Listen… We are always on the hunt for a deal. Clothes, restaurants, travel, whatever — if there’s a deal out there, we’ll hunt it. We’ll even go after deals when it comes to ED medications.
So, let’s talk about Cialis®. It’s one of the most popular ED medications on the market, but how does it function on your wallet? Is it comparable to other erectile dysfunction meds on the market, or are there better options out there?
These are all fair questions, fellas.
Below, we’ve explained how pricing for Cialis works and how much you’ll typically need to pay to purchase this medication in different formats. We’ve also answered several common questions about Cialis’ availability, differences between Cialis and generic tadalafil, and more — all in service of helping you find the best dick pill deal.
Here are some quick Cialis facts for the bargain shopper in a hurry:
Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil and belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors.
Though Cialis was originally only available as a brand-name medication, it’s now also available as a generic medication (that’s pharmacy talk for “much more affordable”).
Known for its long duration, sometimes lasting 36 hours, Cialis is often referred to as “the weekend pill.”
You might prefer Cialis to other ED medications if you want something that’ll last all day without the need to take a pill shortly before sexual activity.
Like most other ED meds, brand-name Cialis is significantly more expensive than tadalafil (generic Cialis).
We offer generic daily-use tadalafil for $79 a month and daily-use brand-name Cialis for $1,045.
We also carry as-needed generic tadalafil for just $36 a month as part of our range of erectile dysfunction treatments.
After a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider, you can access Cialis, generic tadalafil, and other ED medications online through our telehealth platform.
If you’re deal hunting, you might need to factor in where you live and what pharmacies are nearby. The price of Cialis can vary based on:
Where you purchase it
The dosage of Cialis you’re prescribed
Your health insurance status
Whether you opt for brand-name Cialis or generic tadalafil
The price of brand-name Cialis can range from $12 to upwards of $70 per tablet, depending on the specific dosage. For a month’s supply, typical pricing ranges from $380 to $1,000 or more.
Cialis comes in tablet form and is available in several doses, from 2.5mg to 20mg (milligrams). A Cialis 20mg price will obviously be more than a Cialis 5mg price.
Some Cialis tablets are designed for use as needed (and should be taken at least an hour before sex), while others are meant for daily use.
Generic tadalafil costs significantly less than brand-name Cialis, making it a better choice if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck.
This medication contains exactly the same active ingredient as brand-name Cialis. When used as needed, you can save more per pill.
For instance, Hims offers access to the following tadalafil prices when the medication is used as needed:
Tadalafil 5mg price: $36 for four doses ($9/pill), $80 for 10 doses ($8/pill)
Tadalafil 10mg price: Same as tadalafil 5mg price
Tadalafil 20mg cost: $38 for four doses ($9.50/pill), $80 for 10 doses ($8/pill)
A few things to remember before you go pill pricing by yourself:
The price of generic tadalafil can vary based on the dosage, but most versions of generic tadalafil cost $10 to $13 per tablet.
When used daily, generic tadalafil can be less than $3 per pill ($79 for a 30-day supply) on the Hims platform.
Since both Cialis and tadalafil are available in several dosages, it’s important to compare medications of the same dosage when checking prices.
Are you thinking about using Cialis long-term? Our guide to long-term Cialis goes into greater detail about what to be aware of before using Cialis or generic tadalafil for several years.
Next, let’s talk about savings strategies.
We all know the state of drug prices is less than ideal these days. But even as drug costs hit historic highs, Cialis and generic tadalafil don’t need to be costly if you know what to look for.
Try the following approaches to reduce the amount you pay for Cialis, generic tadalafil, or other medications for erectile dysfunction:
Stick to generics. As explained above, brand-name Cialis is far more expensive than generic tadalafil. Both medications contain the same active ingredient at the same dosages, meaning you’ll get a better value by sticking to the generic.
Check your insurance coverage. Some insurance plans offer prescription drug coverage for ED medications. Depending on your policy, this may include Cialis, generic tadalafil, or other PDE5 inhibitor medications. Our full guide to Cialis and insurance has more info on insurance coverage for ED treatments.
