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Health Guide / Vitamins and supplements

Semenax for male enhancement: does it work?

yael coopermangina-allegretti

Reviewed by Yael Cooperman, MD, written by Gina Allegretti, MD

Last updated: Feb 09, 2022
6 min read

table of contents

  1. What is Semenax? 
  2. What is Semenax used for? 
  3. How long does it take Semenax to work? 
  4. What’s in Semenax? 
  5. How to take Semenax
  6. Pros and cons of Semenax
  7. Other options for ED

There’s no shortage of products that promise mind-blowing sex and explosive orgasms. One male enhancement supplement is Semenax, which supposedly boosts semen volume and ups the intensity of your orgasms.

But does it actually work? Can a natural supplement really transform your sex life? While Semenax advertises it can, the science so far is lacking. Here’s what you need to know. 

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What is Semenax? 

Semenax is a male enhancement supplement that claims to increase semen volume and produce better orgasms. Leading Edge Health, the company that manufactures Semenax, advertises that the product can boost semen volume by roughly 20%.

It contains 18 natural ingredients including vitamin E, amino acids (like L-arginine and L-lysine), plant extracts, and mineral-rich components like pumpkin seeds. Semenax is manufactured and sold online by Leading Edge Health. It is not sold in stores. 

What is Semenax used for? 

If you are affected by erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or your sexual performance isn’t quite where you want it to be, you might be searching for some type of natural solution.

The ingredients in Semenax are supposed to “feed your reproductive system” by encouraging the glands linked to semen production and ejaculation (the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral gland) to produce more fluid. This increase in semen production is said to offer greater control of your ejaculations, intensify orgasms, and boost sexual satisfaction for you and your partners. 

One small unpublished study on the manufacturer’s website claims that Semenax increases the intensity of orgasms and produces more ejaculate than a placebo. Keep in mind that other than this study, there is no clinical trial data yet on Semenax to prove this (Vedic Lifesciences, 2012). 

How long does it take Semenax to work? 

Using Semenax regularly is said to increase semen production in as little as two weeks. Some online customer reviews report even faster results. Other positive reviews boast that their semen volume more than doubled after using Semenax. 

What’s in Semenax? 

So, what exactly is in Semenax that has the power to boost your semen volume? Let’s examine the evidence. 

Maca

Maca comes from the root of a plant called Lepidium meyenii. It’s in the same vegetable family as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. 

Some research suggests that maca root can impact semen volume. One small study had nine men take maca for four months. Afterwards, the participants reported a larger amount of semen, higher sperm count, and better sperm motility (Gonzales, 2001). 

Another study found that males who took maca for three months had slight increases in sperm production, semen volume, and sperm motility, while those taking placebo saw no change (Melinikovova, 2015). 

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that your body uses to make nitric oxide, a chemical crucial for increasing blood flow to the penis and promoting erections. 

Some research demonstrates that males with erectile dysfunction have low levels of L-arginine and suggests that supplementing it might improve symptoms. An analysis of 10 studies found evidence that L-arginine does help improve erectile dysfunction (Rhim, 2019; Barassi, 2017). 

There is some evidence that L-arginine has a positive impact on semen volume, but the data is only from animal studies (Chen, 2018). 

Horny goat weed

Epimedium sagittatum, commonly called horny goat weed, is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s sometimes used as an aphrodisiac or found in supplements that treat ED. However, all of the current data comes from animal studies, so there isn’t much evidence it can enhance sexual function in humans (Cui, 2015). 

Muira puama

Muira puama, or Ptychopetalum olacoides, is an extract from tree bark in the Amazon rainforest. Evidence shows that it can increase libido, which is why it’s added to some sexual enhancement supplements. However, there are no studies that link it to increased semen volume (Brunetti, 2020). 

Pumpkin seeds and vitamin E

Some studies show supplementing with vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil improves semen quality. Again, the only evidence so far comes from animal studies (Lotfi, 2021). 

Other ingredients Semenax contains include:

  • L-lysine
  • L-carnitine
  • Swedish flower pollen
  • Avena sativa extract
  • Sarsaparilla root
  • Butea superba
  • Cranberry extract
  • Pine bark extract
  • Hawthorne berry
  • Zinc aspartate
  • Catuaba bark

How to take Semenax

Leading Edge Health recommends taking two Semenax pills twice a day (four pills total). They suggests taking the supplement for two months before deciding if you’re satisfied with the results.

Pros and cons of Semenax

Semenax is made from natural ingredients and no serious side effects have been reported. Also, the product can be ordered online and delivered directly to your home. The company offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your results. 

