Q: I’ve seen Viagra for
sale on the internet without a prescription. Is this the
real thing? And if so, how can it be sold without a prescription?
A: “Viagra”
is the trademark name for sildenafil citrate. Pfizer pharmaceuticals
owns the patent and the legal right as sole manufacturer.
The Viagra advertised on the internet may be the real
thing but is more likely to be a generic version of sildenafil
citrate manufactured in another country. While generics
are being made in several countries they are violations
of U.S. patent law.
The prescription issue a bit confusing. The real Viagra
is only available through prescription. Buying the real
Viagra online from a “web M.D.” is not illegal
(not yet) but not recommended either. Viagra can cause
side effects or react badly with other medications such
as nitroglycerin. It’s best to talk someone knowledgeable
before trying it.
Generic Viagra is illegal to make in the U.S. and is not
FDA approved. That’s why there’s no prescription
needed. You can buy it over the internet from another
country where it’s legal. This type of internet
commerce is not yet legally well-defined. But, if the
pharmaceutical companies have their way it will become
illegal. You might be committing a crime in such online
purchases.
I wouldn’t recommend buying generic Viagra. The
temptation of easy profits invites poor manufacturing
processes and quality control from unscrupulous manufacturers.
Generics may be ineffective or contain harmful impurities.
The lure of generic Viagra is the ease of purchase and
discounted price (as low as $2 per pill compared to $10).
But as they say, buyer beware! There may be a hidden cost. |
