Viagra In Singapore: Prices and Alternatives Available Locally

How Does Viagra Work?

Viagra belongs to a family of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It treats ED by relaxing the walls of blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow more freely to create and maintain an erection. However, keep in mind that Viagra only works if you’re sexually aroused. The erection should go away naturally after sexual intercourse.

Apart from Viagra, there are other ED medications available today, such as Tadalafil and Vardenafil.

How Much Does Viagra Cost In Singapore? 

In Singapore, brand-name Viagra 100mg can cost up to S$89 (w/o GST) for a box of 4 tablets, while Sildenafil (a generic form of Viagra) can cost S$55 (w/o GST) for a box of 4 tablets. 

Why Is Viagra So Expensive?

Let’s take a trip down memory lane shall we?

While there are many reasons why Viagra is so expensive, a large reason comes from how it was the first ED medication on the market. Up till the FDA’s approval of Cialis in 2003, Viagra faced no competition, allowing for continued high prices.

Furthermore, medications like Viagra are expensive as they require years of research and development before it is approved to be sold to the public. The huge investment made by pharmaceutical companies coupled with it being the first ED medication justified its premium price point.

Why Hasn't Prices Dropped? 

Viagra was once the only ED medication on the market, but not for long. Soon after, alternative ED medications like Tadalafil and Cialis, and generic forms of Viagra (Sildenafil) started emerging.

Despite the rising competition, Viagra prices still continued to rise against all odds. Why is that happening? Well, one explanation is that with greater awareness of ED comes greater demand for ED medication. Over the years, all ED medications increased in price together. According to a 2019 study done by JAMA Netw Open¹, from 2012 to 2017, the price of Viagra rose by 190% while that of Cialis rose by 187%.

What Is Sildenafil? 

Since the expiry of Pfizer’s patent on Viagra starting in 2012, many companies and brands began producing and marketing their own generic versions at much lower prices.

These generic versions are otherwise known as Sildenafil. To put it simply, Viagra is a brand-name medication created by Pfizer while Sildenafil is the generic name for the active ingredient present within Viagra.

Essentially, both are PDE-5 inhibitors with zero chemical differences. They are the same medication containing the same active ingredient – Sildenafil.

Viagra Vs Sildenafil: Similarities And Differences

The main differences between Viagra and Sildenafil is their cost, with Sildenafil being a lot cheaper. In 2017², Pfizer even released its own Sildenafil at half the price of Viagra.

Furthermore, in the United States, generic Sildenafil tablets can go for as low as $3 each, while brand-name Viagra can cost up to $70. When you pay extra for Viagra, it’s because you’re paying for the brand name.

If Sildenafil Is Cheaper, Why Is Viagra Still So Popular? 

The answer seems simple, right? If Sildenafil is so much cheaper, why not simply purchase Sildenafil instead? Well, as it turns out, consumers have a tendency to choose branded medications over generic versions due to internal biases.

Here are some reasons why consumers are more likely to choose Viagra over Sildenafil:

1. Everyone Knows About Viagra

Being the first ED medication sure comes with a set of perks. After staying on the market for so long, the evidence in the literature behind Viagra’s strength and efficacy is almost undeniable. Consumers are thus more assured when taking Viagra.

2. Generic Competition Paradox

As aforementioned, the increased competition from lower priced generic drugs like Sildenafil did not cause the price of Viagra to drop. In fact, Viagra prices continued to rise³. This is known as the generic competition paradox, and it is extremely prevalent within the prescription drug market.

3. Equating Brand Name and High Price with Higher Value

Consumers tend to associate higher prices with higher value. As Viagra costs a lot more than sildenafil, consumers falsely assume that it contains something extra to justify this higher price point. In reality, the drug composition for Viagra and Sildenafil are the same.

4. Equating Brand with Better Efficacy

Let’s be real – drugs don’t work 100% of the time. When a branded drug fails, consumers assume that the drug doesn’t work and would try out alternative medications. However, when a generic drug fails, consumers assume that the generic drug is missing something and would switch to using the branded drug.

Why Sildenafil Might Be the Better Option for You

It’s human to let our consumer biases get in the way of our better judgement. After all, sildenafil does indeed sound too good to be true, right? Shouldn't there be a catch somewhere?

Well, the fact of the matter is that Sildenafil is indeed that good of an alternative to Viagra! Despite being sold for much cheaper, it is on par with Viagra in terms of drug composition and quality. The same medical benefits provided by Viagra will likewise be provided by Sildenafil.

If you’ve been seeing positive results with Viagra but find it too expensive, consider switching to Sildenafil instead. However, to err on the side of caution, it is advised that you consult a doctor first before making any medical changes.

Where To Locally Buy Viagra and Sildenafil Online  

So how can you get a prescription for Viagra, Sildenafil or any other ED medication in Singapore? 

With Noah, a zero-judgment digital health clinic for men, you can get the ED treatment you need from the comfort of home. You won't have to worry about the legitimacy or safety of the ED medications provided as Noah is a MOH-licensed telemedicine company (Licence Number: R/23M1081/MDS/001/232)

Getting started couldn't be simpler - just visit our site, answer an online medical evaluation and see a licensed doctor; all without having to leave your home (or even moving from your couch or bed). If prescribed, your ED medication will be discreetly delivered right to your door within 4 hours at no additional cost. 

While it can be an embarrassing topic to broach, you shouldn't feel alone in your struggles with ED. There are several local ED treatments available that can help you overcome ED safely and effectively. Once you get the treatment you need, it won't be hard to get hard anymore.

Is It Legal And Safe To Buy Viagra Online?

Yes, so long as the online platform you are considering is recognized by the Ministry of Health and you have been prescribed Viagra (or any other ED medication) by a licensed doctor.  

You should avoid sites or listings on e-commerce platforms that claim you can order Viagra or other ED medications online from them without a prescription and at low costs. These sites (and the medications sold) have not been approved by the Health Science Authority (HSA) in Singapore and are considered as illegal ways to obtain ED medication without a doctor's prescription. 

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, our doctors are best equipped with the knowledge to help you ascertain the root cause of your ED. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suited for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.