Pfizer to begin selling generic version of Viagra

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced Wednesday it will begin selling a generic version of its erectile dysfunction drug Viagra.

Beginning Monday, Pfizer will sell a generic version of sildenafil, the compound known by the brand name Viagra, in the United States for half the $65-per-pill retail price of the name-brand pill.

The new generic brand of sildenafil will use white pills to differentiate itself from Viagra's "little blue pill."

Viagra's patent doesn't expire until 2020, but four years ago Pfizer agreed to allow Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. to sell a generic version of the drug beginning in December 2017 as part of a legal settlement.

Pfizer introduced Viagra in March 1998 when it discovered sildenafil, a failed angina medication, caused men to get sustained erections.

Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency announced last month the erectile dysfunction medication will be available for purchase over the counter beginning spring 2018.