Generic and brand-name medication

Generic vs brand-name ED medication in Canada

A familiar brand name and its generic version can contain the same active medicinal ingredient while looking different. The manufacturer, inactive ingredients, package and price may change even when the prescribed drug is equivalent.

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The direct answer

Generic sildenafil contains the medicinal ingredient associated with Viagra, and generic tadalafil contains the medicinal ingredient associated with Cialis. A regulated generic must meet Canadian requirements, but its appearance and non-medicinal ingredients may differ.

What stays the same

The active ingredient and labelled strength must match the authorized product. The prescription and dispensing label determine what the patient receives and how it should be taken.

What may be different

Tablet colour, shape, imprint, coating, packaging and non-medicinal ingredients can vary. Ask the pharmacist if you have an allergy, intolerance or concern after a manufacturer change.

Why generic pricing can be lower

Generic manufacturers do not repeat the original brand-development process in the same way. Lower price does not mean a patient should change products or doses without professional advice.

How substitution is handled

Provincial rules, the prescription and pharmacy policy affect substitution. The dispensing pharmacy can tell you the manufacturer, Drug Identification Number and whether a brand request changes the price.

Help for erection difficulties

Getting and keeping an erection: how medication helps

Sildenafil and tadalafil help blood vessels relax, improving blood flow during sexual stimulation. That can make it easier to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.

Losing your erection during sex?

ED can also mean getting an erection but not keeping it. Learn about losing firmness and when medication may be an option.

Difficulty keeping an erection

Erections feel less reliable?

An occasional difficulty does not always need medication. A recurring change is worth discussing, especially if it is affecting your sex life.

Occasional versus recurring ED

Sexual stimulation is still needed. These medicines do not increase desire and are not suitable for everyone; a prescription is required.

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Common questions, clear answers.

Is generic sildenafil the same as Viagra?+

It contains the same active medicinal ingredient. The brand, manufacturer and inactive ingredients may differ.

Can a generic tablet be a different colour?+

Yes. Identify medication from the pharmacy label and imprint information, not colour alone.

Can I request brand-name medication?+

You may ask, but availability, prescription wording, pharmacy policy, coverage and price determine what can be dispensed.

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Useful next steps

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