Cialis’s original patent expired at different times in different countries. In the United States, the primary patent protecting the drug’s formulation expired in late 2018. This allowed for the introduction of generic versions, offering consumers a lower-cost alternative.
Patent Expiration’s Impact on Pricing
Generic competition typically leads to a significant drop in Cialis’s price. The extent of the price reduction varies depending on market factors and individual pharmacy pricing policies. However, consumers generally see considerable savings compared to branded Cialis.
Finding Generic Cialis
After patent expiration, you can easily find generic tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, at most pharmacies. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications. Always buy medication from a reputable source to ensure safety and efficacy.
Comparing Branded and Generic Cialis
| Active Ingredient | Tadalafil | Tadalafil |
| Efficacy | Proven effective | Bioequivalent, equally effective |
| Cost | Higher | Significantly lower |
| Availability | Widely available by prescription | Widely available by prescription |
Understanding Bioequivalence
Generic medications must demonstrate bioequivalence to their brand-name counterparts. This means they contain the same active ingredient, in the same amount, and are absorbed into the body at a comparable rate. Therefore, generic tadalafil works the same way as branded Cialis.
