Sildenafil and cost

Sildenafil is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Drug details

Here are some details on sildenafil:

• Drug class: phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
• Drug forms: oral tablet, liquid suspension, intravenous (IV) bolus injection
• Brand-name versions: Viagra (for ED) and Revatio (for PAH)

Read on to learn about sildenafil and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

As with all medications, the cost of sildenafil can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, the form your doctor prescribes, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of sildenafil will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug price and sildenafil.

Does the price of sildenafil vary based on strength or what it’s prescribed for?

The price you’ll pay for sildenafil may vary based on the strength and form of the drug your doctor prescribes for you. The price may also depend on which condition is being treated. This is because different strengths are used to treat different conditions.

For the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), sildenafil comes in multiple forms and strengths, as shown in this chart:

If you’d like to learn more about the prices of the different strengths and forms of sildenafil, talk with your pharmacist. They may be able to answer additional questions you have, such as, “What is sildenafil’s price per pill?”

* This form of the drug is given in a hospital when a person can’t take medication by mouth.

Would I save money if I buy sildenafil online?

It isn’t recommended that you buy sildenafil online. This is because the drug may be counterfeit. The sildenafil product could be contaminated or contain the wrong dose. Or, it could contain a drug or substance other than sildenafil. Taking a counterfeit drug could put you at risk for harmful health effects.

For information on making sildenafil more affordable, see the “Ways to reduce long-term drug costs” and “Financial and insurance assistance” sections below.

Sildenafil is a generic drug, which is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Sildenafil is available in two brand-name forms. One is Viagra, which is approved to treat erectile dysfunction. The other brand-name form is Revatio, and it’s approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.

To find out how the cost of Viagra or Revatio compares with the cost of sildenafil, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They may refer to sildenafil by its full chemical name: sildenafil citrate.

If your doctor has prescribed sildenafil and you’re interested in using Viagra or Revatio instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

Below is information on ways to reduce long-term drug costs while taking sildenafil.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of sildenafil. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Sildenafil may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for sildenafil, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

• Medicine Assistance Tool
• NeedyMeds

These sites can provide details on drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and sildenafil, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance on cost issues related to you and sildenafil. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’ll pay for sildenafil.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

• Medicare drug coverage. To learn about Medicare coverage for drugs, explore these articles on Medicare prescription drug plans, drug coupons and Medicare, and the Medicare drug list.
• Save money. Explore this article for tips on how to save money on prescriptions.
• Information on your condition. For more information on erectile dysfunction, see our men’s health hub and our list of men’s health articles. To learn more about pulmonary arterial hypertension, see this article.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.