However, there are some disadvantages. One is cost. A one-month supply of Semenax costs up to $80––although the company does offer a discount if you purchase in bulk. You would need a minimum one-month supply anyway as they claim it takes a few weeks to start working. 

In addition, there is limited evidence that Semenax works. Although online reviews are generally positive, there are no published clinical studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness. And since its components are natural supplements, most Semenax ingredients do not have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations or guidelines for dosing. 

Other options for ED

If your erections aren’t as hard or don’t last for as long as you’d like, there are plenty of treatment options available. Medications like Viagra (generic name sildenafil; see Important Safety Information) and Cialis (generic name tadalafil; see Important Safety Information) are FDA-approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Though an all-natural male enhancement pill that boosts semen volume and enhances orgasms sounds promising, there’s not much proof that it works. It may be helpful to talk to a healthcare professional before starting supplements like this, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. 

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

  1. Barassi, A., Corsi Romanelli, M. M., Pezzilli, R., Damele, C. A., Vaccalluzzo, L., Goi, G., et al. (2017). Levels of l-arginine and l-citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology. Andrology, 5(2), 256–261. doi:10.1111/andr.12293. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28178400/
  2. Chen, J. Q., Li, Y. S., Li, Z. J., Lu, H. X., Zhu, P. Q., & Li, C. M. (2018). Dietary l-arginine supplementation improves semen quality and libido of boars under high ambient temperature. Animal: An International Journal of Animal Bioscience, 12(8), 1611–1620. doi:10.1017/S1751731117003147. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198215/
  3. Cooper, T. G., Noonan, E., von Eckardstein, S., Auger, J., Baker, H. W., Behre, H. M., et al. (2010). World Health Organization reference values for human semen characteristics. Human Reproduction Update, 16(3), 231–245. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmp048. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19934213/
  4. Cui, T., Kovell, R. C., Brooks, D. C., & Terlecki, R. P. (2015). A Urologist’s Guide to Ingredients Found in Top-Selling Nutraceuticals for Men’s Sexual Health. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(11), 2105–2117. doi:10.1111/jsm.13013. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26531010/
  5. Durg, S., Shivaram, S. B., & Bavage, S. (2018). Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 50, 247–256. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2017.11.011. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466985/
  6. Gonzales, G. F., Cordova, A., Gonzales, C., Chung, A., Vega, K., & Villena, A. (2001). Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian Journal of Andrology, 3(4), 301–303. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753476/
  7. Lotfi, S., Fakhraei, J., & Mansoori Yarahmadi, H. (2021). Dietary supplementation of pumpkin seed oil and sunflower oil along with vitamin E improves sperm characteristics and reproductive hormones in roosters. Poultry Science, 100(9), 101289. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2021.101289. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8322462/
  8. ​​Melnikovova, I., Fait, T., Kolarova, M., Fernandez, E. C., & Milella, L. (2015). Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormone Levels in Healthy Adult Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi:10.1155/2015/324369. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26421049/
  9. Nguyen, S., Rajfer, J., & Shaheen, M. (2018). Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3-month pilot study. Translational Andrology and Urology, 7(2), 266–273. doi:10.21037/tau.2018.03.22. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29732286/
  10. Rhim, H. C., Kim, M. S., Park, Y. J., Choi, W. S., Park, H. K., Kim, H. G., et al. (2019). The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(2), 223–234. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.002. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30770070/
  11. Shindel, A. W., Xin, Z. C., Lin, G., Fandel, T. M., Huang, Y. C., Banie, L., et al. (2010). Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(4 Pt 1), 1518–1528. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01699.x. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20141584/
  12. Vedic Lifesciences Pvt Ltd. (2012). Effect of Semenax Capsules on Semen Characteristics. Retrieved on Nov. 5, 2021 from http://www.semenax.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Semenax_CSR_v1_1-Oct-2012.pdf
yael cooperman
Yael Cooperman, MD

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.

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Important Safety Information for Sildenafil (Viagra)

What are the most important things I need to know about VIAGRA® (sildenafil citrate) 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets and generic VIAGRA®?

Discuss your health with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough for sex. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

  • VIAGRA® and generic VIAGRA® can cause serious side effects. Serious, but rare, side effects include:
    • an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, seek emergency medical attention right away. If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis.
    • sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Stop taking VIAGRA and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any sudden vision loss
    • sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, stop taking VIAGRA and contact a doctor right away
  • VIAGRA® does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Who should not take VIAGRA® or generic VIAGRA®? 

