Are free Viagra samples still available today?

When searching for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments, you're almost guaranteed to come across Viagra — and possibly even offers for free Viagra samples. And while the prospect of testing out the drug before committing may be tempting, truly no-cost options are largely a thing of the past. 

In other words, long gone are the days when you could walk out of your doctor’s office with a free Viagra sample in hand. This is due in part to the availability of generic Viagra, sildenafil, which is more affordable and, thus, made the push for free ED pills less commonplace. But just because you’ll be hard-pressed to find Viagra samples anymore doesn’t mean you can’t still get the medication at a lower price.

For more information on what happened to free Viagra samples, the differences between generic and brand-name versions of the drug, and how to save on Viagra today, read on.  

No, you can no longer get free Viagra samples. Free Viagra samples were once a go-to marketing tactic for pharmaceutical reps and doctors’ offices, but those days are mostly behind us for a couple of reasons. The first is that Viagra is now available as a much more affordable generic medication, so there’s less of a need for samples to encourage patients to try a medication. The second reason is that the practice of giving out free medication samples has become less common overall. 

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Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, wasn’t always synonymous with ED treatment. It was originally developed as a potential heart medication. Starting in the 1980s, Pfizer began testing sildenafil as a treatment for high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). But in early clinical trials, the results for angina were weak, and some participants began reporting an unexpected side effect: surprise erections.

That discovery changed everything. Pfizer launched a new series of clinical trials on sildenafil — this time, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In 1998, Viagra was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for erectile dysfunction, making it the first oral PDE5 inhibitor approved to treat ED. (Today, several other medications share this distinction, including Cialis.) Thanks to smart marketing and the drug’s high success rate at treating ED, the little blue pill soon became one of the fastest-selling drugs in the world.

When Viagra launched, it was groundbreaking. It was also expensive, as is often the case with brand-name prescription medications. To encourage individuals to try it, Pfizer and doctors’ offices frequently handed out free samples. These trial doses helped people decide if the drug worked for them before committing to a full prescription. For years, this was common practice.

Then, in 2013, Pfizer and Teva, a generic drug manufacturer, reached an agreement allowing Teva to launch the first generic version of Viagra in 2017 — well ahead of when Pfizer’s patent was set to expire. Once Pfizer’s exclusive patent on Viagra expired in 2020, other manufacturers were able to apply to the FDA to sell the medication as a generic. Because these companies did not have to invest in the research, marketing, and development of the drug, generics tend to be significantly more affordable than their brand-name counterparts. 

For example, in the case of Viagra, 10 tablets of brand-name Viagra may cost upwards of $800, while 10 tablets of generic sildenafil usually cost less than $50, depending on the pharmacy, your location, and insurance coverage (if any). Ro, for example, offers Viagra from $90 per dose, and sildenafil starts at $4 per 25 mg dose. With a significantly more affordable option available (generic), there’s simply less of a need to share free Viagra samples with patients.

Additionally, the practice of giving out free medication samples has become less common, as people are increasingly choosing to get generics when they fill their Rx at the pharmacy. Some research suggests that free drug samples, though marketed as being for the patient’s benefit, can actually end up increasing total out-of-pocket costs. 

At the same time, there has been a growing discussion among the medical community about the potential issues involved in free drug samples. One such issue is that they may influence a healthcare provider to prescribe one medication over another, even when the alternative may actually be cheaper and in the patient’s best interest.

Bottom line: Today, free Viagra samples are uncommon. But there are still ways to get Viagra at lower costs. 

What are generic drugs?

A generic drug contains the same active ingredient as its brand-name counterpart and is marketed to treat the same conditions. It also comes in the same dosage strengths and form as the original medication, such as an oral tablet. Finally, it must meet the same safety, quality, and effectiveness standards set forth by the FDA. 

Generic drugs may have some minor differences, such as a different color or inactive ingredients, but the main difference is the price. Generics often cost a fraction of the price of brand-name medications. So, while you might not get free Viagra anymore, you can get the same medication for far less by choosing the generic.

In the case of Viagra, the generic is sildenafil. Generic sildenafil works exactly the same way as Viagra, has the same side effects, and is available in similar doses. 

Why aren’t generic medications available sooner? In the US, the standard patent term for a new drug is 20 years. Other exclusivity periods may also apply. Once that patent expires, as well as any exclusivity, other pharmaceutical companies can apply to produce and sell a generic version of the medication. 

Viagra belongs to a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. These medications help increase blood flow to the penis by relaxing the blood vessels. This can make it easier to get and maintain an erection for satisfying sex. 

Viagra doesn’t work instantly or make you horny, though. You still need to get aroused first, but once you are, the drug’s effects can help you get and stay hard. Most people take Viagra about 30 minutes to an hour before sex, and its effects can last for several hours. 

