Key takeaways:
- Compounded Tadalafil contains the same active ingredient as Cialis.
- The biggest difference between these two medications is price and formulation, with the Tadalafil from BlueChew being less expensive and in a chewable format.
- BlueChew offers compounded chewable Tadalafil, which allows for easy consumption anytime, anywhere, without the need for water.
- Both medications provide effects that last up to 36 hours, enhancing spontaneity in your sex life.
If you’ve been researching sexual performance enhancers, you’ve likely come across brand-name Cialis. But have you heard about its active ingredient, Tadalafil?
These medications are well-known for their effects, providing patients with harder and longer-lasting erections for up to 24 to 36 hours. Romantic evenings are transformed into romantic weekends with these medications, and their extended coverage adds spontaneity back into patients’ sex lives.
But with so much talk about both names (and quite different price tags), you might wonder: what is the difference between these two medications?
We will clarify the details of these two medications to help you resolve any confusion. We will also provide information on obtaining Tadalafil chews from BlueChew at a fraction of the cost of Cialis.
History of Tadalafil and Cialis
The original formulation of Tadalafil was invented and patented by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company. It gained FDA approval in 2003 for enhancing erections. It quickly became popular due to its extended duration of action—providing erectile enhancement for up to 36 hours.
This was a significant leap over the other erection-boosting medications on the market that lasted between 4-6 hours. By offering this extended duration of enhancement, Cialis allowed patients to take the pressure off of planning intimate moments and enjoy the freedom of spontaneity in their sex lives.
The patent for Tadalafil (allowing only Eli Lilly and Company to sell the drug as Cialis) has now expired, allowing generic manufacturers to produce the drug and pharmacies to make custom compounded formulations using the same active ingredient (Tadalafil).
As a result, finding erection-enhancement options became much more cost-effective and accessible to more patients, no matter their budget or insurance coverage.
Tadalafil vs. Cialis
What’s the difference between Cialis and Tadalafil?
When we compare these two medications side by side, we find that they contain the same active ingredient but come with different price tags.
Think of it this way.
Cialis is like the cherry red Corvette you’ve been dreaming of. You buy it in the dead of winter and pay a premium price for a premium car.
Tadalafil is that same make and model Corvette, but you snagged a one-time deal at the 4th of July blowout. You end up paying way less for the same high-end, effective product.
When compounded medications use the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, it’s like getting your fancy Corvette on sale. Compounded medications contain the same active ingredient but don’t come with the sports car price tag.
Is Tadalafil the Same as Cialis?
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. Both medications work the same way and offer the same benefits.
The major difference? Price.
While a single tablet of Cialis can cost a whopping $70 (that’s $1,960 for a 28-day supply), BlueChew Tadalafil chews can cost as little as $4 per pill ($100 for 28 days).
If you’ve been hunting for an effective and budget-friendly option to getting around-the-clock erection enhancement, Tadalafil chewables may be the way to go.
Other Differences
Besides price, other differences between compounded Tadalafil and brand name Cialis include:
Appearance
Cialis tablets are yellow, almond-shaped, and film-coated. They are imprinted with a “C” and the pill’s dosage afterward (for example, 20 mg tablets are imprinted with a “C20”).
Compounded versions of the medications may look different than brand-name drugs.
Bluechew Tadalafil chewables are small, round blue tablets imprinted with “BC.”
The appearance of the medication does not impact the way it works, its safety, or its effectiveness.
Formulation
As we mentioned, Tadalafil and Cialis differ in their formulation (the process of mixing the active ingredient with all other components to create a final medication).
Cialis is only available in a tablet that must be swallowed whole. This may present a problem for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills.
BlueChew offers Tadalafil chewable, which can be taken anywhere and anytime without water. It provides an alternative option to accessing erection-enhancement for patients who have trouble swallowing pills.
The convenience of compounded chewable tablets makes this medication stand out among the competitors.
How Do They Work?
Tadalafil and Cialis belong to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by inhibiting a vital enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). This enzyme lines the body’s blood vessels and is responsible for breaking down a molecule that causes the blood vessels to relax (dilate).
When this enzyme is prevented from doing its job, it leads to increased dilation of the vessels, increasing blood flow throughout the body. There is a particularly high concentration of PDE5 in the smooth muscle cells that line the penis, so when you experience sexual stimulation while on tadalafil, there is a significant increase in blood flow to this area, resulting in harder and longer-lasting erections.
