What is Viagra?
Viagra is a registered drug produced by the pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer. It was the first and best-known erectile dysfunction drug on the market, introduced in 1998. The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to the penis.
Key features of Viagra include:
- Viagra is legally available in the Netherlands, but only with a doctor's prescription from a licensed pharmacy. Obtaining a prescription requires a consultation with a doctor, during which your medical history and any risk factors will be assessed. This medical supervision ensures that the drug can be used safely.
- Viagra production is strictly monitored, meaning quality, purity, and dosage are guaranteed. Side effects are well-known and documented, allowing doctors to accurately assess whether the drug is suitable for you and what you can expect during use.
What is Kamagra?
Kamagra is also a product that contains sildenafil, the same active ingredient as Viagra. It is manufactured by the Indian pharmaceutical company Ajanta Pharma and is available in various forms, including tablets and an oral jelly version.
Unlike Viagra, Kamagra is sold in the Netherlands through unofficial channels, primarily online stores operating from abroad. The production and distribution of Kamagra are not overseen by Dutch or European health authorities.
A crucial point to understand: Kamagra is not legally available in the Netherlands and Belgium. However, it is often ordered online without a prescription, which carries several risks. The composition and quality can vary significantly, and the production process does not necessarily meet the strict European standards for medicines.
The differences at a glance
To get a clear overview of the differences between these two products, you can consult the comparison below:
| Feature | Viagra (regulated) | Kamagra (unofficial) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal in the Netherlands | Yes | No |
| Prescription required | Yes | Illegal online |
| Quality control | Yes (Pfizer) | Unknown origin |
| Medical supervision | Yes | No |
| Risk of side effects | Known and monitored | Unknown, possibly elevated |
| Purity | Guaranteed | Not guaranteed |
| Dosage | Accurate and reliable | Possibly different |
| Price | Higher | Lower (but risky) |
As you can see, Viagra offers much more security and safety, despite the higher price and the fact that you need a prescription.
What are the risks of Kamagra?
Using Kamagra carries several risks that you should be aware of:
- There's no guarantee of the correct dosage. Because Kamagra isn't regulated, the amount of sildenafil per tablet or gel can vary significantly. This can lead to underdosing or overdosing, with potentially serious consequences.
- The risk of contamination or counterfeit products is significant. Research has shown that many erectile dysfunction medications sold online are contaminated with harmful substances or contain no active ingredient at all.
- There is no medical supervision when using Kamagra. A doctor would normally check whether an erectile dysfunction medication is safe for your specific situation, especially if you are taking other medications or have certain medical conditions.
- Online Kamagra vendors are often fraudulent. Besides health risks, you also run the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, or not receiving the product after payment.
- An aspect that should not be underestimated: the use, possession and trade of Kamagra is punishable in the Netherlands because it is an unregistered medicine.
What can you do yourself?
Do you experience erection problems? Always discuss this with your GP first. Erectile problems can be linked to other conditions, such as cardiovascular problems or diabetes. A doctor can assess the cause and which treatment suits you. If a medicine is needed, you will receive it with a prescription from a registered pharmacy.
Would you like to know more about these medicines? Also read Viagra: how it works, prescription and alternatives and Sildenafil: how it works and side effects.
Vaud does not sell kamagra, viagra or any other medicine. Vaud offers food supplements, such as Male Support with 1000 mg L-arginine per daily dose. A food supplement is not a medicine and does not replace medical advice, a varied diet or a healthy lifestyle.
