{"id":59715,"date":"2023-08-05T11:12:35","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T15:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59715"},"modified":"2026-01-20T17:53:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T22:53:59","slug":"cialis-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cialis-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Cialis generic availability, cost, and dosage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cialis<\/span><\/a>, also known by its generic name <\/span>tadalafil<\/span><\/a>, is a common prescription for erectile dysfunction (ED) and <\/span>benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)<\/span><\/a>, or enlarged prostate. As a <\/span>phosphodiesterase-5 Enzyme (PDE-5) inhibitor<\/span><\/a>, tadalafil boosts blood flow to help with erections and ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).<\/span><\/p>\n

Originally approved in 2003, Cialis stands out as a long-lasting ED treatment, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. It\u2019s also approved for daily use to treat BPH. Today, it’s widely available as both a brand-name and a more affordable generic option.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t

Save up to 80% on Cialis with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tCialis 5 mg (90 Tablet)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$17.06\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$17.06\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Cialis prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Is there a generic for Cialis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, there is a generic version of Cialis available called tadalafil. Generic Cialis became available in the United States after the <\/span>exclusivity patent for Cialis<\/span><\/a>, held by Eli Lilly, expired in 2018. As a generic medicine, tadalafil offers the same benefits and uses as Cialis but typically at a lower price. It may be an appealing choice for those seeking treatment for ED and BPH.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries<\/span><\/a> was the first to release a generic Cialis tablet in 2018, followed by several other pharmaceutical manufacturers. Now that generic tadalafil is available, people with ED and BPH may have more options when it comes to managing their symptoms and finding relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Cialis used for?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cialis is a prescription medication that should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider. The following are the common uses of Cialis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Erectile Dysfunction<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cialis is FDA-approved for the treatment of ED and BPH. ED occurs when a man has difficulty <\/span>achieving or maintaining an erection<\/span><\/a> that is sufficient for sexual activity. Cialis helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It is typically taken at a dosage of 5 to 20 mg as needed before sexual activity, with effects that can last for up to 36 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another FDA-approved use of Cialis is the <\/span>treatment of BPH<\/span><\/a>, which is characterized by an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of BPH may include frequent urination, difficulty in starting to urinate, and a weak flow of urine. Cialis works by <\/span>relaxing the muscles<\/span><\/a> in the prostate and bladder, improving urine flow. It is approved for daily use for treating BPH and ED.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other uses<\/span><\/h3>\n

Tadalafil may be prescribed as a generic or under the brand names <\/span>Adcirca<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Tadliq<\/span><\/a> for individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). An individual with PAH experiences high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. By widening blood vessels, tadalafil can lower blood pressure in the lungs and improve exercise capacity in people with PAH.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, Cialis (tadalafil) may be used off-label to prevent<\/span> altitude sickness<\/span><\/a>, which can occur when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Tadalafil may help improve oxygen supply and blood flow throughout the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Cialis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Brand-name and generic Cialis are essentially the same medication, comprised of the same active ingredient. Although they share the same therapeutic effects and side effects, like priapism, they may have some differences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Appearance<\/span><\/h3>\n

One noticeable difference between brand-name Cialis and generic tadalafil is their appearance. Brand-name Cialis has an unmistakable yellow, almond-shaped design, while generic tadalafil may differ in color, size, or shape depending on the manufacturer. However, this difference in appearance does not affect the medication’s efficacy or safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage forms<\/span><\/h3>\n

Both brand-name Cialis and generic tadalafil are available as oral tablets in identical strengths, such as 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Both generic and brand-name versions can be taken orally, either as needed before sexual activity or once daily, depending on the condition being treated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Effectiveness<\/span><\/h3>\n

Regarding effectiveness, studies have shown that generic medications are <\/span>just as effective<\/span><\/a> as brand-name drugs. Both brand-name and generic Cialis work by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in a firmer and longer-lasting erection. Due to their similar active ingredients, both versions are effective for ED and BPH symptoms. They also carry the same drug interactions, including alpha blockers like tamsulosin, antifungals like ketoconazole and intraconazole, and antibiotics like erythromycin and rifampin, which may increase the side effects of tadalafil. However, a healthcare provider may recommend the brand-name version of the generic for any number of reasons, such as potential allergies to ingredients or their own beliefs about generic drugs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Cialis vs. tadalafil<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Feature<\/b><\/td>\nCialis<\/b><\/td>\nTadalafil<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dosage forms<\/span><\/td>\nTablets<\/span><\/td>\nTablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\n60-70%<\/span><\/td>\nNo difference<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Onset of action<\/span><\/td>\nWithin 1 hour<\/span><\/td>\nWithin 1 hour<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Availability<\/span><\/td>\nWidespread<\/span><\/td>\nWidespread<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/span><\/td>\n$440 for 30, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$1007 for 90, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Both the brand Cialis and the generic versions have the same active ingredients. However, their appearance and costs can vary. Therefore, you may want to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

How much is generic Cialis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Generic Cialis is usually a more affordable option than the brand name. The price of generic Cialis may vary depending on your location, insurance coverage, and the specific dosage needed. While Medicare and commercial insurance plans do not generally cover the brand-name version, some plans may cover the generic version. In many cases, insurance does not cover Cialis for ED, but only for BPH.<\/span><\/p>\n

The price difference between branded and generic Cialis can be significant, and choosing the generic version could potentially save you money. Using a prescription discount card, such as <\/span>SingleCare<\/span><\/a>, may help reduce the retail cost of Cialis and other prescription drugs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Brand vs. generic Cialis prices<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nBrand-name Cialis<\/b><\/td>\nCialis generic (tadalafil)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average cost without insurance<\/span><\/td>\n$440 for 30, 5 mg tablets of Cialis<\/span><\/td>\n$1007 for 90, 5 mg tablets of tadalafil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare\u2019s lowest price<\/span><\/td>\n$17 for 90, 5 mg tablets of generic Cialis<\/span><\/td>\n$17 for 90, 5 mg tablets of tadalafil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Free coupons<\/span><\/td>\nCialis coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nTadalafil coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Keep in mind that prices may vary based on factors such as pharmacy location, insurance plan, and availability of discounts or coupons. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and explore different pharmacies to find the best option for your individual needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to switch from Cialis to tadalafil<\/span><\/h2>\n

Switching from the brand-name erectile dysfunction medication Cialis to its generic counterpart, tadalafil, should be done with guidance from your healthcare provider. In most cases, a pharmacist can dispense the generic version if the prescribing doctor does not indicate that the brand name is medically necessary. The following steps outline this process and offer helpful tips for a safe transition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Transition process<\/span><\/h3>\n