Viagra comes in three dosage strengths. The standard starting dose for most patients is 50 mg, but your healthcare provider may recommend 25 mg or 100 mg depending on your medical history and response to the medication.

Brand-name vs. generic Viagra 

Here are the main similarities and differences between brand-name Viagra vs. generic sildenafil:

• Similarities: Brand-name and generic Viagra contain the same active ingredient (sildenafil), and both treat ED. They’re oral medications that work the same way, produce the same side effects, and have the same risks and drug interactions.

• Differences: The main difference between brand-name vs. generic Viagra is price. Generic Viagra is significantly more affordable than brand-name Viagra. Other differences can vary depending on the drug maker but usually include appearance and inactive ingredients. Due to trademark law, only brand-name Viagra from Pfizer comes in diamond-shaped blue tablets, whereas generic Viagra may come in different colors and shapes. 

Another difference is that while Viagra is only FDA-approved to treat ED, sildenafil is also approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It’s a condition where high blood pressure develops in certain blood vessels in the lungs. Available as a generic and under the brand name Revatio, the typical dosage of sildenafil for PAH is 20 mg taken three times a day. 

Unless you have a specific reason to stick with the brand, such as an allergy to the inactive ingredients, the generic version offers the same benefits for a lower cost.

There are two main reasons why you don’t see free Viagra samples anymore.

Reason 1: Generic Viagra, or sildenafil, is now available and has been for several years, ever since Pfizer lost its patent protection. Generic sildenafil is significantly more affordable than brand-name Viagra, lowering the barrier to entry for those worried about the cost of this popular ED medication.

Reason 2: Giving out free medication samples is less common in general these days. Some experts have raised concerns about the practice, based on research that it may influence healthcare providers to prescribe brand-name drugs over cheaper, equally effective generics. Plus, giving out samples sidesteps the important role that pharmacists play when you start taking a new medication. Pharmacists review your other medications to prevent any dangerous drug interactions and can answer additional questions you may have about how to use Viagra.

Rise (and risk) of counterfeit medications 

Unfortunately, the decline of free Viagra samples has also created space for another trend: counterfeit drugs and so-called “over-the-counter Viagra.”

Many people looking for free or cheap ED meds may turn to sketchy websites that promise “no prescription needed” Viagra or free trial pills. But beware: These are often counterfeits that could be ineffective, contaminated, or even dangerous.

For example, in a review of 22 websites that didn’t require a prescription for Viagra, the medication sold was counterfeit 77% of the time and only had 30%–50% of the advertised amount of sildenafil, the drug’s active ingredient. 

But the drug’s ineffectiveness may be the least of your worries when it comes to counterfeit Viagra. Because less-than-scrupulous laboratories make these drugs, they tend to be produced in poor-quality conditions where toxic fillers and bacterial contaminants often show up in the final product. This can significantly increase your risk of experiencing serious side effects such as low blood pressure, liver injury, and stroke. 

The takeaway? If a website is offering Viagra without a prescription, consider that your cue to exit. Either step away from the internet and call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment, or open a new tab and head to a reputable telehealth service that offers ED treatments, such as Ro. 

How to save on Viagra

While free Viagra samples are mostly a thing of the past, you still have plenty of ways to save on Viagra. Here are a few tips:

• Ask your healthcare provider about generic sildenafil. When you meet with your healthcare provider, be sure to ask about sildenafil instead of brand-name Viagra. Generic sildenafil costs significantly less than the brand-name version.

• Get your Rx through a telehealth service. Platforms like Ro and others allow you to consult a licensed provider online and, if appropriate, get a prescription for certain ED medications. Ro, in particular, offers sildenafil for a competitive price ($4 a dose) and ships your prescription in discreet packaging straight to your door.

• Apply for the Viagra Savings Card. With this official Viagra coupon program, you can save up to 50% on 12 Viagra prescriptions per year. It only works on the brand-name drug, however, and there are certain eligibility restrictions.

• Use a sildenafil or Viagra coupon. Websites such as GoodRx, SingleCare, and Optum Perks often offer coupons that can reduce the cash price of ED medications, both generic and brand-name versions. These Viagra coupon cards are typically free to download and can be used at a wide range of participating pharmacies but can’t be combined with insurance or other discounts.

• Order a larger prescription when possible. If your healthcare provider approves, buying a larger supply of pills — such as a one-, two-, or three-month supply — can significantly reduce your cost per dose.

• Check your insurance coverage. Most commercial insurers and Medicare plans cover ED medications when medically necessary, often with a limit on the number of pills covered per month.  If ED medications are not covered by your insurance, or if you want a refill after you’ve reached the quantity limit, the cost may be eligible for reimbursement through your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA), if you have one. Review your options to see how you can get the best price.

