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dateApril 17, 2024

What Is the Difference Between Viagra and Viagra Connect?

Are you having trouble getting or keeping an erection? You’re not alone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that many men encounter in their lifetimes. An erection that is not firm enough for a man to maintain during sexual activity is known as ED. Viagra (sildenafil) is a well-known medication that can help with ED. […]

Are you having trouble getting or keeping an erection? You’re not alone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that many men encounter in their lifetimes. An erection that is not firm enough for a man to maintain during sexual activity is known as ED.

Viagra (sildenafil) is a well-known medication that can help with ED. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which enhances erection and its maintenance. Viagra has been around for a while and requires a prescription from your doctor.

But did you know there’s now an over-the-counter (OTC) version of Viagra available? It’s called
Viagra Connect. You can buy it at your local pharmacy without seeing a doctor first.
Viagra and Viagra Connect are similar in some ways, but there are also important differences.
In this blog post, we’ll explain those differences and help you understand which might be right for you.

What Is Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription-based medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Its generic name is sildenafil.

Viagra works by boosting blood flow to the penis. When a man is sexually aroused, Viagra helps relax the blood vessels in the penis so that more blood can flow in. This allows a man to get and keep an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity.

Viagra comes in tablet form in different strengths, such as 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. The higher the dose, the stronger the effect, but your doctor will prescribe the right starting dose for you based on your situation.

Men take Viagra about 30 minutes to 1 hour before planned sexual activity. It’s effective for most men for 4-5 hours. Viagra will only help you get an erection if you are sexually stimulated.
Your doctor needs to evaluate you and prescribe Viagra. It requires a prescription because there are certain medical conditions where Viagra may not be safe or needs a dosage adjustment.

What is Viagra Connect?

Viagra Connect is the same drug as Viagra (sildenafil). However, it is available over the counter at a lower dosage.

The big difference is that Viagra Connect only comes in one smaller dose of 50mg. The regular prescription Viagra comes in higher doses, like 100mg.

Men who are 18 years of age or older and who have irregular or sporadic problems achieving an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse are the target group for Viagra Connect. It’s not for men with severe erectile dysfunction who may need higher doses.

Like Viagra, you take Viagra Connect about an hour before sexual activity. When you are sexually stimulated, it helps to improve blood flow to the penis to help you achieve and maintain an erection.

Since it’s over-the-counter, Viagra Connect is easier to get than a prescription. But you also can’t get higher doses without seeing a doctor first.

In short, Viagra Connect is the same core medication as prescription Viagra, just in a low-dose version you can get without a prescription.

Key Differences Between Viagra and Viagra Connect: A Quick Overview

Viagra Viagra Connect
Prescription medication Over-the-counter (no prescription needed)
Available in higher doses like 25mg, 50mg, 100mg Only available in 50mg dose
For men 18 and older with erectile dysfunction For men 18 and older with occasional erection issues
Requires doctor visit and medical evaluation You can purchase directly from the pharmacy without a doctor
More expensive, pricing varies Often available at a lower cost
Treats severe and chronic erectile dysfunction For less severe, intermittent erectile issues
The doctor determines the right dosage for you One-dose-fits-all 50mg tablets
Doctor screens for safety based on your medical history Pharmacist screens for potential safety issues

When Should You Choose Viagra or Viagra Connect?

The choice between Viagra and Viagra Connect mainly depends on how severe your erection issues are and what’s causing them. Here are some guidelines:

Choose Viagra if:

  • You have chronic or severe erectile dysfunction.
  • You can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sex most of the time.
  • Your ED is caused by underlying health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or after prostate surgery.
  • You’ve tried the 50mg Viagra Connect dose, and it didn’t work well enough.

With prescription Viagra, your doctor can evaluate your situation and prescribe the best dose for you, going up to 100mg if needed.

Choose Viagra Connect if:

  • Your erection issues are occasional or intermittent, not all the time.
  • You can sometimes get an erection okay but struggle at other times.
  • You don’t have any severe underlying medical conditions.
  • You’re generally healthy and need a little extra help now and then.

Regardless of your choice, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

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Potential Side Effects and Precautions:

Side Effects

Like any medication, Viagra and Viagra Connect can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Flushing/redness in the face
  • Indigestion
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Back pain

These are usually mild and go away on their own.

Precautions

There are also some important precautions to be aware of:

  • Do not take Viagra/Connect if you take nitrate medications for chest pain or alpha-blocker drugs for prostate/hypertension.
  • Do not take Viagra/Connect if you take nitrate medications for chest pain or alpha-blocker drugs for prostate/hypertension.
  • People with certain heart conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, or a history of stroke/heart attack should avoid these medications.
  • Viagra/Connect can cause temporary vision changes like blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
  • Do not drink excessive alcohol when taking Viagra/Connect.
  • Follow the directions carefully. Don’t take more doses than recommended.

Final Remarks

Viagra and Viagra Connect are two forms of the same medication to help with erection issues. Viagra is the prescription strength, while Viagra Connect is an over-the-counter lower-dose option. After talking to your doctor or pharmacist, pick the best fits your situation. Either way, follow the instructions carefully for best results and safety.