FAQ

What is Cialis?

Cialis Tadalafil is a prescription drug prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help men suffering from erectile dysfunction to maintain a continuous erection. However, it does not cure erectile dysfunction; nor does it increase your sexual desire. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly laboratory and was approved for sale by health authorities in 2003.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual arousal.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Can Cialis prevent pregnancy or protect against sexually transmitted diseases?

No. Cialis is not a means of male contraception and cannot protect a man or his partner against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Are there any contraindications to taking Cialis?

Yes. In 2005, the FDA issued a warning to men that Cialis could cause potential possible vision loss. Only a small number of patients taking Cialis, Viagra and Levitra experienced the vision loss, which is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The FDA advises patients to stop taking these medications if they begin to experience vision loss.

Who should avoid Cialis?

Patients should avoid Cialis if they take nitrates, consume recreational drugs containing alkyl nitrites (popularly called “poppers”), or have been told by their doctor to avoid sexual activity.

Are there any serious health risks associated with Cialis?

Patients may experience a sudden drop in their blood pressure after taking Cialis. This is especially common in patients who take nitrates. Patients suffering from a drop in blood pressure may feel dizzy, faint, or could even suffer a heart attack or stroke.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing and stuffy or runny nose. Less common side effects include a continuous erection for several hours (called “priapism”) and vision problems.

What should I tell my doctor if I am taking Cialis?

If you take Cialis, you should tell your doctor (and any other health professional you visit) the following information. If you need emergency medical attention for a heart problem, it will be important for the doctor to know the last date you took Cialis.

What should I tell my doctor before he prescribes me Cialis?

Before taking Cialis, the doctor will ask you whether you currently have or have had heart problems, low blood pressure or high uncontrolled blood pressure, stroke, liver problems, kidney or dialysis problems, severe loss of vision, retinitis pigmentosa (a rare genetic eye disease), stomach ulcers, blood problems, deformed penis shape or Peyronie’s disease, an erection that lasted more than 4 hours, blood cell problems such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia, or if you take any medication called “alpha blockers”.

What other medications or food may affect treatment?

If you or a close member of your family has experienced any unusual symptoms after taking Cialis, you should contact your doctor or other healthcare professional.

What if it does not work?

Cialis requires sexual stimulation to work. You may be too tired or not sexually excited enough. If the drug does not work on repeated occasions, you should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss alternative treatments.

Is it reimbursed by my health insurance?

Some insurances do reimburse erectile dysfunction treatment, but many do not. Check with your individual plan administrator.

Can women take Cialis?

Cialis has not been approved for female use by the health authorities. It has only been established to be safe and effective for people aged over 18.

Should I avoid this treatment if my partner is pregnant?

There is no clear answer to this question, so caution is advised. This specific issue has not been studied in clinical trials. There was no effect found on sperm motility, fertility or increased birth defects in animals.

Does Cialis cause cancer?

No. Extensive animal testing revealed no sign of cancer.

Will Cialis increase my libido (sex drive) or make me more aggressive?

No. Cialis has no effect on the libido. Extensive psychological testing revealed no increase in aggressive behaviour or sexual desire.

Is there a minimum or maximum age to take Cialis?

Cialis has been tested and proven to be safe for men up to the age of 85. Cialis has not been tested in men younger than 18 years of age. It is not recommended for a younger age group.

How does Cialis work?

It works by helping the smooth muscle of the penis to relax. These muscles and the penile arteries should be relaxed when an erection occurs. Cialis maximizes relaxation and makes the erection more effective. The drug specifically targets an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), which is almost exclusively found in the penis.

How long does Cialis last?

Medical review on March 10, 2017 by Dr. Davis Taylor