Not usually. Just like with Viagra, free samples of other FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors — Cialis (tadalafil), vardenafil, or Stendra (avanafil) — are now uncommon. All three of these drugs can also be found as generics, making them cheaper and reducing the need for promotional samples. That said, it never hurts to ask your healthcare provider.

Where can you get free ED pills? 

While you’re unlikely to get ED pills entirely free, your cost can be very low if you have insurance. Most health insurance plans cover generic ED medications, usually with a quantity limit (for example, four or six tablets per month). And if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use pre-tax funds to pay your copay at the pharmacy. That’s about as close to free as it realistically gets for most people.

You can also get ED pills at a more affordable price through telehealth companies that may occasionally offer promotions for new subscribers or through enrollment in clinical trials. You can search the National Library of Medicine’s database of current clinical trials by typing in the active ingredient of PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil. If you’re accepted into a trial, you may be given free ED treatment, or you may be given a placebo.

Before using a free ED pill, always verify that it has been prescribed to you by a licensed healthcare professional and comes from a US-based pharmacy that meets the FDA’s requirements. Never accept ED pills from any place, online or otherwise, that doesn’t require a prescription.

If Viagra isn’t the right fit for you, you can talk to your healthcare provider about the other three PDE5 inhibitors that have been FDA-approved to treat ED:

• Cialis (tadalafil) is unique among PDE5 inhibitors in that it can be prescribed daily or as needed. When taken as needed, it has the longest-lasting effects, working for up to 36 hours, but it can also take the longest to kick in, at around two hours.

• Vardenafil (formerly available under the brand name Levitra) takes about one hour for effects to kick in, similar to Viagra, but effects may last a bit longer: up to 5–6 hours.

• Stendra (avanafil) has the fastest onset among PDE5 inhibitors, with effects kicking in as quickly as 15 minutes after taking it (although it may take 30–45 minutes). It also lasts longer than Viagra, with an average duration of 5 hours.

All of these ED pills have been shown to be safe and effective. A healthcare provider can help you choose the best option based on your needs and medical history.

You can also find the same active ingredients in different formulations than traditional ED pills. For example, Ro offers:

• Daily Rise Gummies, which are fruit-flavored gummies that contain tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and are designed to be taken daily. 

• Ro Sparks, which is a sublingual treatment containing sildenafil and tadalafil that dissolves under the tongue for fast-acting effects.

While these formulations are not specifically FDA-approved, they contain active ingredients that have been FDA-approved for ED. They also require a prescription.

There’s no one single cause of erectile dysfunction. The cause can be physical or psychological, and in many cases, it’s caused by a mix of factors. Some common causes of ED include:

• Aging

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Type 2 diabetes

• High cholesterol

• Stroke

• Multiple sclerosis

• Sleep apnea

• Physical injury to the pelvis or spinal cord

• Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone

• Anxiety, stress, or depression

• Certain medications, such as antidepressants, opioids, and drugs that treat high blood pressure

Other ED treatments 

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional ED pills, you’ve got plenty of other options to choose from, including:

• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising

• Penis pumps

• Erectile dysfunction creams, suppositories, and injections

• Therapy for performance anxiety

• Penis implants and surgery

Viagra — and its generic version, sildenafil — is not for everyone. It should not be taken with certain medications (such as nitrates), and it may not be safe for people with cardiovascular problems (such as a recent stroke or heart attack). The best way to find out if Viagra is right for you is to talk to a licensed healthcare provider. They can evaluate your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and help you explore safe, effective treatment options for ED.

Side effects of Viagra 

The most common side effects of Viagra include:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Indigestion

• Temporary vision changes, such as increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision

• Nasal congestion

• Back pain

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Rash

While Viagra is generally safe to take, serious side effects may occur, including vision or hearing loss and priapism (a prolonged, sometimes painful erection lasting more than 4 hours). If you experience any of these side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

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While you probably can’t get free Viagra samples anymore, there are still low-cost ways to get ED treatment. Thanks to generics and telehealth platforms like Ro, ED medications have never been more affordable or accessible.

• Free Viagra samples are rare today. They were once common but are now largely phased out due to the availability of generic sildenafil.

• Generic Viagra (sildenafil) is just as effective as brand-name Viagra. It’s safe, FDA-approved, and costs a lot less.

• Beware of counterfeit or “over-the-counter” ED pills. Brand-name and generic Viagra are only available by prescription. 

• While free Viagra is largely a thing of the past, you can still save on the ED medication. One easy way to do that is by swapping the brand name for the generic version. Other cost-effective strategies include using Viagra coupons, ordering larger prescriptions, and getting Viagra through a telehealth provider. 

• Viagra is one of many ED treatments. From generic sildenafil to ED gummies and lifestyle changes, there are safe, effective treatment options for you to choose from.