How Much Does Sildenafil Cost Without Insurance? | Ro

If you’re considering Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED), you might be wondering about the cost. 

Sometimes, brand-name medications for ED, such as Viagra, aren’t covered by insurance, meaning costs can add up quickly. Out-of-pocket, Viagra can cost over $100 per pill – for a one-month supply, that’s a pretty steep price tag. 

The good news is sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra, can be significantly cheaper. As a generic drug, sildenafil may be more likely to be covered by insurance. Here’s what you need to know about affording sildenafil without insurance.

Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra, a well-known prescription drug used to treat ED. Like other ED medications such as Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), sildenafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor. This class of medications causes blood vessels to relax, thereby increasing blood flow to the penis, leading to stronger, longer-lasting erections.

Sildenafil is also FDA-approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, a serious form of high blood pressure affecting the lungs. Sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension (brand name Revatio) is prescribed at lower doses of 10 or 20 mg typically taken three times daily.

For ED, sildenafil comes in doses of 25, 50, or 100 mg per day, with 50 mg being a commonly recommended starting dose. It is available in both tablet and liquid form (the latter known as brand name Liqrev) for individuals who may have difficulty swallowing tablets. This medication should be administered only once each day and is effective only when the individual is sexually stimulated.

Sildenafil may occasionally be prescribed off-label to treat sexual dysfunction in women, although the evidence supporting its effectiveness in females remains inconclusive.

Indeed. Sildenafil, formally referred to as sildenafil citrate, is the active ingredient in Viagra. Since both medications contain the same active ingredient, they operate similarly within the body. 

The key differences between them lie in their pricing (with Viagra typically costing almost double that of sildenafil) and their specific indications; Viagra is FDA-approved solely for ED, while sildenafil is applicable for both ED and pulmonary hypertension treatment.

There are other FDA-approved alternatives to sildenafil available for ED treatment, including avanafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.

The expense for a 30-day supply of 100 mg of brand-name Viagra without insurance (even with a discount coupon) can amount to almost $2,700, depending on the pharmacy where you obtain it.

In terms of out-of-pocket expenses, sildenafil tends to be expensive as well—around $1,200—but it is still significantly more economical compared to its branded counterpart. Even without insurance, employing discount coupons can drastically lower the cost of sildenafil; for instance, GoodRx provides a 30-day supply of generic sildenafil for less than $30. You can also access Viagra and sildenafil through a telehealth platform like Ro, where you can consult with a provider and receive the medication without insurance requirements.

Bear in mind that the pricing of both sildenafil and Viagra can fluctuate significantly based on the provider you choose.

An additional advantage of generic sildenafil is that health insurance is notably more likely to cover it compared to Viagra. Due to the higher cost associated with brand-name pharmaceuticals, some insurance providers may decide not to include them in their coverage, particularly when a less expensive generic alternative is available.

It is essential to verify with your insurance provider regarding which medications are included in your coverage, as Medicare, Medicaid, and various private insurance plans have distinct policies regarding what they will reimburse. For example, Medicare Part D typically excludes any medications prescribed for sexual dysfunction, which is why Viagra is not included in their formularies.

Nevertheless, sildenafil can be prescribed for alternative indications such as pulmonary hypertension, leading many Medicare plans to cover it for that purpose. Whether or not sildenafil is covered for ED treatment hinges on your specific insurance plan. Additionally if insurance does cover sildenafil, there may still be a copayment, which will vary according to your plan. There might also be certain restrictions such as limits on the quantity prescribed or the need for prior authorization, meaning approval from the insurance company must be obtained before the medication can be dispensed.

This can present a rather complex situation to navigate, but the likelihood of sildenafil being covered by health insurance is generally higher when compared to Viagra and other branded ED medications. If you're uncertain, most insurance companies provide information about the medications they cover under different plans on their website.

If you find yourself without insurance, don’t lose hope—numerous low-cost options exist to acquire sildenafil even without insurance coverage.

Explore telehealth for ED treatment 

Another cost-effective strategy for obtaining sildenafil is through reputable telehealth services like Ro. This method offers the remarkable benefit of convenience—you can consult with a licensed doctor from the comfort of your own home, and have your medication discreetly shipped to your residence. 

Utilizing telehealth for ED treatment can also be less expensive than heading to a traditional pharmacy. For instance, Ro offers sildenafil starting at just $4 per pill or $2 per pill if you enroll in their annual plan. Additionally, Ro has a combined sildenafil and tadalafil treatment known as Ro Sparks, which may act more quickly than sildenafil alone and last longer as well.

Utilize a savings card 

Prescription discount cards typically come at no cost and can provide substantial savings—up to 80% in several cases—to individuals who may lack insurance or struggle to afford necessary medications. 

For example, RxSaver is a complimentary discount program that offers coupons for nearby pharmacies, allowing you to save on your prescriptions. Prices can vary based on both the pharmacy and your location, but you may find coupons for a 30-day supply of 50 mg sildenafil for under $20.

These coupons can also be combined with insurance to alleviate high deductibles and copayments. Other popular prescription discount cards include GoodRx, Blink Health, ScriptSave WellRx, and Optum Perks.

Compare prices 

Given that the price of medications can change (and frequently differs from one pharmacy to another), it's wise to check prices before making a purchase. This is precisely why the aforementioned discount programs are advantageous—they provide listings of prescription prices at local pharmacies, making it easy to identify where the lowest prices for sildenafil can be found. 

If the pricing at your preferred pharmacy appears exorbitant, it’s always worthwhile checking nearby alternatives—another pharmacy just a short distance away might offer the same medication for considerably less.

All FDA-approved medications for ED, including sildenafil, necessitate a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. Like any other prescription medication, this indicates that you cannot simply walk into a drugstore and purchase it over the counter. 

While sildenafil is deemed safe for the majority of individuals to use, it does carry the potential for side effects, which is one of the primary reasons why a prescription is mandated. Certain medications may also interact adversely with sildenafil—another factor emphasizing the necessity of consulting with a healthcare provider prior to usage.

When using a telehealth service, ensure you carry out thorough research and utilize a reputable company like Ro that exclusively provides FDA-approved medications. Numerous companies online claim to sell “genuine Viagra,” however, studies have shown that over 70% of these online products are counterfeit, especially when sourced from untrustworthy providers. Consuming counterfeit sildenafil can pose serious health risks; fraudulent products have been found to contain hazardous substances, such as paint and printer ink.

ED is a common condition that can be effectively managed with medications like sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra. These treatments work primarily by enhancing blood flow to the penis, resulting in firmer erections.

The challenge with certain brand-name medications like Viagra is their limited insurance coverage and exorbitant costs, reaching thousands of dollars for a month’s worth. The positive aspect is that generic medications like sildenafil tend to be more budget-friendly than their branded counterparts—and are more likely to be covered by insurance as well.

Even without insurance, it remains possible to acquire lower-cost sildenafil through the use of prescription discount cards at local pharmacies or via telehealth services like Ro. If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with ED, your first step should be to connect with a healthcare provider who can recommend the most suitable treatment plan. If it’s the right option for you, medications like sildenafil can enhance your confidence and help you lead a fulfilling and satisfying sexual life.