Cialis Vs. Generic Tadalafil: 10 Essential Comparison Points
Point 1. Manufacturers
Tadalafil as a tablet for the treatment of ED symptoms appeared on pharmacy shelves in 2003 and became a fast favorite. The substance was invented by the American company Eli Lilly. The new pill marketed under the name of Cialis offered unparalleled duration of effect that stretched up to 36 hours. After the expiration of the patent in 2018, the drug became available as a cheaper generic under many different names. Most commonly though, it is sold under the name of Tadalafil spelled with the capital letter (generic names are considered common names, hence their spelling using the lower case).
In India, tadalafil generics became available on the market much sooner. This is not unusual: Indian drug production is regulated by manufacturing patents, not formula patents. Indian manufacturers producing generic tadalafil are well-established pharmaceutical companies that specialize in both generics and developing new drugs. They are licensed for producing tadalafil, and the regulating authorities have vetted their compliance with the quality standards that are the same as those applied to Eli Lilly.
The companies engaged in the production of generic tadalafil are numerous: Teva, Sandoz, Ajanta Pharma, Accord Healthcare, Alembic Pharma, Mylan, Sun Pharm, and many others. You can read more about them here.
Point 2. The drug composition
The active substance in both drugs is tadalafil. By definition, generic and the brand drug must contain the same active component. The story is different for additional ingredients, which are called excipients. They do not affect the way the drug’s health benefits or other important characteristics, but they give the pill its shape and color. In some cases, generics of tadalafil are better tolerated than the original drug, because the brand-name Cialis contains lactose and is, therefore, contraindicated in men with lactose intolerance.
The other ingredients in brand Cialis are lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate. : lactose hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172), and talc. In comparison, Tadalafil Actavis contains the following excipients: lactose, pregelatinized starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, croscarmellose, sodium, magnesium, hypromellose (E464), titanium dioxide (E171), triacetin, talc (E553b), yellow iron oxide (E172), red iron oxide (E172).
Generic tadalafil can be found as a part of a combination drug coupled with dapoxetine, a medicine used to treat premature ejaculation. This combination helps to instantly address the two most common men’s health problems at a reduced price.
Point 3. The price
The price is where the real difference between the brand and generic Cialis is. The cost of the original can easily reach $400 for a pack of 30 tablets, while the same size pack of generic tadalafil will cost you $60 (the prices are approximate and may have changed by the time you read this).
Why does generic cost less? The manufacturers of tadalafil charge for the materials and the work invested in their product; the original developer charges for years of researching, testing, patenting, promoting – in a word, developing. It will also include the price of its ongoing researches. Sounds unfair? This is how the pharmaceutical world works. But luckily, there is a choice of generics on the market to opt for if you do not feel like investing in the past and future drug discoveries.
Point 4. Available doses
The original Cialis is produced in the form of pills containing 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg of tadalafil. Generics can contain anywhere between 2.5mg and 40mg of the active substance. You must see a doctor who will appoint the correct tadalafil dose for you, no matter if it is a brand or generic version of the drug you are planning to take.
Point 5. Therapeutic effect
The therapeutic effects of both Cialis and generic tadalafil are equal, which is the first and foremost requirement for any generic appearing on the market for it to be approved by the healthcare authorities.
Point 6. Drug forms
The diversity of generic tadalafil drug forms is truly one of its biggest advantages. You will find capsules, oral gels, lozenges, and soft tabs containing high-quality tadalafil in addition to the traditional film-coated tablets. Some of them feature decreased onset time, fruity flavors, and multiple other benefits. Generic tadalafil forms offer a unique opportunity to customize your therapy.
Point 7. Side effects
The scope of adverse events is the same for the brand and generic Cialis. Find out what they are from the article on this page.
Note that due to the difference in additional ingredients, you may tolerate some of generics better than others or the brand drug – this applies if you have allergies to certain pharmaceutical substances.
Point 8. Safety and efficacy
It is important to make sure that generic tadalafil you purchase is produced by a pharmaceutical company that has been licensed and accredited for its manufacture. Find a pharmacy you can depend on, and do not order drugs that have an unclear origin. Generic tadalafil produced by a reliable manufacturer and purchased through a legitimate drugstore will be as effective and safe as its brand-name equivalent.
Point 9. Prescription policy
Tadalafil remains a prescription substance in brand and generic form alike. Other drugs from its class, like Viagra, became OTC in a number of countries as of recent. However, no such transition has been made for tadalafil. If you see an offer to buy generic tadalafil without prescription, we strongly recommend that you refrain from dealing with the website. Licensed pharmacies are obliged to ask for a tadalafil prescription before confirming your order of generic or brand Cialis.
Point 10. Availability in online pharmacies
Brand and generic Cialis versions alike are available from online retailers. You can only buy most of tadalafil generic forms from online pharmacies though, ordering them for home delivery to the U.S.