What exactly are generic medicines?

A generic medicine is a medication that comes onto the market after the patent on the original brand-name product has expired. It contains exactly the same active ingredient, in the same dosage, and works in exactly the same way as the branded product.

Take Viagra as an example. Pfizer developed sildenafil and launched it in 1998 under the brand name Viagra. For 15 years, Pfizer held a patent, meaning only they were allowed to produce and sell sildenafil. In 2013, that patent expired. From that moment on, other pharmaceutical companies were allowed to produce sildenafil - these are the generic versions.

The same applies to Cialis. The patent on tadalafil expired in 2017, after which generic versions became available. These generics are often referred to by their active ingredient: “generic sildenafil” instead of “Viagra,” or “generic tadalafil” instead of “Cialis.”

The key thing to remember: generic does not mean “fake” or “lower quality.” It simply means the patent has expired and multiple manufacturers are now allowed to produce the same medicine.

Is a generic just as effective as the brand-name product?

Yes. Generic medicines are just as effective as their branded equivalents. This is not an opinion - it’s a fact that is strictly overseen by regulators such as the Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Before a generic medicine is approved, the manufacturer must demonstrate that it is “bioequivalent” to the branded product. This means the body absorbs and processes the active ingredient in exactly the same way. Effectiveness must be identical⁴.

For erectile medication, this has been scientifically demonstrated. Clinical studies confirm that generic sildenafil provides the same improvement in erections as Viagra, with comparable side effects and the same duration of action. The same applies to generic tadalafil versus Cialis. Research shows that both generic sildenafil and generic tadalafil are safe and effective treatments for erection problems¹˒²˒³. Men experience the same results whether they use the brand-name product or the generic version.

There is one difference some men may notice: excipients. These are inactive ingredients that give tablets their shape, color, and taste. These can vary slightly between manufacturers. In very rare cases, someone may be sensitive to a specific excipient, but this does not affect how the active ingredient works.

Why is there such a price difference?

The price difference between generic and brand-name medication can be substantial. But how can the same medication be so much cheaper? The explanation lies in development costs. The original brand-name product goes through a long and expensive process:

• Years of research and development

• Large clinical trials with thousands of participants

• Regulatory approval procedures

• Major marketing campaigns to build awareness

These costs are enormous. A patent gives the original developer time to recover these investments. That’s why branded products are more expensive - you’re partly paying for the research.

Generic manufacturers don’t have to repeat this entire process. The active ingredient has already been thoroughly researched and proven effective. They only need to demonstrate bioequivalence - a much cheaper process. They also don’t need large marketing budgets.

On top of that, competition puts downward pressure on prices. Where there used to be just one manufacturer (with a patent), there are now often dozens. That competition drives prices down further.

The result: generic medicines can be sold for a fraction of the brand-name price, without compromising quality or effectiveness.

That said, some men still consciously choose the branded product. Reasons are often personal: trust in a familiar brand, appreciation for the original research and development, or simply being used to the product they know. That’s a valid choice - the most important thing is finding a treatment you feel comfortable with.

Are generic erectile medicines safe?

Absolutely. Generic erectile medicines sold in the Netherlands must meet exactly the same safety standards as brand-name products.

The CBG only approves generic medicines that meet strict criteria:

• The same active ingredient at the exact dosage

• Proven bioequivalence to the branded product

• Manufacturing according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

• Regular quality controls

• Full documentation of manufacturing processes

These requirements apply to all medicines in Europe, whether generic or branded. A generic sildenafil tablet from a licensed Dutch pharmacy is just as safe as Viagra⁶. The same is true for generic tadalafil and Cialis⁷.

Important: this applies only to medicines obtained through legal channels. Erectile pills from questionable websites without medical oversight are dangerous - they may be counterfeit, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed. Always buy via a licensed pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription.

What’s the difference between generic sildenafil and Viagra?

There is no difference in how they work. Both contain sildenafil as the active ingredient, both work for 4–6 hours, and both typically start working within 30–60 minutes. The differences are purely in price and presentation.

Viagra is Pfizer’s well-known blue, diamond-shaped tablet. The recognizable shape and color are part of the brand. Clinical studies show Viagra is effective and safe⁴.

