Tadalafil vs. Cialis: differences, dosages, costs

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Generic tadalafil vs. brand-name tadalafil

The difference between brand-name and generic drugs has much to do with the development and approval process, regulated by the FDA.

For brand-name drugs, the process starts with extensive research and development. Pharmaceutical companies spend years conducting laboratory testing and clinical trials to prove their drug is safe and effective. This process can take many years and costs a lot of money.

Once the drug is approved by the FDA, the company gets a patent, which gives it exclusive rights to sell it for a set period. During this time, the price tends to be higher to help cover all the costs that went into developing the drug.

For generic drugs, the process is a bit faster and simpler. Since generics are usually copies of brand-name drugs, they don’t need to go through all the same clinical trials.

Instead, generic manufacturers just need to show that their generic version is "bioequivalent" to the original. This means studies must show the generic delivers the same amount of the active ingredient to the bloodstream and works the same way in the body.

The generic companies also have to meet the same manufacturing standards, showing they can make the drug properly and consistently, ensuring each batch meets quality standards. Once the FDA reviews and approves the generic, it can be sold at a much lower price. This is because the company doesn’t have to cover all the same research and development costs that the brand-name company did.

Tadalafil vs. Cialis: how do they work?

Both tadalafil and Cialis are medications used to treat ED by improving blood flow to the penis, helping you get and maintain an erection.

Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (aka PDE5 inhibitor), a class of prescription medications that includes other popular drugs like Viagra (sildenafil).

Tadalafil works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which increases the amount of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a chemical messenger, in the body. This relaxes the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the penis.

Like other drugs in its class, tadalafil only works when you’re sexually stimulated — because that’s what triggers the release of nitric oxide to kick off the erection process.

Tadalafil is primarily used for treating ED, allowing men to achieve and maintain an erection long enough for satisfying sexual activity. Besides ED, tadalafil is also prescribed for reducing signs and symptoms of BPH, a condition also known as enlarged prostate. Men who have both ED and BPH may be prescribed daily tadalafil to treat both conditions at once.

Tadalafil is also the active ingredient in several different brand-name medications that are used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition that causes high blood pressure in the lungs. These FDA-approved medications for PAH work by increasing blood flow to the lungs and reducing strain on the heart. Examples include:

Tadliq, an oral liquid suspension
Adcirca, an oral tablet
Alyq, an oral tablet
Opsynvi, an oral tablet that combines tadalafil and macitentan, another medication for PAH

Brand-name Cialis and generic versions of Cialis are not approved for PAH.

Is tadalafil the same as Cialis?

Tadalafil and Cialis contain identical active ingredients, but they are not 100% the same. The primary differences lie in branding and formulation.

Generics, like tadalafil, are designed to work the same as brand-name drugs. However, their inactive ingredients can differ. Differences in these ingredients (such as lactose, gluten, or dyes) may affect taste, tolerability, or shelf life.

For most people and medications, switching to a generic can provide the same benefits at a lower cost, with no issues. In fact, in the US, more than 70% of prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.

Currently, tadalafil is manufactured by multiple generic drug companies, which makes it available for a lower price. But these may contain different inactive ingredients (such as fillers, binders, and dyes).

To illustrate, here’s a comparison of the ingredients in brand-name Cialis, made by Eli Lilly, versus a generic version, made by Aurobindo Pharma, as described in each drug’s labeling:

Cialis ingredients: Each tablet contains tadalafil and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

Tadalafil ingredients: Each tablet contains tadalafil and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, copovidone, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and yellow iron oxide.

As you can see, the inactive ingredients are similar, but not exactly the same.

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Is tadalafil as good as Cialis?

Yes, tadalafil is largely considered just as effective as its branded counterpart, as is required by the FDA for all generic medications.

However, some people may notice a difference when switching from Cialis to generic tadalafil. While many find that generic tadalafil works just as well, others feel it isn’t as strong or causes different side effects. These differences could be coincidental or may be the result of different inactive ingredients, which can vary between brand-name and generic drugs.

If you switch from Cialis to generic tadalafil and notice a difference in side effects or results, speak with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage if needed. Or your pharmacist may be able to refill your prescription with a different generic tadalafil product, made by a different manufacturer.

It’s important to fill your prescription at a reputable pharmacy to ensure you’re getting a reliable product. Unfortunately, counterfeit versions of popular medications like Cialis and Viagra can be quite common. These fake drugs can look similar to the real thing, but they may not contain the correct active ingredients or could be dangerous, causing unexpected side effects or even harm.

To protect yourself, always fill your prescriptions at licensed pharmacies, whether they're local or online. Look for pharmacies that are accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and have state licensing in place. Be cautious of online “pharmacies” that offer extremely low prices or don’t require a prescription — these could be signs of counterfeit products.

If you’re ever unsure, ask your healthcare provider for recommendations on trusted pharmacies.

Tadalafil vs. Cialis: doses and dosage schedules

Both tadalafil and Cialis are available as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg oral tablets. The recommended dosage is the same for both brand Cialis and generic tadalafil. The dosage depends on how and why it’s prescribed, among other factors, as follows:

For as-needed use for ED, the recommended starting dose is typically 10 mg, taken before anticipated sexual activity. Depending on your response and tolerance, your provider may increase your dose up to 20 mg or lower it to 5 mg. The maximum is one dose per day.

For daily use for ED, the recommended dosage is 2.5 mg or 5 mg taken once per day, regardless of sexual activity. This daily dosing regimen is often preferred by people who want a more spontaneous approach to ED management.

For treating BPH or concurrent ED and BPH, the standard dosage is 5 mg once daily. In some cases, it may be prescribed along with another medication for BPH, such as finasteride (Proscar).

