Cheap Generic Cialis: Alternatives, Side Effects, Comparison
Main Features of Generic Cialis
Generic Cialis is any medicine based on tadalafil, the main and only active ingredient of branded Cialis. As a branded drug produced under the auspices of the US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, Cialis received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a proven treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in 2003, and in 2012, the FDA certified Cialis as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Generics of tadalafil have become available on the global pharmaceutical market since 2018 after the patent protection of the original drug expired.
Numerous studies have proven that generic drugs exhibit the same characteristics as the original drugs. When evaluating and verifying generics for release to the pharmaceutical market, attention is paid to the same standards that apply to branded medicines. To be called a generic drug, a drug must have the same potency, safety level, stability, and quality as the prototype drug.
Traditionally, pharmacological legislation allows the production of generics only after the expiration of the patent protection of the original trademark. Because the Eli Lilly & Co. on Cialis expired in 2018, this year was the beginning of a truly triumphant march of Tadalafil generics in most countries of the world.
Generic Cialis Indications for Use
Indications for the use of Cialis generics coincide with the indications for the original medicine. The main area of application of Cialis generics is the elimination of symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the indications of Cialis are not limited to this, and it is successfully used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Less commonly, Cialis generics, like the original medicine, are used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. It was thanks to research on ways to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension that the first PDE-5 inhibitors were created, which include Tadalafil.
In the US, Cialis is a prescription drug. One of the reasons for this is that Tadalafil can interact dangerously with other drugs, especially nitrates and their derivatives. Nitrates are quite commonly used drugs, they are mainly used to lower blood pressure and various cardiovascular diseases.
Comparison of Original Cialis and Its Generics
As already noted, Sildenafil generics are identical in their active substance to the original drug. This alone allows us to judge that their effectiveness is the same. In addition, a number of Tadalafil generics receive FDA approval. And the FDA certificate testifies to the rigorous testing process that a generic drug goes through along with its manufacturing company. The FDA reviews manufacturing processes, and its approval is absolute proof that the clinical properties of generics are similar to those of the parent drug.
FDA Approved Generic Cialis
To find generic versions of Tadalafil approved by FDA, you can use the search tool on the FDA websiteTrusted Source.
One of the features of Cialis generics is a significantly lower price: most of them are at least two times cheaper than the original drug. Thus, statistics show that in the period from 2013 to 2017, the average price of Cialis increased from $128 to $366 for 30 tablets with a dosage of 20 mg. The cost of generics in the middle price segment is about $100 for 30 tablets. The cost of generics is affected by the dosage of the tablets, as well as the place and method of purchase. Thus, the cost of generics when buying online is usually lower than in traditional pharmacies. In addition, coupons and promotional codes can affect the cost of pills.
PDE-5 Inhibitors Action Principles
Tadalafil belongs to a category of medicines called PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors. This group of drugs today includes all the main drugs used for oral administration for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
An important feature of Tadalafil, like other PDE-5 inhibitors, is that they only start working if you experience sexual arousal or sexual stimulation. Since the cause of erectile dysfunction can be both psychological and physiological factors, it is important to take into account the fact that a number of psychological factors prevent not only the onset of erection, but also the onset of sexual arousal. In this case, in order for the medicine to begin to act, it is advisable to perform genital stimulation.
During arousal, nitric oxide (NO) is released in the penis. Its production causes a series of chemical reactions, as a result of which blood flow to the penis increases and its blood vessels expand. Tadalafil blocks the production of the PDE-5 enzyme, which increases the blood supply to the penis and increases the duration of an erection.
The property of Tadalafil to improve blood flow in the pelvic organs makes it a good treatment for the symptoms of BPH. Dilatation of the blood vessels in the lungs underlies the principle of treating the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Generic Cialis Usage Guide
Tadalfil is made in the form of tablets for oral administration. Their dosage is in most cases 5, 10 and 20 mg, the 2.5 mg option is less common.
There are two main schemes for taking Cialis and its generics: on demand, that is, immediately some time before sexual intercourse, or regularly on a daily basis.
When used "on demand", a dosage of 10 mg is usually prescribed, in case of severe rectal dysfunction - 20 mg of Tadalafil. The medicine begins to act approximately 20-30 minutes after ingestion.
The typical dose of tadalafil for the treatment of BPH is 5 mg per day.
With daily intake, a minimum dosage (2.5 or 5 mg) is usually used, which must be taken at approximately the same time of day in order to achieve a stable level of Tadalafil in the blood. The dose can be adjusted depending on the individual reaction of the body, as well as side effects. The advantage of taking Cialis daily is that it makes it possible to have sex at any time of the day.
Generic Cialis Purchase Peculiarities
Cialis generics are sold by prescription. In addition to a face-to-face appointment with a doctor (therapist or urologist), it is possible to use the achievements of telemedicine.
A telemedicine service like Hims allows you to fill out an online questionnaire and, based on the results, consult with a licensed healthcare professional via video link or text mode. If the decision is positive that you need to take Tadalafil, the medicine will be sent to your home from a licensed pharmacy that is a partner of Hims. For the psychological comfort of clients, the medicine is supplied in opaque packaging. The cost of the service must be checked on the Hims website for each specific case.
Another service that allows you not to go to a doctor's appointment is Lemonaid Health. It also requires you to fill out an online form, after which you can consult with a licensed healthcare professional in your state. In the case of a positive decision, the terms of delivery of Cialis to your home, like those of Hems, include opaque packaging. The first order of Tadalafil, as listed on the Lemonaid Health website, costs $60.
