents this enzyme from working too quickly. This relaxes the blood vessels around the body, increasing blood flow to the penis.
In turn, this makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
Sildenafil – the generic form of Viagra. Normally takes 30 to 60 minutes to take effect. It can be taken up to 4 hours before sexual activities. The usual dose is 50mg but can be between 25mg and 100mg. It is best taken on an empty stomach; food can slow down any effect.
Tadalafil – generic Cialis. This comes in two different forms, one that is taken as needed and one that is taken daily. Tadalafil works for up to 36 hours and usually takes effect in 30 to 60 minutes. It is not affected by food. The usual dose for the as required preparation is 10mg but can be increased to 20mg if necessary. The daily preparation is recommended for men who have sex more than twice per week. This version takes effect after 5 days. The dose is 2.5mg but can be increased up to 5mg. This preparation is more likely to cause side effects as it is always present in the body in a steady state.
Vardenafil – generic Levitra. This can be taken with or without food. It usually takes 60 minutes to take effect. It is normally given in doses of 5-10mg and can be increased up to 20mg if needed. It lasts for up to 5 hours. This is the ED medication used for men with diabetes.
It is important to note that these drugs require sexual arousal to work. Take care if using them with alcohol, as this may impact your ability to get an erection. For all of these medications, you should not take more than 1 pill in a 24 hour period.
All of these ED drugs are taken as oral medications. Other options do exist, such as chewable forms (not licenced in the UK) and topical creams.
Choosing the Right Medication
Different treatment options suit different people. You can discuss with your doctor what would be the best ED medication for you. You should consider how long each takes to have an effect, how long they last, and your lifestyle.
This can be discussed with a healthcare professional who can advise what might suit you best.
Sildenafil vs Tadalafil vs Vardenafil Summary
| Sildenafil | Tadalafil | Tadalafil daily | Vardenafil | |
| Dose | 50mg (25mg-100mg) | 10mg (up to 20mg) | 2.5mg-5mg | 5mg-10mg (up to 20mg) |
| Time to take effect | 60 minutes | 30 minutes | 5 days for maximum effect | 60 minutes |
| Duration of action | 4 hours | 36 hours | As long as you keep taking | 5 hours |
| Unique aspects | Action can be slowed by food | Acts fast and lasts longer | Best if you have sex more than twice a week | Best for those who have diabetes |
You can discuss this with your doctor and consider any underlying health conditions and other medication that you may be taking. If one of these medicines doesn’t suit you, tell your doctor and discuss trying one of the other drugs discussed here.
Men with cardiac conditions (such as heart disease) will often be told not to use any of these medications. Eroxon Gel may be a suitable alternative; as a topical cream that does not use a medically active ingredient, it may be more suitable. However, many men with these conditions will be told to avoid having sex at all, due to the strain it places on their hearts.
Where to Buy ED Treatments
Medication for treating ED can be prescribed by your doctor, a private prescription from your doctor, or purchased from an online pharmacy. Here at Simple, we have a number of ED pills available, including the three we have discussed in this article, as well as others.
While the treatments above are prescription medications, there are over the counter versions of some of them available; Viagra Connect and Cialis Together are low doses of sildenafil and tadalafil respectively, which can be given without a prescription after a short questionnaire.
If buying online, it is important that you use a reputable online pharmacy. Check that it is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC); and that the online doctor is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Side Effects and Precautions
All three have similar side effect profiles and precautions as they are from the same family. The most common side effects occur in 1 in 100 people:
· Flushing
· Headache
· Drop in blood pressure
· Indigestion
· Blocked nose
Serious side effects occur in less than 1 in 1000 people and should prompt a visit to A+E:
· Sudden decrease or loss of vision
· Seizure
· Painful or prolonged erection (more than 2 hours)
· Raised, itchy, swollen rash that may be blistering or peeling
There is no evidence to indicate that these medications have any effect on fertility. They do not have any effect on women with sexual problems. They do not have any effect on contraception of any kind.
As with any medication, it is important to inform your doctor of any other medication that you are taking. This includes anything over the counter, any herbal remedies, and any recreational drugs as they may interact.
These drugs are not suitable if you take drugs known as nitrates (which are used to treat angina and other heart conditions), have low blood pressure, blood disorders (including sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, and leukaemia), have a curvature of the penis, eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, stomach ulcers, or haemophilia.
Conclusion
There are benefits to choosing a generic version of a drug over a brand name. Off-patent generic drugs are more affordable and more readily available. It is always useful to discuss options with a healthcare professional who can advise on the correct medication for you, considering your medical history and any other medications you may be taking.
Erectile dysfunction can be difficult to talk about, but it is easy to treat. Healthcare professionals are not embarrassed talking about this so you shouldn’t be either. So, get out there and get treated!