A lower dosage may be prescribed for individuals with kidney problems, liver problems, and those taking certain medications that can interact. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions from your healthcare provider.

Cialis and tadalafil may be taken with or without food. Unlike sildenafil, the timing and fat content of your meals do not affect Cialis or tadalafil. Swallow the tablet whole; do not split or crush it, as doing so may cause it to work less effectively.

Some companies offer other forms of tadalafil. Ro offers the following products:

Ro Sparks: This lozenge is an as-needed treatment option for ED. It contains a blend of tadalafil (the same active ingredient as Cialis) and sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra). It dissolves under your tongue over several minutes and kicks in around 15 minutes after it dissolves, and keeps you ready to go for up to 36 hours.

Daily Rise Gummies: This gummy contains 7 mg tadalafil, the same active ingredient as Cialis. You take it once a day, and it can be used to manage ED, BPH, or both.

Note that Ro Sparks and Daily Rise Gummies are compounded medications in forms that are not FDA-approved, though their active ingredients are FDA-approved for treating ED. Compounded drugs are permitted under federal law under certain circumstances. You need a prescription to get either one, if considered safe and appropriate by a licensed healthcare provider.

Tadalafil vs. Cialis: side effects

The reported side effects for tadalafil and Cialis are identical, and the majority of people aren’t too bothered by these side effects. Here are the most common tadalafil side effects, according to studies of Cialis:

Headache
Indigestion
Back pain
Muscle pain
Nasal congestion
Flushing
Arm or leg pain

While rare, Cialis or tadalafil can cause serious side effects like a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours (called priapism)and, in very rare cases, sudden vision or hearing loss. It's important to seek emergency medical attention if you experience any unusual side effects.

Cialis and tadalafil aren’t safe for everyone, especially people with certain heart conditions, and may cause dangerous interactions. Always share your medical history and everything you take with your prescriber so they can help make sure it’s safe for you to take ED medications like Cialis or tadalafil.

Some people report different experiences when switching between tadalafil and Cialis. Anecdotally, some Reddit users say Cialis feels stronger, with more noticeable side effects like facial flushing, while certain generic tadalafil products seem milder. But there isn’t any scientific evidence to back up any of these claims.

It’s possible that differences in results with tadalafil vs. Cialis may be due to different inactive ingredients, which can affect absorption or tolerability. Some people may be sensitive to certain dyes or fillers used as inactive ingredients. If you notice unexpected changes, talk to your healthcare provider to see if a different generic or dose might work better for you.

Tadalafil vs. Cialis: cost

Tadalafil tends to be more affordable than Cialis.

Of course, costs with and without insurance can vary depending on the dose, quantity, the pharmacy you use, your location, and any available discounts. As an example, though, here are the costs of tadalafil vs. Cialis on Ro without insurance:

	Tadalafil	Cialis
5 mg	$11/pill ($330 for 30)	$20/pill ($600 for 30)
10 mg	$44/pill ($1,320 for 30)	$80/pill ($2,400 for 30)
20 mg	$44/pill ($1,320 for 30)	$80/pill ($2,400 for 30)

If you have insurance, coverage for tadalafil and Cialis will depend on your specific plan. Some insurance providers cover tadalafil but may exclude brand-name Cialis or ED treatments altogether. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what’s covered and whether there’s a difference in copays between the brand and generic versions.

If affordability is a concern, Eli Lilly offers Lilly Cares, a nonprofit program that provides eligible individuals with a 12-month supply of Cialis at no cost. You can visit the Lilly Cares website or talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you qualify.

You may also be able to save money through discount cards, such as GoodRx or SingleCare, at many pharmacies. Before picking up your prescription, it can be worth exploring these options to find the best price.

Tadalafil vs. Cialis: appearance

Since Cialis was developed and patented by one company, Eli Lilly, it has a uniform appearance and formulation. It’s a yellow, smooth, almond-shaped tablet with the letter “C” and strength clearly marked on it. Each strength is a slightly different shade of yellow and is imprinted as follows:

2.5 mg tablets: “C 2 1/2”
5 mg tablets: “C 5”
10 mg tablets: “C 10”
20 mg tablets: “C 20”

Since tadalafil is available in generic form and produced by different manufacturers, the tablets can vary in shape, size, and color. However, regardless of how the pills look, they work the same way as Cialis because they contain the same active ingredient (tadalafil).

Tadalafil vs. Cialis: which is better for ED?

Tadalafil and Cialis are equally effective at treating ED. The biggest difference between the two is the cost. Cialis is more expensive, while generic tadalafil offers the same benefits at a much lower price.

However, some people prefer the consistency of a brand-name medication like Cialis, which has been around for longer and has a well-known reputation. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference and what works best for your budget.

Tadalafil vs. Cialis vs. other ED meds

When comparing tadalafil and Cialis to other ED medications, like Viagra (sildenafil), there are a few key differences. For one, tadalafil and Cialis last much longer — up to 36 hours — while Viagra and sildenafil typically only last around four hours. This extended duration makes tadalafil and Cialis better options for those who want more flexibility.

You may be wondering if tadalafil is stronger than Viagra. The answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a short-acting, on-demand option for ED, Viagra may be better for you. But, tadalafil’s longer 36-hour duration of action or daily dosing option (and bonus efficacy for BPH) might make it a better choice for some people.

All PDE5 medications approved for ED work the same way to increase blood flow to the penis, and all of them are proven safe and effective. Ultimately, it comes down to individual needs and response, as different medications may work better for different people and have different side effect profiles.

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