The Roman service works in a similar way, only the cost of the transaction is not indicated on the site, it is supposed to be discussed on an individual basis.
Generic Cialis Side Effects
Like other PDE5 inhibitors, Cialis can cause a number of side effects. Their list is quite large, but rarely does one patient experience more than two unpleasant side effects at the same time. In the case of severe side effects, it is advisable to consult a doctor about the advisability of changing the dosage or changing the medication itself.
Most Common Generic Cialis Side Effects
Most often men taking Cialis generics report side effects such as nasal congestion, headache, flushing of the face, indigestion, nasal congestion, and muscle pain, especially back pain.
Warning Side Effects Tadalafil
There are a number of side effects of Tadalafil that should alert you. They are reasons for it. to seek medical attention. These include conditions such as priapism (painful and prolonged erections lasting more than 4 hours) as well as hearing loss, color vision problems, vision loss, hearing loss, tinnitus, chest pain, and severe dizziness.
Unpleasant but not as dangerous reactions include blurred vision, slow or fast heart rate, sweating, extreme fatigue, cold sweats.
Interaction of Generic Cialis with Other Medicines
The interaction of Tadalafil with other drugs has been well studied. It is important to consider what medications you are taking other than Tadalafil as many of them are incompatible with Tadalafil as they cause severe side effects.
According to the FDA, it is especially important not to combine Cialis with nitroglycerin. This combination of drugs can dramatically lower blood pressure, resulting in not only dizziness or headaches, but fainting and even death.
It is not recommended to take tadalafil along with medicines such as certain angina remedies, antibiotics, epilepsy medicines, hepatitis C medicines, and drugs to lower high blood pressure. Many HIV medications and oral antifungals should also not be combined with Cialis and its generics.
An unusual point is that it is not recommended to drink tadalafil with grapefruit juice. This is due to the fact that it can significantly increase the absorption of the drug into the blood and lead to an overdose. Also, do not abuse tobacco or alcohol, as they can lead to increased side effects, in particular, stress on the heart.
FDA Approved Generic Cialis Manufacturers
The list of generic Cialis manufacturers today looks very impressive, but not all companies are FDA certified. The list of those whose Tadalafil has been certified and deserves maximum trust includes Ajanta Pharma, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Hetero Drugs, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Qilu Pharmaceutical, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited, Unichem Pharmaceuticals, and Zydus Pharmaceuticals. Almost all of these companies are Indian. India ranks first in the world in terms of the quality of Cialis generics produced, besides, their prices are among the most attractive.
It is an interesting fact that besides generics of Tadalafil and branded Cialis by Eli Lilly, there exist two other different branded versions of medicines containing Tadalafil: Adcirca [1] (Eli Lilly) and Alyq [2] (Teva), both remedies prescribed and used against pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). They should not be confused with generics of Cialis against ED.
Cialis Alternatives
Alternatives of Cialis include the following PDE-5 inhibitors: avanafil (Stendra) [3], sildenafil (Viagra), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn).
It is important to remember that in addition to therapy with PDE-5 inhibitors, it can be important to get competent psychological help to eliminate erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction often often has a psychological cause, or it is added to organic disorders. Few men can avoid stress, depression, anxiety and relationship problems, all of which are detrimental to potency.
Lifestyle changes should not be underestimated. For example, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a moderate weight can prevent or help treat ED.
Penis pumps are not only a fascinating sex toy, but also a great tool to achieve an erection. Their advantage is that they can be used in addition to any drugs, as well as instead of them.
The most radical remedy for facilitating the achievement of an erection is intracavernous injections. For them, papaverine, phentolamine, prostaglandin E1, alprostadil and some other drugs are used. Injections are carried out at home. However, few people are ready to subject their penis to such bullying for the sake of bed adventures.
If all the methods of treating ED have been useless, you can resort to a surgical operation - prosthetics. The surgeon inserts an implant into the cavernous bodies of the penis, with which you can manually induce an erection. Sometimes surgery of the vessels of the penis helps to normalize blood flow and restore the ability to have an erection.
Light ED in men with low testosterone level is treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Experimental ED Treatment
Today, experimental treatments for erectile dysfunction are being actively explored. These include stem cell therapy, which involves injecting stem cells into the penis; platelet-rich plasma therapy; platelet-rich plasma therapy, which involves isolating platelets from the blood and injecting them into the penis. Another experimental method is shock wave therapy, during which low-intensity sound waves pass through erectile tissue, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels.
These treatments are not proven to be effective, are not FDA approved, and are not recommended by the American Urological Association.
FAQ
Is Generic Tadalafil as Good as Branded Cialis?
All Cialis generics are full-fledged analogues of the branded drug, they are also safe, their effect on the organism is similar to the effect of the original drug. Their only significant difference is their much lower cost.
When Does Generic Cialis Start Acting?
When taking Tadalafil on a daily basis, a man is ready for sexual intercourse at any time of the day. If the medicine is taken on demand, on average it begins to act after 25 minutes, and the maximum effect is achieved 2-3 hours after the intake.
Alternative ED Treatment Mehtods
Oral PDE-5 inhibitors are the drugs most often used to treat ED. However, there are also such options as vacuum pumps, cavernous injections, surgery (inflatable penis prosthesis), suppositories, and psychotherapy.
Summary
Generics of Cialis are available on global pharma market since 2018. Many companies and their generic versions of Tadalafil are approved by FDA. Generic and branded Cialis are equally effective and safe. A lot of customers choose generics over branded Cialis because they are much cheaper.