Rhino Pills vs. Viagra: Side Effects, Safety & More

Rhino pills and Viagra® both claim to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but only Viagra is FDA regulated and proven to be effective. Keep reading to learn the difference between the two, as well as their effectiveness, side effects and costs.

What are Rhino pills?

Rhino pills are an over-the-counter (OTC) male enhancement product that claims to improve male sexual performance by providing long-lasting erections and preventing premature ejaculation.¹

• There are a variety of Rhino products made with different names.

• A dose is one pill, taken without food 60-180 minutes before sexual activity.²

• Different Rhino pills contain different ingredients — some unclaimed by the manufacturer.

Over the years, the FDA has advised consumers against purchasing certain Rhino products because they contain unlisted ingredients that may have harmful side effects.^3,4,5,6

Do Rhino pills work?

While some ingredients may improve blood flow to the penis for some people, there is no evidence that Rhino pills reliably treat erectile dysfunction or enhance sexual performance.⁷

Are Rhino pills safe?

You should not take Rhino pills if you have any other drug in your system, including alcohol, caffeine, OTC drugs like acetaminophen or prescription medication.⁸

Because Rhino pills have frequently been found to contain hidden and potentially unsafe ingredients, the FDA has warned they can lead to “significant safety issues and the risk of serious adverse events.”⁹

The unlisted ingredients in Rhino pills significantly increase your risk because they may have a negative interaction with nitrates found in other prescription drugs, such as medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.¹⁰

What is Viagra (sildenafil)?

Viagra (sildenafil) is a pill medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra relaxes the walls of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the penis.¹¹

For most patients, the recommended dosage is 50 mg taken approximately one hour before sexual activity. Depending on your needs, your medical provider may also prescribe a dosage of 20 mg, 25 mg or 100 mg. Sildenafil can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours before sexual activity and its effects last approximately four hours.^12,13

Does Viagra work?

Yes, clinical studies have shown Viagra is an effective way to treat erectile dysfunction. In one study, 87% of men taking sildenafil had improved erections, compared to 11.3-41.3% of patients receiving a placebo.¹⁴

Is Viagra safe?

Viagra is FDA approved and safe for most men, except for those with heart problems, certain medical conditions, or those taking prescription medications that may interact with Viagra.¹⁵ Discuss Viagra with your doctor to determine if it is safe for you.

What are the differences between Rhino pills and Viagra?

While both products claim to treat erectile dysfunction, Viagra has been proven effective in clinical studies and is regulated by the FDA.

There are different Rhino pills, but they have not been FDA-approved, and there is no evidence they are effective. Rhino pills also claim to treat additional issues such as premature ejaculation, but this has not been proven.

How do the side effects compare for Rhino pills and Viagra?

Possible side effects of taking Rhino pills include:¹⁶

• Severe headaches.

• Chest pain.

• Prolonged erections that require surgical intervention.

• Adverse and potentially severe reactions with other medications and drugs.

• Accidental overdose of acetaminophen, which can lead to skin reddening, rashes, and serious issues like liver damage.

Possible side effects of taking Viagra are similar and include:¹⁷

• Warmth and redness.

• Headaches.

• Dizziness.

• Runny nose.

• Upset stomach.

• Trouble sleeping.

• Chest pain.

• Prolonged erections lasting more than four hours.

• Sudden vision loss due to increased blood flow to the eye.

With either drug, consult a doctor if you have ringing in your ears, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, convulsions or seizures, or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Can Rhino pills and Viagra be taken together?

No. Combining drugs meant for erectile dysfunction, like Rhino pills and Viagra, would significantly increase your risk of harmful side effects.¹⁸ Speak with your doctor and provide a complete list of any current medications you are taking before you begin using any new drug.

Are Rhino pills and Viagra available over the counter?

Rhino pills are available over the counter. However, Viagra and generic sildenafil require a prescription from a physician. Telehealth providers like RedBox Rx can prescribe FDA-approved Viagra and sildenafil online.

How do costs compare for Rhino pills and Viagra?

Depending on the product you choose and whether you buy it in bulk, Rhino pills cost approximately $4 per dose.¹⁹

Viagra is much more expensive and generally can cost between $90 and $140 per dose. RedBox Rx offers genuine Viagra starting at $70 per dose.

Generic sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) generally can be purchased for $2-$18 per dose and, like Viagra, requires a prescription. RedBox Rx offers sildenafil starting at $1 per tablet.

Rhino Pills vs. Viagra (Sildenafil) Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes it easy to get safe prescriptions for FDA-approved erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra and sildenafil.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Transparent, affordable, flat rates for ED medications starting at $1 per tablet.

• Free consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional.

• No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.

• No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.

• Free shipping directly to you.

Start your treatment today with our ED assessment and free online consultation.