Generic Viagra

Currently, generic Viagra is not available. The medication is manufactured by Pfizer and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured. The patent for Viagra expires in 2012. It is expected that once this occurs, several companies will start manufacturing a generic version of Viagra.

 

An Overview of Generic Viagra

Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medicine that is licensed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). The drug is manufactured by Pfizer, and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Viagra from being manufactured.
 

When Will a Generic Version of Viagra Be Available?

The patent for Viagra expires in 2012. Once the patent expires, several companies likely will start manufacturing a generic Viagra drug.
 

Is Sildenafil Citrate the Same as Generic Viagra?

No -- sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra, not a generic version of it. Although people often refer to a drug's active ingredient as its "generic name," the generic name of a drug is different from a generic version of it. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;