Cialis: Now Cheaper than Ever as Tadalafil

Now that pharmaceutical company Lilly's patent on Cialis has expired, the 'weekend pill' has more possibilities than ever before.

Updated: Friday 04 February 2022

What is Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It contains the active ingredient ‘Tadalafil’ which works by improving the blood flow to the penis and combined with sexual stimulation it helps to produce and maintain an erection.

Dosage:
Tadalafil has two variants: Tadalafil Daily and Tadalafil and four dosage levels, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. 2.5mg and 5mg are taken daily.

How to take Tadalafil:

How is it different from Lilly’s Cialis?

Cialis also contains the active ingredient Tadalafil, at the same strength and dosage but what sets them apart is the branding. Since Cialis is the branded version, it is more expensive.

However, in order to be on the market, generic manufacturers have to demonstrate that their generic versions are medically equivalent to the original branded version. This means that both medications have the same amount of the active ingredient Tadalafil, with the same efficacy, safety, duration and activation time.

Also, branded medications including Cialis, Imigran and Viagra are rarely available on the NHS, but their generic versions Tadalafil, Sumatriptan and Sildenafil respectively can be prescribed on the NHS by your GP.

Why is it only just available?

Manufactured by pharmaceutical company Lilly, Cialis is the branded version of the medication containing Tadalafil. Being the first in the market with this formulation, their patent has just expired this week. Now, generic medicine manufacturers such as TEVA, Mylan and Actavis are able to replicate the formula and sell it under its generic name, Tadalafil.

Can I get it without a prescription?

No, you still need a prescription to buy Tadalafil as it is still a prescription only medication (POM). However, as a generic medication, it is just as effective as the branded counterpart and more cost effective so you can get it from your GP on the NHS soon. You can buy Tadalafil at online pharmacies such as Pharmica. All you have to do is complete a short medical questionnaire. Your answers will be reviewed by one of our pharmacists and if you are eligible for treatment, your medication will be delivered to you safely and discreetly so you can buy in confidence.

What’s the story behind Cialis?

Eli-Lilly originally developed the drug Tadalafil while working in partnership with ICOS and GSK in the first half of the 90s (back then it was Glaxo Wellcome) to treat cardiovascular diseases including angina.

Viagra contains an active ingredient (sildenafil) that works in a similar way to tadalafil and when it was discovered that it was effective in treating erectile dysfunction, scientists changed their research angle from heart illnesses to impotence.

Lilly split from GSK, merged with ICOS and continued their research. They went on to develop a treatment with a function time of up to 36 hours - 8 times longer than Viagra. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cialis in 2003 and it has been available on the market since.

Which is better, Tadalafil or Sildenafil?

Both treatments work in the same way and are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil last longer and is available in lower dosages, so you can take it more often to suit your lifestyle and be ready for sexual activity at any time. This attribute has earned it the nickname - the ‘weekend Viagra’ or the ‘weekend pill’.

Which one to choose depends on individual preference and suitability of the medication.