Beginning on Monday, December 11, 2017, men will be able to get a cheaper version of the little blue pill that usually costs about $65 for each one. Pfizer launched Viagra in 1998 as the first pill for impotence. At the time, only Pfizer could sell the little blue pill because the drugmaker had a patent-protected monopoly which means no other drug company could make a similar pill until Pfizer's patent expired.

The well-known pharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City is considered to be one of the largest drugmakers that makes the medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Viagra's competitors

Now that Pfizer's patent is ending, other drug companies have a legal right to make their own brands. Teva Pharmaceuticals decided to launch a generic version that will be on the market next week. Therefore, Pfizer is getting ahead of Teva by providing a more affordable generic pill on Monday. The pill will be white to distinguish it from the higher priced blue pill. The generic white pill is expected to cost half the price of the familiar blue pill.

Teva has not disclosed how much its generic brand will cost, but it will be a very low price to compete with Pfizer.

Teva is just one of many companies that will begin selling generic brands next summer. Some prices are expected to be reduced by as much as 90 percent.

What Pfizer is doing to keep customers

Many men are glad about the generic Viagra pills that will save them money, according to Nachum Katlowitz, a urologist at New York's Staten Island University Hospital.

Some users are loyal to Viagra and will not change to another brand.

There is more good news for Viagra users. Pfizer will offer two new discount programs that will help even more beginning in January 2018. Even uninsured men will be able to get Viagra at half price through Pfizer Direct. They will be able to purchase a month's supply of 6 to 10 pills for as little as a $20 co-payment.

Generic Viagra will become even more affordable when more versions go on sale starting June 11, 2018.

Summary of what will be available

As early as Monday, men who need the little blue pill will be able to purchase a generic white pill at a much lower price, made by the same company. Then next week, other choices will be available from Teva Pharmaceuticals. In January, Pfizer Direct will provide more opportunities for men to have easy access to the product. Other drugmakers will launch their products next summer. From now on, it seems like medication for erectile dysfunction will be readily available.
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