Medically Reviewed by HaVy Ngo, Pharm.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 02, 2022

Common Questions


Common Questions about Viagra (sildenafil)


Can women take Viagra?
Viagra is not for women or children. This medicine is prescribed to adult men aged 18 and above to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).


Is Viagra covered by insurance?
Brand name Viagra is not covered by most health insurance plans. However, the generic version of the drug, sildenafil, available since 2017, is covered by Medicare and many private health insurance plans. Check your health insurance plan for exact prescription drug coverage, co-pay, and out-of-pocket cost.


How long does Viagra stay in your system?
On average, Viagra is cleared from your system in around 3 hours. Smaller doses such as 25 mg are cleared faster in about 2 hours. However, larger quantities such as 50 mg or 100 mg can take much longer, up to 6 hours, to fully leave your system.


How often can you take Viagra?
You should not take Viagra more than once in 24 hours at any dose. The total maximum dose of Viagra approved by the FDA is 100 mg per day. Take Viagra once a day as needed at the recommended dose (between 25 mg and 100 mg) an hour before sex. You can take Viagra several days in a row as long as you do not exceed one dose per day.


How long does Viagra last?
The effects of Viagra start to diminish in 2-3 hours. Viagra can last up to 5 hours depending on the dose, your metabolism, and other factors.


Does Viagra maintain your erection after ejaculation?
Viagra will not maintain the erection after ejaculation. You will likely lose your erection after you ejaculate.


Does Viagra stop you from ejaculating?
Viagra does not stop you from ejaculating. It also cannot prevent premature ejaculation. If you experience problems with early ejaculation, talk to your doctor about treatment for premature ejaculation. This is a different problem from erectile dysfunction.


Will Viagra enhance the size of your penis?
Viagra increases blood flow to the penis and makes it erect when you are sexually aroused. The medicine can therefore cause your erection to look and feel bigger. However, Viagra does not increase the actual size of your penis.


Can you take Viagra with alcohol?
Alcohol is not completely forbidden as long as you drink in extreme moderation after consulting your doctor. Heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of side effects and lead to worsening sexual dysfunction.


Is Viagra bad for your heart?
This medicine is safe to take in people with stable cardiovascular disease. However, always consult a doctor before taking Viagra, especially if you have a heart condition. It is not safe to take Viagra with certain medications used to treat heart diseases and high blood pressure. Viagra is not recommended if you’ve had a heart attack, stroke, or symptoms of heart failure in the last six months or if you are taking nitroglycerin for chest pain.


What is the price of Viagra without insurance?

Without insurance, Viagra can be as high as $1,300.68 (generic), but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $16.06 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. 



What is the price of Viagra with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Viagra—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Viagra. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.