Viagra Price, Coupons, & Savings Tips

What Is Viagra?

Viagra, also known by its generic name sildenafil, is a medication FDA-approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This means that clinical research for Viagra has been reviewed by the FDA, determining that the medication does support the safety and efficacy of its intended use and has been approved for this use by the FDA. Viagra belongs to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors, which works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing blood flow in certain areas within the penis.^{1, 2}

Can I Go Buy Viagra (Sildenafil) Over the Counter?

Viagra cannot be bought over the counter. This is a prescription-only medication that can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Brand name Viagra is more expensive than its generic, which can be purchased at a more affordable price, especially when paired with insurance or a discount card. You should be aware that anything that is marketed as a Viagra substitute and can be bought without a prescription is not tested by the FDA to prove its efficacy or safety.

How Much Does Viagra Cost Without Insurance?

Viagra’s cost can vary without the use of insurance. Some factors that influence the cost of Viagra are the strength of your prescription, the quantity, which pharmacy you fill with, and if you are paying for the prescription with or without any cash-saving options. You are allowed to pay with cash or pay without the use of insurance on the medication. And if you’re looking for ways to save money, you may be eligible for a discount card or a savings card from the manufacturer. Your cost per month for Viagra is dependent on how many tablets you fill per month. Note that Viagra is an as-needed drug for sexual encounters and does not need to be taken daily.

Here is the retail Viagra cost information per tablet:³

Why Is Viagra So Expensive?

The cost of producing medications is expensive. Manufacturers factor in the cost of research, manufacturing, advertisements, and other factors when considering the cost of their medication. Viagra pricing can also differ depending on where you are filling your medication if you are paying with insurance or cash, and the quantity that you are purchasing.

Is There a Generic Viagra?

Generic Viagra contains the active ingredient of Viagra: sildenafil. It differs in its inactive ingredients, but it works the same way as brand-name Viagra, helping to temporarily relieve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Typically, generic medications are cheaper than the brand-name versions because they do not have to repeat the same rigorous studies that were required of the brand-name medications to prove safety and effectiveness. Generic medications just have to prove that they have the same efficacy and safety profiles as the brand-name medications they’re modeled after.

Here is generic Viagra (sildenafil) cost information per tablet:⁴

How Much Does Viagra Cost With Health Insurance?

The cost of Viagra with insurance will vary depending on a number of factors. Specific types of prescription insurance, such as commercial or governmental, can have different rules and guidelines they follow when considering coverage of certain medications. Each type of insurance also has a selection of plans with a variety of coverage options. Some plans may not cover Viagra, while others may pay for only the generic or perhaps will limit how much they pay for each prescription.

Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance coverage differs depending on your provider and plan. To determine if your commercial insurance covers Viagra, contact your insurance company directly. Your insurance will be able to tell you the extent of your coverage, such as your out-of-pocket expenses and copay.

Medicare

Medicare does not generally cover Viagra or similar medications used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Some plans may cover its generic version, but you must contact your insurance directly to find out if that is the case. Generic sildenafil may be covered if it is prescribed for another approved medical reason. Overall, coverage varies depending on your specific plan, so contact your Medicare provider to review your plan and understand the extent of coverage for Viagra.

Medicaid

Medicaid plans vary depending on the state you reside in. If you have Medicaid, then you might be eligible to have Viagra covered by your insurance. For further information, contact your state’s Medicaid program to review what medications your plan covers. Your provider may be required to provide more information at the request of your insurance.

TRICARE

TRICARE beneficiaries can check the extent of their coverage by contacting their plans directly. There may be requirements for coverage of Viagra, such as your plan requiring prior authorization from your doctor in considering the coverage of Viagra. This means that your doctor will have to provide extra information, such as your past treatments or lab results.

Viagra Coupons & Discount Cards

Viagra can be expensive and not always covered by your insurance. If you do not have insurance or your insurance copay is too high, then a discount card might be an option. It can be used on brand and generic Viagra and works like a coupon. Download it from a discount prescription site and show it to your pharmacist so they can rebill your medication.

Viagra Patient Assistance Program

Patient assistance and copay programs are funds that are set up to help patients afford their medications. Each program has its own set of qualifications but generally requires patients to have a valid diagnosis and reside within the United States or its territories. Some programs will work with you if you do not have insurance, but some require you to have commercial insurance, notably not accepting any form of insurance provided by the government. Viagra does not have any patient assistant programs available currently,⁵ but there is a savings card for brand-name Viagra on the manufacturer’s website.⁶ With this savings card, eligible patients can save up to $4,200 per year on brand name Viagra.

How to Get a Viagra Prescription

Viagra is only available via prescription from an authorized prescriber, who will evaluate your condition before determining if Viagra may be an appropriate treatment for you. They will then write the prescription and either give you a physical copy or send an electronic copy to whatever pharmacy you want to fill with. Telehealth services are an option for you to consider if you are unable to visit a doctor’s office.

Finding a psychiatrist or a professional who specializes in sexual disorders, such as a urologist or endocrinologist, may be beneficial to those who suffer from a sexual dysfunction disorder. Specialized medical professionals will require a referral from a primary care physician. Regardless of who you see, discuss the expectations for when you take Viagra, potential side effects, and what your insurance will cover during consultation.