Viagra Alternatives: Are They Safe

Viagra is a well-known Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medicine, but not the only approach to treat ED. There are several alternative methods to address your erectile issues. 

Viagra is likely the first medicine that comes to mind when you think of ED. Nevertheless, it may not appeal to everyone. It requires a prescription and may be costly. Additionally, it may not work for you.

In that case, you may be looking for other treatments. Many people turn to other ED pills or over-the-counter Viagra alternatives.

However, are those reliable and safe alternatives to Viagra? Do over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for ED work?

Let us discuss Viagra alternatives and their safety. 

FDA-approved alternatives to Viagra

Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor that contains the active salt Sildenafil. PDE5 inhibitors are a group of medicines that treat Erectile Dysfunction

Other FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors are Vardenafil, Tadalafil, and Avanafil.

They block the protein Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and increase blood flow in the penis. Thus, they help produce an erection. 

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Other PDE5 inhibitors work in the same way. These include:

Vardenafil

It is sold under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn, in addition to the generic version of Vardenafil. The generic version of ED medicines have the same salt and working mechanism as their brand-name counterparts. 

Vardenafil pills are available in both conventional and dissolvable forms. Experts recommend taking it one hour before sexual activity. It can be effective for around 7 hours.

Tadalafil

It is one of the most potent PDE5 inhibitors sold as Cialis in the United States. If Viagra does not work for you, Tadalafil might. You can also find it in the generic form like Vidalista.

You may take this medication one to two hours before sex. Each dose lasts for around 36 hours.

Avanafil 

It is available on Cheap Medicine Shop as Avana and Avaforce. You may take this medication 15 to 30 minutes before having sex, and the effects should last around 6 hours.

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Generic Viagra medicines containing Sildenafil are also available. It works the same way as Viagra but costs less because it is not a brand name. 
These medicines include:

These medications are generally safe, as medical experts recommend them. However, it would be best only to take them under the supervision of a physician. 

A physician will evaluate your medical history and current prescriptions before prescribing you the correct dosage and medication. Taking them without a prescription may produce unexpected side effects. 

Natural Viagra alternatives

Many companies sell herbal Viagra alternatives to treat ED. These may be dietary supplements or food products that may improve sexual health. 

Natural Viagra alternativesSource: dashu83_from_Getty_Images
Ginseng

Some compounds used in herbal ED supplements include L-arginine, DHEA, Yohimbe, Ginseng and Propionyl-L-carnitine. Let us look at how these ingredients may help treat ED.

L-arginine

A study indicates that L-arginine is a safe ingredient but might not be beneficial in treating ED. 

However, it may help if you take it with other supplements like Pycnogenol. It may improve sexual performance without any adverse effects.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Aging may lead to a drop in DHEA in the body. This leads to various symptoms, such as Depression and low libido. 

According to research, taking DHEA supplements may improve symptoms. However, it requires more evidence.

Propionyl-L-carnitine

A study published in the journal Urology claims that acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine are safe ED supplements. 

They may boost Sildenafil’s strength and effectiveness while also restoring sexual function.

Yohimbe

A review in the Turkish journal of Urology touches on Yohimbe’s effect on sexual health. It might improve erectile function in combination with other treatments

Ginseng

There are indications that Ginseng enhances sexual performance. Human trials showed that Ginseng lessens the symptoms of Premature Ejaculation and ED.

Keep in mind
You should use alternative supplements, including herbal versions of Viagra, with caution.
The FDA has issued multiple safety warnings concerning similar products. They claim these goods may contain hazardous synthetic substances. There needs to be more research on these supplements. 

Over-the-counter Viagra alternatives: safe or not? 

Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors are accessible only with a prescription from a doctor. Therefore, consumers frequently turn to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. 

These are cheaper and commonly obtainable at gas stations and shops without a prescription. They include both natural supplements and ED drugs. 

However, the FDA opposes using over-the-counter Viagra alternatives, such as Rhino pills and Extenze.  

It is unsafe to consume ED medications without a prescription. Moreover, OTC medicines may contain unregulated doses and combinations of ED drugs. 

Also, the FDA restricts the use of ED medications to biological males over the age of 18. Meanwhile, everyone has access to over-the-counter medicines, which is incredibly unsafe.

The bottom line 

So, what are the best alternatives to Viagra? It isn’t easy to say. It may be best to use only prescription medications.

If Viagra is too costly or ineffective, you can try alternative PDE5 inhibitors or their generic equivalents. You may consult your physician to find the best option for your specific needs.

Natural supplements and over-the-counter drugs are less expensive. However, they are not dependable and safe alternatives to Viagra. 

There is limited evidence of their efficiency. Perhaps it is best to avoid them unless your doctor suggests otherwise. 

Other ways to combat ED include sex therapy, dietary changes, and regular exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any cheap Viagra alternatives?

Sildenafil (generic Viagra) and generic versions of other ED pills are cheaper than Viagra. This is because they are not brand-name medicines. 
However, they work in the same way as Viagra and may be just as effective. If Viagra is too expensive for you, you may consider generic alternatives after consulting your doctor.

Do Rhino pills make you hard?

Rhino pills are over-the-counter ED sex pills that claim to make you hard and improve sexual performance. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up. 
Additionally, the FDA opposes using Rhino pills for ED as they contain unregulated doses of ingredients. They may cause severe health issues.

Is there a natural Viagra alternative?

Certain natural supplements claim to treat ED. However, there is little evidence to prove their effectiveness. 
There are other natural ways to improve sexual health. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.

Citations:
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Jim Carson

Jim Carson is the writer for the men's health and mental health section of CheapMedicineShop.com. He is certified in clinical mental health counselling and has a knee interest in men's sexual wellness . Professionally and personally, Jim is an astute observer of human behaviour that reflects well in his work.