Top Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) FAQs answered

What is Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)?

Cialis is a popular and effective erectile dysfunction (ED) medicine that was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003. Since that time, Cialis has grown in popularity, coming to rival the best-known ED tablet on the market, Viagra.

When the patent on Cialis ran out in the UK in November 2017, pharmaceutical manufacturers were able to bring the cheaper generic version of Cialis, a medicine called Tadalafil, to UK patients.

The term ‘generic’ is applied to medicines which have not been produced by the original pharmaceutical company that manufactured them. Generic medicines are not branded and can only be manufactured after the patent on the original medicine has expired. This happened with the erectile dysfunction tablet Viagra – when its patent expired in 2013, the generic medicine Sildenafil, became available.

Generic Cialis is labelled Tadalafil because the active ingredient (the chemical that treats erectile dysfunction) is called tadalfil. In the same way, you might buy a tablet labelled ‘paracetamol’ rather than a branded pain medication.

Generic Cialis, or Tadalafil, is the same as Cialis in terms of its active ingredient (tadalafil), its effectiveness and side effects. The difference you may see is in the cost, with generic medicines tending to be less expensive.

We answer your top Tadalafil questions

Following the UK launch of Tadalafil, many new questions have arisen…
Keep reading for the low-down on Tadalafil and the answers to your frequently asked questions.

Tadalafil vs Cialis – Is there a difference?

From a medical perspective, both Cialis and Tadalafil work in the same way. From a medical perspective, both Cialis and Tadalafil work in the same way. Tadalafil is the active drug in both medications. The contrast all comes down to branding, marketing and distribution.
An example of a similar situation is Viagra and Sildenafil. Both ED treatments work in the same way, and the active ingredient of Viagra is Sildenafil. However, due to branding, marketing and promotional strategies, Viagra is often favoured among the two.

Tadalafil vs Viagra – is Tadalafil better?

Both Tadalafil (generic Cialis) and Viagra are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, but they do differ in some ways. Although the time to take effect is the same for both Tadalafil and Viagra (30-60) minutes, the length of time these ED treatments will remain effective vary. Overall, which one to choose is down to individual preference and suitability.

How long does Tadalafil last?

With Viagra, men can expect to gain erection within a 4-6-hour timeframe, whereas the effect of Tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours. This difference means that with Tadalafil you could reach erection multiple times within a 36-hour period.

Is Tadalafil suitable for me?

Like all other ED medications, you will first need to complete an online consultation. From there our trained clinicians will assess your suitability for treatment and if appropriate will issue you with a prescription. For more information or to begin an online consultation for Tadalafil visit our online clinic.

Can I eat or drink alcohol with Tadalafil? 

Yes, unlike some other ED treatments, food does not typically impact the effectiveness of Tadalafil. However, it is not advisable to drink more than one or two units of alcohol while taking the treatment.

Can I try Tadalafil?

Our online doctor service offers three pack sizes of Tadalafil. These range from a pack of 4, 8 or 16. If you’re interested in trying Tadalafil, then you should consider opting in for the 4-pack or 8-pack options. Remember that it is advised to use an ED medication on 8 separate occasions before increasing the dosage or trying a different medication.

Will there be a generic daily dose of Tadalafil?

You can get Tadalafil daily using our Online Doctor service. 

Where can I obtain Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is available from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor through our erectile dysfunction clinic.

Here you can compare the benefits, active ingredients and prices of different ED tablets before requesting the one you’d prefer. We operate a safe, discreet, regulated online service.

To ensure you can take your ED medicine safely, we require you to complete a short questionnaire to assess your medical history. This will be reviewed by one of our NHS-experienced clinicians and you’ll receive a message via your Patient Record to confirm you can order your treatment.

Can my ED repeat prescription be changed to Tadalafil?

If you are already an Online Doctor patient, then you can request to have your prescription changed via your patient record. If suitable, one of our clinicians will make Tadalafil available to you. In some instances, you may be required to start a new consultation for Tadalafil.