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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, affecting millions of Canadian men. But while it might be prevalent, it’s still distressing. And it can be embarrassing to talk about—even with a doctor.
Many guys don’t realize that there are now many effective erectile dysfunction medications available to Canadian men, and they’re increasingly easy to get.
Tadalafil is one of them. The generic version of Cialis, tadalafil has been consistently shown by high-quality research to improve guys’ ability to get and maintain an erection. It can help make your sex more satisfying.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about tadalafil (generic Cialis pills) in Canada: What it is, its side effects, what you need to obtain it legally, and where you can buy it.
Let’s dive in!
Tadalafil is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It’s a prescription drug in Canada, which means that you need a prescription to purchase it legally in Canada. Tadalafil is the generic name for Cialis, which was originally owned and marketed by drug manufacturer Eli Lilly. Generic versions of the medication were eventually approved for sale in Canada, making it much less expensive.
Tadalafil belongs to a family of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors that also includes sildenafil (generic Viagra) and vardenafil (generic Levitra). These medications work by dilating blood vessels in the penis, which increases blood flow to penile tissue and makes it easier to obtain and maintain an erection. Note that PDE5 inhibitors only make it easier to get an erection when there is sexual stimulation—they do not cause erections in the absence of sexual activity.
There are two typical forms of tadalafil for ED treatment.
You might also see tadalafil prescribed for some other medical conditions, like pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Learn more: What Is Tadalafil? The Ultimate Guide
Yes, research has consistently shown that tadalafil is an effective erectile dysfunction medication. Some studies estimate that between 71% and 84% of patients report significantly improved erections. It has also been found to be effective not just for guys with mild ED, but also for those with moderate and severe ED.
Tadalafil has also been found to be effective when it’s taken as needed, as well as when it’s taken daily.
Learn more: Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil vs. Tadalafil Daily: What Is the Best ED Medication?
What about tadalafil and Cialis side effects? Is it safe to take?
Yes, it’s safe and well-tolerated by most men. But note that there are some risks associated with the medication, which is why it always must be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
The more common side effects of tadalafil include the following:
Other less common but potentially more severe side effects include:
Another side effect that is not common but relatively unique to PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil is called Priapism. Priapism is a prolonged erection that lasts longer than 4 hours and can be painful. Priapism is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage to penile tissue and requires urgent care.
Because tadalafil dilates blood vessels, make sure you tell your doctor about any cardiovascular or heart problems that you have. For example, be sure to mention if you have a history of heart attacks, congenital heart disease, chest pain, or if you’re on nitrate medications like nitroglycerine. Individuals with heart problems may be at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects, and drug interactions with nitrate medications can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
To ensure your safety while taking Cialis, always read the package insert and follow the directions of your prescribing doctor. If you experience any side effects, seek medical advice.
Tadalafil and sildenafil are probably the most well-known ED drugs on the market. So which one is better?
There is no clear winner, but they do have different profiles and advantages.
These differences make tadalafil better for some people and sildenafil better for others. In general, we find that most men prefer tadalafil because it’s more convenient, so that’s what we typically recommend.
Tadalafil is the generic version of name-brand Cialis. So are there any differences between them?
No. In general, generic drugs are just as effective as their brand-name counterparts, and tadalafil is no different.
This isn’t an accident—indeed, it’s a requirement. When Health Canada is asked to approve a generic drug, it reviews the research evidence to make sure that it is “pharmaceutically equivalent”. To be considered pharmaceutically equivalent, the generic version of the drug must be as effective as the brand name version and have a similar safety profile. If it isn’t, it won’t be approved for sale in Canada.
That’s why you can be confident that generics sold in Canada work as well as brand-name medications.
Learn more: What’s the Difference Between Brand Name and Generic Medications in Canada?
Health Canada approved Eli Lilly Canada Inc’s application for Cialis in 2007. Since then, they have approved several other drug manufacturers’ applications for tadalafil. For example, they approved Teva Canada Limited’s 20mg tadalafil product in 2020.
To find out if a product is approved by Health Canada, search the Drug Product Database.
Yes, it’s legal to purchase and use tadalafil as long as you have a prescription. The prescription is necessary to help patients avoid serious side effects that can occur with misuse.
Note: You can buy tadalafil online legally from Essential Clinic. Just start your online visit with our healthcare professionals and find out if you’re approved.
You can buy tadalafil at most pharmacies in Canada—again, as long as you have a prescription.
One of the most convenient (and potentially least embarrassing) ways to buy tadalafil is through an online clinic like Essential Clinic. When you are approved and order through Essential Clinic, your medication will be shipped discreetly directly to your door.
The process is quite straightforward.
Learn more: Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil vs. Tadalafil Daily: What Is the Best ED Medication?
So roughly what does tadalafil cost? Well, most pharmacies hide the price tag until you’re at the counter. But we’ve done a bit of research and found the following prices of tadalafil in Canada:
Price of tadalafil 10 mg
Another Canadian pharmacy’s price for tadalafil. This is $10 more per pill than if you buy from Essential Clinic.
Price of Cialis 20mg in Canada
Note: We don’t typically sell or recommend brand-name Cialis because it’s much more expensive and is no more effective than generic tadalafil.
Is it worth crossing the border to get it from the US?
No, it’s typically not any less expensive south of the border. Our research found that prices were about the same. When you factor into account the stronger US currency, it’s a bit more expensive.
Tadalafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. The research shows that it works and is safe for most men when used under the guidance of a medical professional. It’s usually more convenient than sildenafil (generic viagra) because it starts to work more quickly and it lasts longer. For those reasons, most guys typically prefer tadalafil over sildenafil.
If you think you could benefit from tadalafil, think about consulting a healthcare professional.
You can do that right here and avoid any awkwardness with your GP. Start your online visit now.
Bansal, U. K., Jones, C., Fuller, T. W., Wessel, C., & Jackman, S. V. (2018). The efficacy of tadalafil daily vs on demand in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urology, 112, 6-11.
Brock, G. B., McMahon, C. G., Chen, K. K., Costigan, T., Shen, W., Watkins, V., ... & Whitaker, S. (2002). Efficacy and safety of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of integrated analyses. The Journal of Urology, 168(4 Part 1), 1332-1336.
Frajese, G. V., Pozzi, F., & Frajese, G. (2006). Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; an overview of the clinical evidence. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1(4), 439.
Rajfer, J., Aliotta, P. J., Steidle, C. P., Fitch, W. 3., Zhao, Y., & Yu, A. (2007). Tadalafil dosed once a day in men with erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in the US. International Journal of Impotence Research, 19(1), 95-103.
Skoumal, R., Chen, J., Kula, K., Breza, J., Calomfirescu, N., Basson, B. R., & Kopernicky, V. (2004). Efficacy and treatment satisfaction with on-demand Tadalafil (Cialis®) in men with erectile dysfunction. European Urology, 46(3), 362-369.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.