Use a patient-assistance program. Eli Lilly and Company, the company that manufactures Cialis, offers Cialis and other medications for free to customers who meet specific criteria, including a gross household income limit. You can learn more about these patient-assistance programs and eligibility criteria on the Lilly Cares® Foundation website.
Be careful of counterfeit Cialis tablets. If you’re searching online for Cialis or generic tadalafil, be wary of websites offering rock-bottom prices, especially if they say their erectile dysfunction medications are available over the counter. Look for information confirming a reputable supplier, such as Better Business Bureau® (BBB) accreditation or a LegitScript® Seal of Approval.
Use caution with natural alternatives to Cialis. Though these products may seem like more affordable alternatives to Cialis, many have major safety issues — a topic we’ve discussed in detail in our guides to gas station sex pills and Rhino pills.
Consider using another ED medication. You may consider using a different ED medication to keep costs down. Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra®) is just as effective at treating ED as Cialis when used as needed — the doses don’t last as long, though. It’s also slightly cheaper at just $4 per use when you buy from Hims.
As mentioned above, the cost of Cialis and generic tadalafil from your local pharmacy will vary based on several factors, like your general location and insurance status.
Generally, what you’ll get locally versus what you’ll get from an online pharmacy will be comparable — but it’ll likely be a little more affordable online.
Since generic Cialis is available in the U.S., you can find it in most pharmacies regardless of where you live.
For the most up-to-date pricing information, call your local pharmacy before visiting to fill your prescription. They can run your insurance and tell you exactly how much you’ll pay.
For the guys who clip coupons, some pharmacies provide their own coupons for Cialis and other prescription medications for ED. If you typically buy Cialis from your local pharmacy or a pharmacy chain at retail price, you can ask them about special offers at your next visit.
It’s always worth Googling for coupons and checking the Cialis website. Drug manufacturers sometimes offer coupons to people without insurance coverage who’d otherwise pay full price.
Sometimes, but not always. Some health insurance plans cover erectile dysfunction treatment, including prescription medication. But they may only cover the generic version.
Medicare generally doesn’t cover brand-name Cialis but might cover a prescription for generic tadalafil.
Call your provider or log into your online account to see what’s included with your plan.
You sure can. Telehealth platforms like Hims offer Cialis online after connecting you with a licensed healthcare provider who can determine if a prescription is right for your needs.
We have brand-name Cialis, as well as generic tadalafil (the more affordable option) and various other ED meds you can order online.
The price per dose of Viagra is higher than Cialis. Viagra ranges from $86 to $116 a pill. Meanwhile, Cialis is more like $15 to $83 per dose, depending on the dosage and whether it’s the daily version or the as-needed pill.
However, as noted, generic sildenafil is sometimes more affordable than generic tadalafil.
Tadalafil is only effective if you can use it, and you can only use it if you can buy it. What’s less obvious is that you have several options to cut back on the final price if you’re willing to do some work.
Remember the following to save some cash on Cialis prices:
Cialis varies significantly in price. Costs depend on your prescribed dosage and whether you go with brand-name Cialis or the more affordable generic version of tadalafil.
Brand-name Cialis can be pricey when used frequently. But you can save a significant amount of money by choosing generic tadalafil.
Avoid over-the-counter meds and supplements that aren’t FDA-approved. These may be unsafe, and the risks aren’t worth saving a few bucks.
A month’s supply of brand-name Cialis is typically $380 to $1,000. Meanwhile, a month’s supply of tadalafil will only cost a small fraction as much. We offer generic tadalafil for $79 a month as part of our range of ED treatment options, following a consultation with a healthcare professional.
So take our advice: Make some calls, clip some coupons, and get access to affordable Cialis prices by scheduling an online consultation today.
Interested in finding out more about treating ED? Our guide to the causes of erectile dysfunction goes into detail about the many factors that may affect erections and sexual health, as well as your options for dealing with ED and enjoying better, more consistent sexual performance.
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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. Learn more about our editorial standards here.