Popular erectile dysfunction (ED) medication now available off brand

November 2017 sees the patent on popular Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medication Cialis, come to an end. This means a non branded, or generic version of the medication, known as Tadalafil, will be available to those suffering with ED symptoms, at a lower price. 
 
Cialis was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003, and has grown in popularity over the years. One reason for this is that it has a longer period of effectiveness than other popular ED meds, including Viagra.  
 
Here our pharmacist answers some of your most frequently asked questions: 

What is Tadalafil? 

Tadalafil is the non branded name for Cialis. It is named after the medication’s active ingredient, or chemical, that treats erectile dysfunction.  

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 they are manufactured by different companies. 

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 a 36 hour period. 

What does it mean that the patent has run out? 

It basically means that there are no longer restrictions around other pharmaceutical manufacturers making the drug, so they can do so without paying for the brand which makes the medication more cost effective.   

What does ‘generic’ mean? 

The word generic in this sense means it has not been produced by the pharmaceutical company that manufactured the original branded medicine. Generic medicines are not branded, 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 the medication. 

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 typically impact the effectiveness of the medication, 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 a 24-hour period, if you are considering taking a higher dose speak to your GP. 

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 carries out an assessment to ensure it is clinically suitable, safe and effective, with as little risk to the patient’s health as possible. Attempting to circumvent the protection in place for such medication is not only illegal, it can put a patient’s health at risk. 

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

The pills require sexual stimulation in order 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 liaise with a healthcare professional should any symptoms be debilitating or prolonged. 

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.