There is no escaping the fact that the cost of living makes us tight. And just when you think about the bad things, they quickly get worse in terms of the cost of basic necessities. Inflation did not affect all sectors, but the pharmaceutical industry recorded a decrease in the price of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs.
According to Pharma Dynamics, the main supplier of ED drugs in SA, until now, the high price of ED drugs has been a problem for many.
However, increased public competition has caused prices to drop by an average of 33% over the past 11 years.
“Generics on the market now sell for an average price of R80 (including VAT) for a pack of four,” explained the pharmaceutical company.
Why are the prices of erectile dysfunction drugs falling?
Several variables (such as dispensing fees, which vary from pharmacy to pharmacy) affect the final cost that patients pay but consumers can expect to pay less this year.
Fadhl Solomon, Men’s Health Category Manager for Pharma Dynamics, also said that when generic ED drugs entered the market a few years ago, prices began to drop.
Also read: What you need to know about erectile dysfunction
“Currently, there are 10 generic ED brands available for SA patients, with more to come in the coming months. We want to make ED treatment as convenient, cost-effective and discreet as possible,” commented Solomon.
ED in South Africa
According to Pharma Dynamics, the company was the first to launch a generic equivalent from its origin to the SA market in 2012. As of today, the size of the local market for prescription ED drugs continues to grow and is currently worth R250m.
Erectile dysfunction affects about 4 in 10 men over the age of 40, but Solomon says the number may be higher because patients are often too embarrassed to report it to their doctor.
“Erectile dysfunction refers to a man’s inability to get an erection strong enough to have sex.
“In many cases, ED is associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease or diabetes, which is often the result of obesity, smoking or drinking alcohol. Therefore, ED can be a symptom of other health problems. It is part of the body’s internal warning system that tells me things are not going well,” commented Solomon.
He encourages everyone who suffers from ED to consult a doctor for a thorough physical examination to find out the cause of the dysfunction.
READ NEXT: The hard truth about the P SHOT (penis shot)
* Compiled by Kaunda Selisho