[Dr. West Conner]

Viagra was the first of its kind medication to treat erectile dysfunction. It works through a complex chemical reaction. Without getting too technical, Viagra blocks the enzyme that breaks down the substance that stops the blood flow into the corpus cavernosum. The result is more blood flowing into the penis.

Viagra costs between $10 and $11 per tablet for each of the three strengths, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. In 2004, there were 13.5 million prescriptions written for Viagra. With an average of six tablets per prescription, that comes to approximately 81 million tablets dispensed. At $10 each, that’s $810 million spent on Viagra in 2004. Let’s see how we can lower the cost for Viagra.

Strength Cost of 6 whole tabs Cost of 6 half tabs Cost of 6 quarter tabs
25mg $60.00 N/A N/A
50mg $60.00 $30.00 N/A
100mg $60.00 $30.00 $15.00

1. As you can see in the chart above, the cost does not increase from 25mg to 100mg. If you are currently using the 25mg or 50mg strength, ask your doctor if you can get the 50mg or 100mg strength and cut them in half, or quarters for the 100mg to 25mg dose. This little tip can save you up to about $45 for five tablets.

2. At viagra.com, you can get a voucher to get your seventh prescription free. If you average 6 tablets per prescription, that voucher is worth about $60.

3. Make sure you compare prices with various pharmacies. Pharmacies, like insurance companies, make special “dealsâ€� with the drug manufacturers and wholesalers to get lower prices. Below are prices from three different retailers for six tablets.

Viagra CVS Walgreens Costco
25mg $63 $64 $63
50mg $63 $64 $62
100mg $63 $64 $62

When you are shopping around, be sure to have the strength and quantity for the pharmacy to give you an accurate price. You can also ask if they will match the lowest price you find. Some will and some will not. As you can see, the price for Viagra is pretty uniform between the major pharmacies.

4. Viagra’s competitors, Levitra and Cialis, also have coupons. Levitra.com has a coupon for buy one get one free, up to eight tablets, of Levitra. Levitra is also about $10 per pill. Using buy one get one free, the price drops to five dollars. You can also cut Levitra in half or quarters. Getting a buy one get one free and cutting them in four pieces can save you about $53 for six tablets. Cialis.com has a similar program. With Cialis, you will save about $63 for six tablets, Cialis costs about $12 per pill.

5. Also at Viagra.com, you can print out a voucher for six 50mg tablets free. You must answer some questions, then either print out the voucher or your doctor can give you the six tablets. Six free Viagra is worth about sixty dollars.

6. If you qualify for the patient assistance program, the Connection to Care program will pay for your Viagra. They can be reached at www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com, or 1-800-707-8990 or 1-800-707-6585. To qualify, a single person must have an annual income of less than $19,000 ($31,000 for a family). The program sends the medication to the doctor’s office for you to pick up.

As you can see, there are several different things you can do to lower your cost on just this one medication. Using these techniques, you can save about $45 for six tablets and get $60 worth of free Viagra. If you use Viagra fifty times a year, you can save over $500 during the year. By trying the other erectile dysfunction medication, Levitra or Cialis, this savings can jump to over $600 in savings.

Before you try any of these, you first must check with your doctor. He or she will ultimately decide which savings technique or techniques you can use. Study the different ways you can save, how much you can save, and how exactly you are going to do it. Then approach your doctor with your plan. It is much easier to convince your doctor to change when you have all the facts.