Generic Viagra Sildenafil Citrate

Generic Viagra Sildenafil Citrate There is continuing confusion with regards to generic Viagra, many customers still call us very confused. They are quite rightly advised to cut their costs and buy cheaper generic medications such as Ibuprofen but then they are told that generic Viagra is illegal. This information is then contradicted by sellers of gereric Viagra who rightly state that it is legal to prescribe and sell Viagra in India. The following article explains in detail the difference between generic Viagra and other generic treatments produced by western manufacturers post patent expiry.

Viagra

Viagra was invented by Pfizer and launched in 1998 and as with all innovations within the pharmaceutical industry they were awarded a 10 year patent. The patent system allows pharmaceuticals a period of exclusivity to produce market and sell their products so that the pharmaceutical can recover their investment in the research and development of the drug. The result is that the treatment is invariably more expensive for the first years of its release while its patent is still valid. The reason given for the raised prices are that its essential for the continuation of future development in new medications. However, these patents are so valuable that pharmaceuticals will often seek extensions. Pfizer did just that and were awarded a further four years licence taking the expiry date to 27th of March 2012. Pfizer may even be awarded a further six month paediatric exclusivity extension as Viagra has been successfully used to treat rare childhood lung disorders.

Until 2012 only Pfizer will be legally allowed to manufacture Sildenafil Citrate, and generic versions can only be produced in India as Pfizer do not hold a patent in India for Viagra.

After the patent expires in 2012 anyone with a pharmaceutical production license will be able to produce generic versions of Viagra’s active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate. They will not however be able to market their versions under the brand name Viagra. That will still remain the exclusive property of Pfizer. Instead they will either call the treatment by its pharmaceutical name Sildenafil Citrate or give it another name. An example of this is Neurofen produced by Reckitt Benckiser. The active ingredient is called Ibuprofen and since the patent expired 1995 boots, tescos and many others retailers have produced their own cheaper versions and marketed them under the name Ibuprofen. Neurofen is still available and although it is the same treatment just more expensive many people still buy that version through force of habit.

The price difference of Pfizer Viagra and generic viagra Until March 2012 Pfizer will be able to maintain their elevated prices for Viagra as they will continue to enjoy exclusivity. After Pfizer’s patent expires and other manufactures produce legal generic Viagra the price for a pack of 4 x 100mg Viagra will drop considerably from current prices of around £22 sterling to possibly as little as £4 sterling.

A word on current off patent generic versions of Viagra. Due to the lower costs in copying a medication and manufacturing it under lighter regulations, Indian pharmaceuticals can massively undercut the price of genuine branded treatments. This makes it very tempting for the western consumer to buy generic Viagra from India however please beware. Buying illegal generic imports can have a damaging effect on the pharmaceutical industry, reducing their returns and putting at risk the funding for future medications. If buying Generic Viagra produced by India you will never have a guarantee that the medication is safe.