Do not take VIAGRA® or generic VIAGRA® if you:

  • Take any medicines called nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, or guanylate cyclase stimulators like Adempas (riociguat) for pulmonary hypertension. Your blood pressure could drop to an unsafe level
  • Are allergic to sildenafil, as contained in VIAGRA® and REVATIO®, or any of the ingredients in VIAGRA® or generic VIAGRA® tablets.
  • Are a women or a child

When should I call my primary provider? 

Call your primary provider right away if you:

  • Have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours
  • Experience a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Experience a sudden decrease in or loss of hearing
  • Experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex
  • Take too much Viagra or sildenafil citrate 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

What are the most common side effects of VIAGRA® and generic VIAGRA®?

The most common side effects are:

  • headache
  • flushing
  • upset stomach
  • abnormal vision, such as changes in color vision (such as having a blue color tinge) and blurred vision
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • back pain
  • muscle pain
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • rash

What should I tell my Roman-affiliated provider before taking VIAGRA® and generic VIAGRA®?

Before you take VIAGRA® or generic VIAGRA® , tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Have or have had heart problems such as a heart attack,irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, narrowing of the aortic valve, or heart failure
  • Have had heart surgery within the last 6 months
  • Have pulmonary hypertension
  • Have had a stroke
  • Have low blood pressure, or high blood pressure that is not controlled
  • Have a deformed penis shape
  • Have had an erection that lasted for more than 4 hours
  • Have problems with your blood cells such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
  • Have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
  • Have ever had severe vision loss, including an eye problem called NAION
  • Have bleeding problems
  • Have or have had stomach or intestinal ulcers
  • Have liver problems
  • Have kidney problems or are having kidney dialysis
  • Have any other medical conditions 

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

VIAGRA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way VIAGRA works, causing side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:

  • Medicines called nitrates
  • Medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas® (riociguat)
  • Medicines called alpha-blockers such as Hytrin® (terazosin HCl), Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress® (prazosin HCl), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl), Jalyn® (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl), or Rapaflo® (silodosin). Alpha-blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. In some patients, the use of VIAGRA® with alpha-blockers can lead to a drop in blood pressure or to fainting
  • Medicines called HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir®), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan®), saquinavir (Fortovase® or Invirase®), or atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz®)
  • Oral antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and itraconazole (Sporanox®)
  • Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin®), telithromycin (Ketek®), or erythromycin
  • Other medicines that treat high blood pressure
  • Other medicines or treatments for ED
  • VIAGRA® contains sildenafil, which is the same medicine found in another drug called REVATIO®. REVATIO® is used to treat a rare disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). VIAGRA® should not be used with REVATIO® or with other PAH treatments containing sildenafil or any other PDE5 inhibitors (such as Adcirca [tadalafil])

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

What is the FDA-approved use of VIAGRA® and generic VIAGRA®?

VIAGRA® (sildenafil citrate) is prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Roman-affiliated doctors may prescribe VIAGRA® or generic VIAGRA® for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE), if they believe in their medical judgment that it is an appropriate course of treatment. While this is not an FDA-approved use of the drug, the American Urological Association has included the use of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of PE in its Guideline on the Pharmacologic Management of Premature Ejaculation.  

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information. 

Product names referenced herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Important Safety Information for Tadalafil (Cialis)

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About CIALIS® (tadalafil) and generic CIALIS®? 

  • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® can cause serious side effects. Serious, but rare, side effects include:
    • An erection that won’t go away (priapism). If you get an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. Priapism must be treated as soon as possible or lasting damage can happen to your penis, including the inability to have erections. 
    • Changes in vision. Color vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge (shade) to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green. 
    • Sudden decrease or loss of vision. In rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral erectile dysfunction medicines, including CIALIS® and generic CIALIS®) reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes. It is uncertain whether PDE5 inhibitors directly cause the vision loss. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including CIALIS® and generic CIALIS®, and call a healthcare provider right away. 
    • Sudden loss or decrease in hearing. Sudden loss or decrease in hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness, has been rarely reported in people taking PDE5 inhibitors, including CIALIS® and generic CIALIS®. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the PDE5 inhibitors, to other diseases or medications, to other factors, or to a combination of factors. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® and contact a healthcare provider right away. 
  • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines. You could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke. 
  • Never take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® with any nitrate or guanylate cyclase stimulator medicines. Do not take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® if you take any medicines called “nitrates.” Nitrates are commonly used to treat angina. Angina is a symptom of heart disease and can cause pain in your chest, jaw, or down your arm. Medicines called nitrates include nitroglycerin that is found in tablets, sprays, ointments, pastes, or patches. Nitrates can also be found in other medicines such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate. 
  • Some recreational drugs called “poppers” also contain nitrates, such as amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. 
  • Do not take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® if you take medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators which include: Riociguat (Adempas®) a medicine that treats pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary hypertension due to chronic blood clots in the lungs). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if any of your medicines are nitrates or guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat. 
  • Tell all of your healthcare providers that you take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS®. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your healthcare provider to know when you last took CIALIS® or generic CIALIS®. After taking a single tablet, some of the active ingredient of CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® remains in your body for more than 2 days. The active ingredient can remain longer if you have problems with your kidneys or liver, or you are taking certain other medications. 
  • Stop sexual activity and get medical help right away if you get symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease. 
  • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® for the Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED): 
    • ED is a condition where the penis does not fill with enough blood to harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. A man who has trouble getting or keeping an erection should see his healthcare provider for help if the condition bothers him.
    • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® help increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis decreases, and his erection goes away. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with CIALIS® or generic CIALIS®. 
    • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® do not: 
      • Cure ED 
      • Increase a man’s sexual desire 
      • Protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Speak to your healthcare provider about ways to guard against sexually transmitted diseases. 
      • Serve as a male form of birth control 
    • Do not use CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® with other ED medications.
  • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® are only for men over the age of 18, including men with diabetes or who have undergone prostatectomy. 
  • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® are not for women or children. 
  • CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® must be used only under a healthcare provider’s care. 
    • Take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose that is right for you. Do not change your dose or the way you take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® without talking to your healthcare provider.

Who Should Not Take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS®? 

Do not take CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® if you:

  • Have severe liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have mild to moderate liver disease as you may need dosage reductions.
  • Have severe kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have mild to moderate kidney disease as you may need dosage reductions
  • Take any medicines called “nitrates” 
  • Use recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite 
  • Take any medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat 
  • Are allergic to CIALIS®, tadalafil or ADCIRCA®, or any of its ingredients

When should I call my primary provider?

Call your primary provider right away if you: 

  • Have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours
  • Experience a sudden loss of vision in one or both of your eyes
  • Experience a sudden decrease or loss hearing
  • Take too much CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® 
  • Have an allergic reaction to CIALIS® or generic CIALIS®
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: 
  • Rash 
  • Hives 
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat 
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing 

Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you have any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction listed above. 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

What Should I Tell My Roman-affiliated Provider Before Taking CIALIS® and generic CIALIS®? 

Tell your Roman-affiliated provider about all your medical problems, including if you:

  • Have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to have sexual activity. You should not take CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® if your healthcare provider has told you not to have sexual activity because of your health problems. 
  • Have pulmonary hypertension
  • Have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled 
  • Have had a stroke 
  • Have liver problems 
  • Have kidney problems or require dialysis 
  • Have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease 
  • Have ever had severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION 
  • Have stomach or intestinal ulcers 
  • Have a bleeding problem 
  • Have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie’s disease 
  • Have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours 
  • Have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia 

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following: 

  • Medicines called nitrates 
  • Medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat (Adempas®), used to treat pulmonary hypertension 
  • Medicines called alpha blockers. These include Hytrin® (terazosin HCl), Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress® (prazosin HCl), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl), 4 Jalyn® (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl) or Rapaflo® (silodosin). Alpha-blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. If CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® is taken with certain alpha blockers, your blood pressure could suddenly drop. You could get dizzy or faint.
  • Other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) 
  • Medicines called HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir® , Kaletra® )
  • Oral antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral® ), itraconazole (Sporanox® ) 
  • Antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin® ), telithromycin (Ketek® ), erythromycin (several brand names exist. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine if you are taking this medicine). 
  • Other medicines or treatments for ED. 
  • Tadalafil is also marketed as ADCIRCA® for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Do not take both CIALIS® or generic CIALIS® and ADCIRCA®. Do not take sildenafil citrate (Revatio®, Viagra®) with CIALIS® or generic CIALIS®. 

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

What are the most common side effects of CIALIS® or generic CIALIS®?

The most common side effects with CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® are:

  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Back pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Flushing
  • Stuffy or runny nose

What is the FDA-approved Use of CIALIS® and generic CIALIS®? 

CIALIS® and generic CIALIS® are prescription medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), symptoms of benign  prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or both.

Roman-affiliated doctors may prescribe CIALIS® for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE), if they believe in their medical judgment that it is an appropriate course of treatment.  

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.