If you're taking Assurans for erectile dysfunction, you're not alone. Sildenafil citrate is one of the most prescribed medications for ED worldwide. But with so many options on the market - some branded, some generic, some with different durations - it’s easy to wonder: Is Assurans really the best choice for me?
What is Assurans, really?
Assurans is a generic version of Viagra. Its active ingredient is sildenafil citrate, the same compound that made Viagra famous. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, letting more blood flow in when you’re sexually stimulated. That’s it. No magic. No instant results. You still need arousal.
Most people take Assurans 30 to 60 minutes before sex. It lasts about 4 to 5 hours. The standard dose is 50 mg, but doctors often start with 25 mg for older adults or those on other medications. Higher doses (100 mg) are available, but they don’t work better for everyone - they just increase side effect risks.
Side effects? Common ones include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and stuffy nose. Rare but serious risks: sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain, or priapism (an erection lasting more than 4 hours). If that happens, get help immediately.
Why look at alternatives?
Assurans works well for many. But not everyone responds the same way. Maybe it doesn’t last long enough. Maybe your stomach can’t handle it. Maybe you’re on a medication that interacts badly with sildenafil. Or maybe you just want something that fits your lifestyle better.
Here are the four most common alternatives to Assurans - all FDA-approved, all widely available, all with real-world data behind them.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate)
Let’s clear up a myth right away: Assurans and Viagra are the same drug. Same active ingredient. Same dosage options. Same side effect profile. The only difference? Price and branding.
Viagra is the original brand. It costs more - often 3 to 5 times more than Assurans. But if you’re in a country where insurance covers brand-name drugs, or you prefer the name recognition, Viagra is a valid option. For most people, though, Assurans is the smarter buy.
Cialis (tadalafil)
If you want longer-lasting results, Cialis is the clear winner. Its active ingredient is tadalafil, not sildenafil. While Assurans lasts 4-5 hours, Cialis can work for up to 36 hours. That’s why it’s nicknamed “the weekend pill.”
You can take Cialis as needed (10 mg or 20 mg) or daily (2.5 mg or 5 mg). The daily version lets you be spontaneous - no planning ahead. It also helps with BPH (enlarged prostate), which many men over 50 struggle with.
Downsides? It can cause back pain or muscle aches in about 5% of users. Also, it doesn’t work faster than Assurans - still takes 30-45 minutes. But if you want flexibility, Cialis wins.
Levitra (vardenafil)
Levitra is less known but just as effective. Its active ingredient is vardenafil. Like sildenafil, it lasts about 4-5 hours. But some men find it works better on a full stomach, and it may cause fewer visual side effects (like blue-tinted vision) than sildenafil.
Levitra is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses. Studies show it’s slightly more potent than sildenafil - meaning you might need a lower dose to get the same result. But it’s not widely available as a generic in many countries, so cost can be an issue.
Stendra (avanafil)
Stendra is the newest option. Avanafil starts working in as little as 15 minutes - faster than any other ED pill. It lasts about 6 hours. It’s also less likely to cause headaches or nasal congestion compared to sildenafil.
It’s available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg doses. The 200 mg dose is often prescribed for men who didn’t respond to other drugs. But it’s expensive and rarely covered by insurance. Also, it’s not available as a generic, so you’re paying for the brand.
Comparison table: Assurans vs the rest
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Onset Time | Duration | Take With Food? | Generic Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assurans | Sildenafil citrate | 30-60 min | 4-5 hours | Yes, but slower | Yes |
| Viagra | Sildenafil citrate | 30-60 min | 4-5 hours | Yes, but slower | No |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 30-45 min | Up to 36 hours | No impact | Yes |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 25-60 min | 4-5 hours | Minimal impact | Yes (in some regions) |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 15-30 min | 6 hours | No impact | No |
Which one should you pick?
There’s no single best drug. It depends on your life, your body, and your goals.
- Choose Assurans if you want a reliable, affordable, well-tested option and don’t mind planning ahead.
- Choose Cialis if you want spontaneity, longer coverage, or have prostate issues.
- Choose Levitra if sildenafil causes visual side effects and you want something slightly more potent.
- Choose Stendra if you need fast results and are willing to pay more for it.
Many men try one, then switch. That’s normal. Your body changes. Your needs change. What worked at 40 might not work at 55.
What about natural alternatives?
You’ve probably seen ads for herbal pills, L-arginine, ginseng, or horny goat weed. Some claim to boost libido or blood flow. But here’s the truth: none of them have the same level of proof as sildenafil or tadalafil.
A 2023 review in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that while some herbal supplements showed minor improvements in small studies, they were inconsistent, poorly regulated, and sometimes contaminated with hidden pharmaceuticals - including sildenafil itself. That’s dangerous. You don’t know the dose. You don’t know what else is in it.
If you want to try lifestyle changes, focus on these: lose weight if you’re overweight, exercise regularly (especially cardio), quit smoking, limit alcohol, and manage stress. These changes improve ED more than most supplements - and they help your heart too.
What about insurance and cost?
In Canada, Assurans is usually covered under provincial drug plans as a generic. Viagra? Often not. Cialis and Levitra generics are covered too, but prices vary by province.
Out-of-pocket, a 10-pill pack of Assurans (50 mg) costs about $30-$50 CAD. Viagra? $80-$120. Cialis daily (5 mg) runs $100-$150. Stendra? $150+.
Always check your pharmacy’s price. Some discount programs or bulk orders can cut costs by half. Don’t assume the brand is worth the extra money.
When to talk to your doctor
Don’t self-prescribe. ED can be a sign of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. If you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection, it’s worth getting checked.
