Cialis Now Available as Generic Tadalafil: Here’s What You Need to Know

We have good news for you: generic Cialis, used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and enlarged prostates, just hit pharmacies. Prices for the generic, known as tadalafil, are more than 50% less than those of brand-name Cialis.

As more men are able to afford tadalafil and treat their ED, it’s likely that many will have questions. Does it differ from Viagra? How much does it cost? Does it cause any side effects? We’ll answer all of those important questions below.

How to save on generic Cialis

There are many ways to save on Cialis, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. 

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 97% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Cialis at certain pharmacies is less than $13 with a free GoodRx discount.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Cialis’ patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.

Is generic tadalafil any different from brand-name Cialis?

No. Both tadalafil and Cialis are used to treat erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause difficulty urinating.

While some patients are concerned about how well generic tadalafil works, the FDA has an extremely rigorous process for reviewing generic drugs before they hit the market. This process ensures that generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, so that there are very few differences between them.

What strength should I take?

Cialis and generic tadalafil are available in four different strengths—2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg—but which one should you take?

If you’ve never tried Cialis before, your doctor will likely start you on a low dose, like 2.5 mg or 5 mg. The 20 mg tablet is the highest strength and is often not preferred because it has the potential to cause erections that last a full day.

Dosage will vary from person to person, so talk to your doctor about which form of tadalafil is best for you.

How are Cialis and Viagra different?

Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are both used for erectile dysfunction, but there are a couple of distinctions between the two.

Unlike Viagra, low-dose tadalafil can be taken on a daily basis, allowing for more spontaneity. What’s more, a single dose of tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, whereas a dose of Viagra only lasts for around four hours. Because of that, doctors typically prescribe Cialis to older men, or those who want don’t want to “plan for sex.”

Does tadalafil have any side effects?

Yes. Generic tadalafil has similar side effects to brand-name Cialis. According to our friends at Iodine, most men tend to experience flushing, headache, stomach pain, back pain and the common cold when they take Cialis. However, it is a known fact that Cialis causes less flushing, or redness in the face, than Viagra.

Cialis can also cause painful erections lasting longer than six hours. If this happens to you, see your doctor immediately.

Why can’t I eat grapefruit while taking Cialis?

Some medications can interact with nutrients found in grapefruits, and tadalafil is one of them. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is broken down in the liver by a select group of enzymes, but elements in grapefruits can change how these enzymes process medications and cause a build-up of tadalafil in the body. Ultimately, this can increase your risk for experiencing side effects.

Is there another brand-name tadalafil?

Yes. The active ingredient for Cialis, tadalafil, is also the active ingredient for Adcirca, a brand-name drug used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, or high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.