Generic Sildenafil Citrate

Sildenafil citrate is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic form of the drug from being manufactured. It is expected that once sildenafil citrate goes off patent, several companies will start manufacturing a generic version of the drug. The patent for sildenafil citrate expires in 2012.

Sildenafil

Generic Sildenafil Citrate: An Overview

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra^®) is a prescription medicine that is licensed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Sildenafil citrate is manufactured by Pfizer and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic sildenafil citrate from being manufactured.

When Will a Generic Version Be Available?

The patent for sildenafil citrate expires in 2012. It is expected that once the medicine goes off patent, several companies will start manufacturing a generic sildenafil citrate drug.

Is Sildenafil Citrate a Generic Viagra?

No. Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra, not a generic version of the drug. Although people often refer to a drug's active ingredient as its "generic name," the generic name of a drug is different than a generic version of it. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company (besides the original manufacturer) must have made the product.