Generic Viagra

Viagra is a medication for people who suffer from erectile dysfunction. It is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer and is currently protected by a patent, which is due to run out in 2012. Until this date, any form of generic Viagra is illegal and as such will not have undergone the rigorous safety checks required before it is sold to the public. Generic Viagra is a blanket term used to define any product claiming to be a substitute for the branded medication. If you choose to buy generic Viagra you are running the risk of seriously compromising your health.

What makes generic Viagra illegal?

When Pfizer launched in 1998, it protected the medication Viagra, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, with a patent. This meant that no other company could produce or market an erectile dysfunction medication using the ingredient sildenafil citrate. This patent is due to expire in 2012.

Is generic Viagra as effective as branded Viagra?

Though the companies that produce the generic form of Viagra claim that their products are as effective as the genuine brand, the lack of adequate clinical testing means this cannot be proven. Generic Viagra does contain the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, but the dose of medication could differ from one product to another. Other inactive ingredients, such as fillers and dyes, will also vary. This could affect the product’s efficacy because you may take a dose that is too high, risking side effects, or too low, meaning it would not be effective.

An additional concern is that if you buy generic Viagra online without a prescription, you will not have had a consultation with a doctor to establish that the medication will be safe for you. Without this, you may be taking a medication that will not actually work, and could also pose serious health risks to you.

Why is it unsafe to buy generic Viagra online?

If you have seen an advert to buy generic Viagra online, the likelihood is that it is being offered without a prescription. This places your health at risk because you will be purchasing a medication without the approval of a doctor who has assessed your suitability based on your medical history. Generic Viagra may seem like a cheap and easy alternative to the branded medication, but no price cut is worth putting your health at risk.

Generic Viagra is currently unsafe because it will have been manufactured illegally and will not have been clinically tested for safety and efficacy. This means it is not possible to know what health risks are posed by the product. After the patent expires, it will be possible to produce alternatives to Viagra, but they will still have to undergo a number of safety tests and conform to regulations to ensure their safety for the public. They will then be made available on prescription.