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Popular erectile dysfunction (ED) medication now available off brand

Image shows the torso of a male, elbow resting on knee. He's sitting outside and his pose is contemplative or possibly worried. There's a tree trunk in the foreground next to the figure.

In November 2017 the patent for the popular Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medication Cialis, came to an end. This means a non-branded (or generic) version of the medication, known as Tadalafil, is now available to those experiencing erectile dysfunction at a lower price.


Cialis was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003 and has grown in popularity. One reason for this is that it works for longer than other popular erectile dysfunction medicines like Viagra and Levitra. 

What is Tadalafil? 

Tadalafil is a medicine used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is the same drug as is in the brand name Cialis. Tadalafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection. If you want to purchase this medicine, you can buy Tadalafil here. It can also be used for other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), depending on the dosage and formulation. We do not supply Tadalafil for these conditions.

What is the difference between Tadalafil and Cialis?

Nothing, they are the same medication. They contain the same active ingredient in the same quantities. The packaging will be different as different companies manufacture them. 

How does Cialis/Tadalafil work? 

Tadalafil, the active ingredient, is a PDE-5 inhibitor, a chemical that temporarily increases blood flow to the penis. This enables erections for the period in which the chemical is effective. 

How long does Cialis/Tadalafil last? 

Cialis/Tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours, whereas Viagra typically wears off after four to six hours. This does not mean you will have a constant erection for that entire period, but rather that you should be able to get an erection whenever you become aroused within 36 hours. 

What does it mean that the patent has run out? 

It means that there are no longer restrictions on other pharmaceutical manufacturers making Tadalafil tablets. This wider availability makes buying generic Tadalafil tablets medication more cost-effective as previously everybody had to have Cialis.

What does ‘generic’ mean? 

The word generic means that Tadalafil tablets have not been produced by the pharmaceutical company that manufactured the original branded Cialis. Generic medicines are not marketed under a brand name, and can only be manufactured after the patent on the original medicine has expired.  

How long does it take for Cialis/Tadalafil to work? 

You should find that you can get an erection within 30-60 minutes of taking a Tadalafil tablet.

How should Tadalafil be taken? 

Tadalafil should be taken the same way as Cialis. You should take one tablet, in the dosage prescribed by your doctor, at least 30 minutes before you plan to have sex.

Eating beforehand does not usually affect Tadalafil, however, you should try not to drink more than one or two units of alcohol. 

How many tablets should I take?  

You should never take more than one Tadalafil tablet within 24 hours, if you are considering taking a higher dose speak to your doctor. 

Can I buy Tadalafil safely online? 

Yes, Tadalafil is a prescription-only medication so you will need to obtain a prescription through a consultation with a service that has a regulated healthcare professional who is allowed to prescribe. This can be a GP or in some instances a qualified prescribing pharmacist. Do not attempt to purchase Tadalafil without a prescription as this is illegal and the authenticity of the medication, and therefore its impact on your wellbeing, can not be verified. 

How long does it take for Cialis/Tadalafil to work? 

Cialis usually takes 30 minutes to work and can last up to 36 hours 

How do I know if the website I am buying from is legitimate? 

All genuine online pharmacies carry the logos of the official regulatory bodies governing the industry.   

These are: 
- The GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council)  
- The MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) 
- The CQC (Care Quality Commission) 

To verify the legitimacy of a site, find and click on the logos and you will be taken through to the pharmacy’s registration pages. 

Why is Tadalafil a prescription-only medicine?  

By its very definition, prescription-only medicine must be prescribed by an appropriate medical practitioner. In prescribing such medication, the practitioner assesses to ensure it is clinically suitable, safe and effective, with as little risk to the patient’s health as possible. Attempting to circumvent the protections in place for such medication is not only illegal, but it can also put a patient’s health at risk. 

What happens if I take Tadalafil but then don't have sex? 

The pills require sexual stimulation for them to work properly. Without arousal, it is unlikely an erection will occur.  

What are the side effects of taking Tadalafil? 

The main side effects are a stuffy nose, hot flushes and headaches. It is important to check with a healthcare professional if any symptoms are severe or last more than a few hours. 

Will taking Tadalafil make me want to have more sex? 

Tadalafil does not boost your sex drive. However, if your symptoms are driven by stress or other psychological issues, knowing that you are physically able to respond to your partner can greatly improve any negative feelings you may have towards sex. 

What is Erectile Dysfunction? 

Erectile dysfunction (ED), often referred to as impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection for sexual intercourse. It is believed that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 are affected to some degree, though younger men can also experience the symptoms from time to time.  

Why does ED happen? 

When a man is aroused, the brain sends signals to the blood vessels in the penis, relaxing the arteries and allowing blood to flow in. The veins then close to trap the blood, causing the penis to expand and harden. If this process is interrupted, either physically or psychologically, ED can occur.  

What physical factors can cause ED? 

Physical factors which cause ED can include weight problems, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. In turn, psychological causes may include relationship problems, stress or depression. 

 

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