“Right now, your medicine is out of stock, but we have something else! The same, but cheaper.” You have probably heard it at least once from a smiling employee of the drugstore. Actually, they talk of generics, or equivalent drugs. In this article, you will find answers to the 4 most important questions about generic Viagra and other analogues of popular medications. Hope it will help you make the right choice.
#1 of the questions: What are generics?
Any medicine does not work on its own, but thanks to the active substance. It has the right effect on the body: fights viruses and germs, reduces pressure, strengthens the immune system, or, in case of Viagra, helps fight erectile dysfunction.
Most often, we call drugs, containing an innovative main substance protected by a patent, original. In 20 years, patent protection ends, and any pharmaceutical company can produce medicines with the same active ingredient. Thus, generic drugs with the same action, but another name appear on the market.
#2 of the questions on generic Viagra: Why generics are so cheap?
The answer to this question about generic Viagra and equivalents of other popular medicines seems obvious. Manufacturing generic medications costs much less. In particular, a company uses already existing formula, so it does not have to pay for its invention and clinical studies. Patents also cost a lot.
#3 of the questions on generic Viagra: Is it safe to replace the medicine by yourself?
Of course, self-medicating could be a bad choice for some patients. For example, if you have serious chronic diseases, better consult a doctor to make sure you can afford taking Viagra and pick up a right dose. At the same time, being sure you can safely use the drug, you can safely replace it with a generic version based on the same active substance.
Quite often, doctors advise their patients to purchase cheaper versions of the medicines they prescribe. In the prescription, you should see the international nonproprietary name of the drug. Drugstore staff can help choose the original or generic medicine.
#4 of the questions about generic Viagra: Can I get sick because of generic?
Health organizations and other structures strictly monitor the safety of all medicines, both original and generic. Since generic Viagra contains the same active substance as the patented blue pills, it acts in the same effective and safe way. Therefore, you cannot harm yourself, no matter which version you prefer.