Cost

The cost of sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction varies widely. Factors which affect the cost include: dosage, brand vs. generic, vendor, insurance coverage and quantity purchased. Initial marketing cost per tablet were $7.00 to $10.00 a tablet. Current pricing is approximately $3.00 for a 50mg. tablet of generic sildenafil citrate, when purchased from an online pharmacy.

Insurance coverage also varies widely. Some private insurers will not cover any of the costs, while others limit coverage to patients with severe ED or limit the number of treatments per month. As of January 1, 2007, Medicare Part D excludes ‘‘a drug when used for the treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction, unless such drug were used to treat a condition, other than sexual or erectile dysfunction, for which the drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.’’ ‘‘Medicare ... plans that wish to continue coverage of ED drugs may do so as a supplemental benefit through enhanced alternative coverage, consistent with existing policy."