PDE5 is also present in high quantities in the lungs and urinary tract vessels and can increase blood flow to these areas. This is why Tadalafil is also FDA-approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia, two conditions improved by altering blood flow to these areas.
Tadalafil vs. Cialis Dosage
Cialis contains Tadalafil in several strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
BlueChew Tadalafil chews are available in two custom strengths: 6 mg and 9 mg.
Your medical provider will determine if a custom-made chewable formulation is right for you.
Side Effects of Tadalafil vs. Cialis
Because Tadalafil and Cialis contain the same active ingredient, the potential side effects are also identical. Common side effects may include:
- Headaches
- Indigestion, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
These side effects generally go away on their own. However, both formulations can also cause rare but more serious side effects like:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Nausea and dizziness
- Priapism (a painful erection lasting longer than four hours)
- Sudden vision or hearing loss
- Rash or hypersensitivity reaction
If you experience severe side effects, immediately contact your healthcare provider and seek medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Tadalafil and Cialis contain the same active ingredient, which can interact with other medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Common interactions to be aware of include:
- Nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate)
- Alpha blockers (alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, and silodosin)
- Guanylate cyclase stimulators (riociguat)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ticagrelor, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir) and inducers (rifampin)
Mixing these medications with Tadalafil can cause dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). It’s essential to discuss all your current medications with your healthcare provider to ensure safety when taking Tadalafil or Cialis.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Tadalafil and Cialis contain the same active ingredient with two crucial differences: convenience and cost.
If you’re looking for a boost in the bedroom that allows for spontaneous sex on your terms, but you aren’t ready to shell out thousands of dollars a year on a brand-name medication, BlueChew Tadalafil chewables might be perfect for you.
Plus, the convenience of taking a chewable tablet makes it the perfect solution for patients who have trouble swallowing pills.
With the same active ingredient as Cialis, Tadalafil chewables offer a practical and budget-friendly way to enhance your sex life.
How To Get Tadalafil From BlueChew
Ready to boost your bedroom performance on a budget? BlueChew has got you covered.
BlueChew makes it easy. Select a plan, complete an online intake, and you’re done. A medical provider will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe your plan, which will be shipped directly to your door.
No doctor appointments or patient support charges make it a stress-free experience.
With plans starting as low as $25 per month, BlueChew can fit into anyone’s budget. Plus, there’s no commitment – easily cancel or switch plans anytime. Click here to explore all plan options for treatments at BlueChew.
FAQS
Does Tadalafil work the same way as the brand name?
Yes. Both of these medications are phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction. They contain the same active ingredient and work by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5, which results in increased blood flow to the penis to help you achieve and maintain erections.
What are the potential side effects of Tadalafil and Cialis?
They have the same side effects because they contain the same active ingredient.
Common side effects include headache, indigestion, upset stomach, and muscle or back pain. These side effects are typically mild and reduce with time. More serious but rare adverse effects include prolonged erection, allergic reactions, and sudden loss of hearing or vision. Contact your medical provider immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
Is Tadalafil as expensive as the brand name?
No. Tadalafil contains the same active ingredient but is more affordable than Cialis. Compounded Tadalafil can cost as low as $4 per pill from online telehealth providers like BlueChew, while brand name Cialis can cost up to $70 per pill.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
References
- Coward RM, Carson CC. Tadalafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2008;4(6):1315-1330. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2643112/
- Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly Reaches Settlement Agreement in U.S. Cialis Patent Litigation | Eli Lilly and Company. Eli Lilly and Company. Published 2023. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-reaches-settlement-agreement-us-cialis-patent-litigation
- Ali HSM, Ahmed SA, Alqurshi AA, Alalawi AM, Shehata AM, Alahmadi YM. Tadalafil-Loaded Self-Nanoemulsifying Chewable Tablets for Improved Bioavailability: Design, in Vitro, and in Vivo Testing. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(9):1927. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14091927
- Afrin S, Gupta V. Pharmaceutical Formulation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562239/
- Dhaliwal A, Gupta M. PDE5 Inhibitor. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/
- Ahmed WS, Geethakumari AM, Biswas KH. Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5): Structure-function Regulation and Therapeutic Applications of Inhibitors. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2021;134(1):111128. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111128
- Chughtai B, Ali A, Dunphy C, Kaplan SA. Effect of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in the Bladder. Asian Journal of Urology. 2015;2(1):33-37. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajur.2015.04.014
- Fahmy G, Hess J. Tadalafil. PubMed. Published 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603743/
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