Generic sildenafil is produced by multiple manufacturers. The tablets look different - often round or oval, white or another color. Packaging is simpler and does not include Viagra’s branding.

In terms of effect, it makes no difference which you choose:

• Same active ingredient (sildenafil)

• Same dosages (usually 50 mg or 100 mg)

• Same duration (4–6 hours)

• Same side effects

• Same contraindications

The biggest difference is cost. Generic sildenafil is significantly cheaper than Viagra, while providing exactly the same treatment.

What’s the difference between generic tadalafil and Cialis?

The same applies here: no difference in effectiveness or safety. Both contain tadalafil, work for up to 36 hours, and are available for both on-demand and daily use.

Cialis is the yellow, almond-shaped tablet from manufacturer Lilly. It was the first tadalafil product on the market and is known for its long duration. Research confirms the effectiveness and safety of Cialis²˒⁵.

Generic tadalafil has been produced by multiple manufacturers since 2017. The tablets look different and the packaging is simpler, but the contents are identical.

Key features are the same for both:

• Same active ingredient (tadalafil)

• Same dosages (10 mg, 20 mg for on-demand; 5 mg for daily use)

• Same long duration (up to 36 hours)

• Same side effects

• Option for daily use

This also applies to the daily 5 mg option. Studies show that daily tadalafil is effective whether you use Cialis or a generic¹. The steady effect and increased spontaneity are the same with both.

As with sildenafil, the main difference is financial. Generic tadalafil offers the same long duration and flexibility as Cialis, but at a lower price.

How do you recognize reliable generic medication?

The safety of generic medication depends entirely on where you buy it. Reliable generics are just as safe as brand-name products - unreliable versions can be dangerous.

You can recognize reliable generic erectile medication by these signs:

Through a licensed pharmacy:

• Registered with the CBG

• Works with registered doctors

• Always asks for medical information

• Ships medicines from the Netherlands or the EU

With proper documentation:

• Patient information leaflet

• Registration number (RVG number) on the packaging

• Manufacturer clearly stated

• Expiration date clearly shown

Be very cautious with:

• Websites without medical oversight

• Unrealistically low prices

• No manufacturer listed

• Shipping from unknown countries

• Tablets without packaging or leaflet

This last category is dangerous. Counterfeit pills may contain too little, too much, or no active ingredient at all. Worse, they can be contaminated with harmful substances. It’s not worth the risk.

Summary

Generic erectile medication is an excellent solution for men who want effective treatment at an affordable price. The key insight: generic does not mean inferior - it means the patent has expired and multiple manufacturers can now produce the medicine.

The active ingredient is identical, the effect is identical, and the safety standards are identical. The only differences are price and packaging. For many men, generic sildenafil or tadalafil is therefore the logical choice.

From a medical standpoint, it doesn’t matter whether you choose Viagra or generic sildenafil, Cialis or generic tadalafil. What does matter is that you purchase it through reliable channels: with a doctor’s prescription, via a licensed pharmacy, and with proper documentation.

At Menkind, after an online consultation with a registered doctor, you can choose between brand-name products (Viagra, Cialis) and generic options (sildenafil, tadalafil). All medications meet the strict standards of the CBG and are supplied by our licensed Dutch partner pharmacy.

References

1. McMahon, C. G. (2005). Comparison of efficacy, safety, and tolerability of on-demand tadalafil and daily dosed tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2(3), 415-425. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16422874/

2. Porst, H. (2002). IC351 (tadalafil, Cialis): update on clinical experience. International Journal of Impotence Research, 14(Suppl 1), S57-S64. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11850737/

3. Brock, G. B., et al. (2002). Efficacy and safety of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of integrated analyses. The Journal of Urology, 168(4), 1332-1336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12352386/

4. Jackson, G., et al. (2005). Past, present, and future: a 7-year update of Viagra (sildenafil citrate). International Journal of Clinical Practice, 59(6), 680-691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15924597/

5. Meuleman, E. J. (2003). Review of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 4(11), 2049-2056. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14596658/

6. Apotheek.nl. Sildenafil bijsluiter. https://www.apotheek.nl/medicijnen/sildenafil 

7. Apotheek.nl. Tadalafil bijsluiter. https://www.apotheek.nl/medicijnen/tadalafil