A generic version of Viagra released in 2017

Pfizer, the maker’s of Viagra, has had the impotence market cornered since the company created its blockbuster drug in 1998. Pfizer holds a patent on the drug until 2020, but a lawsuit settlement will allow a generic version to hit the market in 2017.

The agreement

Pfizer and Teva Pharmaceuticals have been tied up in a legal battle since 2010, when Israeli-based Teva  Pharmaceuticals tried to launch its own version of Viagra. According to CBS News, Teva will pay Pfizer an undisclosed amount of money to release the drug sooner than the patent expires.

Pharmaceutical companies protect patents

Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer fight to protect their patents because once generic versions are allowed, the demand for the more expensive, name brand drug drops significantly.

For example, Pfizer lost its U.S. patent on the cholesterol-fighting Lipitor in 2011. The year before the patent expired the drug pulled in $5 billion. Last year, the drug only generated $932,000 in revenue.

Erectile dysfunction treatment options

There are several medications that can treat erectile dysfunction, which is defined as the inability to get or keep an erection. Viagra, while well known, isn’t the only oral medication available.

Viagra, Cialis, Staxyn, Stendra and Levitra are all FDA approved medications to treat the condition. If you’re suffering from ED, a doctor can help you decide which medication is best for you.

eDrugstore.com has a guide to the best ED medications. This guide is meant to offer a quick comparison of the medications, allowing men to see the differences between each prescription.

eDrugstore.com sells several of these lifestyle medications and has trained medical staff that can write prescriptions for men who meet certain medial criteria.