Compounded, Branded And Generic ED Medication: What’s The Difference?

If you’re exploring treatments for erectile dysfunction, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice. Should you choose a well-known brand name like Viagra, a low-price equivalent drug, or opt for a newer, customized alternative? Let’s explore the difference between all three, so you can decide which option feels right for you and your needs.

Branded drugs

Medications with brand names, such as Viagra or Cialis, are made by drug manufacturers, who spend time and money on research and clinical trials to make sure the product is safe to use and that any active ingredients work as intended. When a drug has been thoroughly tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company that makes it is allowed to sell it under a brand name for a limited amount of time, under exclusive rights. When these exclusive rights end, other companies are allowed to make and sell generic versions of the drug, which are usually much cheaper as the testing and research has already been completed by the original company.

For that reason, branded drugs are well known and widely trusted, but are often much more expensive.

Generic drugs

Now that we know generic drugs are less expensive than their branded alternatives, let’s explore if there’s any difference between the two. First of all, it’s important to remember that generics include the exact same active ingredient as their branded drugs. For example, both branded Cialis and its generic version contain tadalafil as the active ingredient. Generics must go through rigorous testing to ensure the highest safety and quality standards before an approval process to make sure they work the same way in the body as the original drug — they don’t need as many clinical trials, but they have to show that they have the same active ingredients, and that they work in the same way as the branded drug.

While the active ingredients are the same, the inactive ingredients, like fillers or colors, may be different. These changes don’t affect how the drug works but may make the tablet look or taste different — sometimes, this is because by law, generic drugs can’t look exactly like branded drugs.

Despite these minor differences, generic drugs are just as effective and safe as branded drugs, with the only major difference being a much lower price tag.

Compounded drugs

Compounded ED medications* are custom-made formulations created by a licensed pharmacist based on a prescription. Unlike standard, one-size-fits-all ED treatments, compounded medications* are designed to meet the specific needs of each individual. This means the pharmacist can adjust the dosage, combine medications, or change the form of administration, ensuring the medication works more effectively for each individual.

Safety considerations

Compounded treatments* are different from regular drugs because they are customized for each person, so they don’t go through the same FDA approval process. Instead, compounding pharmacies follow strict rules to make sure their medications are safe.

This process is important because compounded drugs* can help create a more personalized treatment for people, especially in cases like men’s health and erectile dysfunction (ED), where tailored solutions can make a big difference.

As stated by the FDA, “Compounding is the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of a patient.” [1] For example, combining two drugs in one to achieve the benefits of both in one treatment, or altering the strength and inactive ingredients of a formula to better suit a patient.Compounding must be practiced by “a licensed pharmacist, a licensed physician, or a person under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.” [1] and are always made in limited batches based on a prescription from a healthcare provider.

It’s important to only get medications from a trustworthy compounding pharmacy, with the guidance of a healthcare provider who knows your medical history and can watch for any side effects, ensuring the medication is right for you and is working safely.

Why compounded drugs are made

While popular brand-name drugs like Viagra and Cialis work well for many men, they’re not suitable for everyone. There are several reasons why compounded erectile dysfunction treatments* can be beneficial:

Custom doses

ED patients with specific requirements or medical conditions may need doses that are different from the prescription drugs that are mass-produced and widely available.

Ease of use

For people who can’t swallow erectile dysfunction tablets easily, compounded drugs* can be made as chewables, liquids, creams, gels, or even injections.

Availability and cost

During drug shortages, or when a medication is out of stock or too expensive, pharmaceutical compounding can be an affordable and accessible alternative.

Allergies and sensitivities

Some people are allergic or sensitive to dyes, preservatives, or other ingredients in regular drugs. Compounding erectile dysfunction tablets allows pharmacists to make versions without these ingredients.

Benefits of compounded ED medications

As alternative treatments to FDA-approved medications, compounded ED medications* offer several unique benefits:

Personalized effectiveness

Because the treatment is custom-made by a medical provider, it can be adjusted to work in a way that best suits each individual.

Reduced side effects

By adjusting dosages or changing ingredients, compounding could help men avoid common side effects like headaches, digestive upset, or nasal congestion.

Better results

For men who haven’t responded to standard ED drugs, compounded medications* could be a more effective option.

Whether you choose a branded, generic or compound medication is up to you. Looking for the most effective treatment to treat your ED? Start a consultation with our health care professionals today, and access prescription medications from our online pharmacy.

*Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness or quality.

References

1. National Academies of Sciences E, Division H and M, Policy B on HS, Therapy C on the CU of TP with CBHR, Jackson LM, Parker RM, et al. An Overview of Compounding [Internet]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US); 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562881/