Also, talk to your doctor if:
- You’re taking nitrates (for chest pain) - combining them with sildenafil can drop your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
- You have liver or kidney disease - your dose may need adjusting.
- You’re on alpha-blockers (for prostate or blood pressure) - timing matters to avoid dizziness.
- You’ve had a stroke, heart attack, or arrhythmia in the past 6 months.
Your doctor can help you weigh risks, check interactions, and find the right fit. They might even suggest a different treatment - like vacuum pumps, injections, or implants - if pills aren’t working.
Final thoughts
Assurans is a solid, cost-effective choice for most men with ED. But it’s not the only option. Cialis offers freedom. Levitra offers precision. Stendra offers speed. Each has trade-offs.
The best drug is the one that fits your life - not the one with the biggest ad budget. Try one. If it doesn’t work, don’t give up. Talk to your doctor. Try another. ED is treatable. You just need the right match.
Can I take Assurans every day?
Assurans (sildenafil) is not approved for daily use. It’s meant to be taken as needed, no more than once per day. For daily ED treatment, Cialis (tadalafil) is the preferred option. Taking sildenafil daily increases the risk of side effects like low blood pressure and headaches without proven benefits.
Is Assurans as effective as Viagra?
Yes. Assurans and Viagra contain the exact same active ingredient - sildenafil citrate - at the same strengths. They work the same way, have the same side effects, and offer the same success rates. The only difference is price and branding. Assurans is the generic version, which is why it’s cheaper.
Can I split an Assurans pill?
Yes, if your doctor approves. Many men start with a 25 mg dose by splitting a 50 mg tablet. This helps reduce side effects like headaches or dizziness. But don’t split pills unless they’re scored (have a line down the middle). Use a pill splitter for accuracy. Never crush or grind the tablet - it can affect how it’s absorbed.
How long after taking Assurans can I drink alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (1-2 drinks) is usually fine, but heavy drinking can reduce effectiveness and increase side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure. Alcohol also worsens ED on its own. Wait at least 2 hours after taking Assurans before drinking. Avoid binge drinking - it can make the medication unsafe.
What if Assurans doesn’t work for me?
It’s common. About 30% of men don’t respond to sildenafil at first. Try increasing the dose (with your doctor’s approval), take it on an empty stomach, or wait longer after taking it (up to 2 hours). If that doesn’t help, switch to Cialis or Stendra. Sometimes ED is caused by low testosterone or psychological factors - your doctor can test for those too.
Are there any long-term risks of taking sildenafil?
Long-term use of sildenafil is generally safe for most men when taken as directed. Studies tracking users for over 5 years show no increased risk of heart problems, vision loss, or cancer. However, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or take nitrates, you need close monitoring. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re using.
Comments (9)
Laura-Jade Vaughan
Okay but can we talk about how Assurans is basically Viagra’s budget cousin? 😅 I took it last weekend and it worked like a charm-no blue vision, no drama. Just pure, quiet confidence. 🥰 Also, side note: if you’re gonna take it, skip the tequila. I learned that the hard way. 🥵
Jennifer Stephenson
Assurans is effective. Cost is lower. Doctor approved. No issues.
Segun Kareem
This isn’t just about pills. It’s about dignity. ED doesn’t define you, but how you handle it? That does. Assurans, Cialis, Stendra-they’re tools. Not magic. The real win is talking to your doctor, not scrolling through forums at 2 a.m. You’re not broken. You’re human. And humans need help sometimes. That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
Philip Rindom
I mean… I took Assurans for like 6 months, then switched to Cialis because I’m lazy and don’t wanna plan sex. 😅 Also, I’m weirdly obsessed with how Cialis just… works for 36 hours. It’s like having a tiny, silent superhero in my pants. No one else knows. I just smile and go about my day. 🤫
Jess Redfearn
Wait so if I take Assurans can I just get hard anytime? Like even if I’m not turned on? Asking for a friend. (It’s me.)
Ashley B
Let’s be real-Big Pharma is selling you a placebo wrapped in a patent. Assurans? Same as Viagra. But they made you think you’re saving money by buying the ‘generic’. Meanwhile, your blood pressure is dropping and your kidneys are screaming. And don’t even get me started on how they hide the fact that most of these ‘clinical trials’ are funded by the same companies selling the pills. You’re not treating ED-you’re funding a corporate lie.
Scott Walker
Cialis for the win. 🏆 I’ve been on the daily 5mg for a year now. No planning. No stress. Just… life. Also, the back pain? Yeah, I felt it once. Then I started doing yoga. Problem solved. And yes, I’m Canadian. We’re chill like that. ☕
Sharon Campbell
idk why ppl overcomplicate this. assurans works. if it dont, try somethin else. stop readin blogs and just talk to your doc. also alcohol = bad. duh.
sara styles
You people are clueless. Sildenafil doesn’t just ‘relax blood vessels’-it disrupts PDE5 signaling pathways which, in turn, triggers a cascade of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation that can mask underlying cardiovascular pathology. And don’t get me started on how the FDA’s approval process is corrupted by industry lobbying. I’ve read the original 2012 meta-analysis from the Cochrane Library-there’s a 17% higher risk of non-fatal MI in men over 65 using daily dosing, and they buried that in appendix C. Also, the ‘natural alternatives’? They’re mostly laced with unregulated sildenafil analogs. The DEA flagged 12 brands last year. You think your ‘herbal’ supplement is safe? It’s not. Your ‘cheap generic’? It’s just a Trojan horse. And your doctor? They’re paid by pharma reps to push these. Wake up. This isn’t medicine. It’s a multi-billion-dollar illusion.