Even someone who has been living under a rock for the last five or so years would be aware of the confusion and misconception that exists regarding generic Viagra and other Generic prescription drugs, but especially the largest selling online, by far, Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate).

Some people believe much of the misinformation published by those who would have them pay ten, twelve, fifteen dollars or even more per dose for genuine Viagra. Much of the confusion and misconception exists because, understandably, many can’t see how the generic Viagra can be the same thing but be so cheap (as low as $1 per dose, depending on quantity purchased). Well, here is why the vast difference exists. It’s no secret, nor is it difficult to understand. It’s simply economics versus opportunism (although sometimes justified).

The following applies to all generic drugs, but I will just use Viagra as the subject of the explanation.

When Viagra was first discovered or developed, it took a number of years and many, many millions (if not billions) of dollars in research, failure, more research, testing through multiple stages. Then came the trials, which had to satisfy the likes of the FDA (most countries have their own version of the FDA), which can, again, take years and more millions.

Once Viagra was approved by the authorities as safe (or relatively so, with the appropriate warnings…), the drug company then had to spend more millions and months marketing and promoting Viagra to the public and the medical profession. Then came mass manufacture, packaging, wholesaling, and distribution etc of Viagra tablets. From the time the patent was taken out on Viagra in 1993 it took five years, till 1998, before it could be sold. Huge investments, which the drug company (and shareholders) needed desperately to recover, hopefully in short order. Who can blame them, really? It’s a huge investment and huge risk with any new drug and some don’t end up being worthwhile.

That’s why Viagra or any other genuine or original drug is relatively expensive. Very simple indeed.

Now for Generic Viagra and other generic drugs, of which there are many. First of all, they are generally manufactured overseas because of cheaper labor and production costs and also because the patent doesn’t allow for Viagra to be made or sold in the U.S. except by the patent owner. It can, however, be imported, in personal quantities by individuals, in most countries.

Before we go any further, as I said, many other countries have their own versions of the FDA, which are every bit as stringent and effective. Those countries that don’t have such an authority rely on the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) to approve and monitor the manufacture of already proven pharmaceuticals. Let’s face it, when people get sick in Australia, Britain, India, Russia, China, Japan etc and take the drugs made in their own country, they get better. The U.S is NOT the only place in the world that can be trusted to make quality, safe and effective Viagra or any other drug, for that matter. It would be silly and cynical to think so.

In fact, it may surprise some that the bulk ingredients for some ‘so-called’ US manufactured drugs are actually imported from other countries, so let’s be realistic!

The Generic Viagra that is purchased online is GENERALLY made in pharmaceutical facilities, which are approved by authorities much the same as the FDA and/or W.H.O. It is also interesting to note that vast amounts of GENERIC drugs like antibiotics, immunizations, birth control pills and even Viagra are used by the likes of W.H.O., World Vision and the Red Cross etc in their humanitarian endeavors because of their vastly cheaper prices.

Generic Viagra and the other Generic Drugs that are sold through Online Pharmacies are so cheap because of the cheaper labor in other countries, but more so because of the obvious following reasons:

NO huge initial investment to recover.

NO wholesalers, distributors or retailers, they are shipped to the client from the manufacturer.

NO transport costs between three, four or often five of the above organizations.

NO stock needs to be kept by any of these non-existent middlemen or Pharmacies.

NO ‘bricks and mortar’ premises need to be maintained by the middlemen or the Pharmacies.

So you see, the ongoing mark-ups or profits from each of these middlemen don’t exist because they don’t exist, just the price from the Manufacturer and their commission to the referring Online Pharmacy.

In closing, I must admit that there ARE counterfeit drugs and there are drugs, which don’t contain much of the effective ingredient. However, these account for a very small percentage indeed, of the Viagra sold online. People are still buying online Viagra in droves and they wouldn’t continue to do that if they had bad or questionable experiences.

It’s also been discovered that the counterfeit drugs that everyone seems to condemn online Pharmacies over, ALSO show up in ‘bricks and mortar’ Pharmacies. So, why aren’t people wary of these retail outlets? Easy… media and the original manufacturer’s hype. Of course they’d rather sell all the online buyers genuine Viagra for $12 per dose.

As for the best way to tell a safe online Pharmacy, look for a toll free phone number and other means of contact, for following up orders, requesting cancellations, refunds or complaints. If they have these, they can hardly be surviving by selling inferior products. Check out the contacts first if you wish to make sure they’re genuine.

Happy cheap generic Viagra buying!