CIALIS (Tadalafil)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cialis
1. What is Cialis for?
Cialis is approved for the treatment of men who experience difficulty having and maintaining an erection (impotence).
2. How does Cialis work?
Cialis works by enhancing the effects of one of the chemicals the body normally releases into the penis during sexual arousal. This allows an increase of blood flow into the penis. An erection is the result of an increase in blood flow into certain internal areas of the penis.
3. How is Cialis different from other medications for erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Cialis is different from other currently approved products for ED in that it stays in the body longer. However, there were no studies that directly compared the clinical efficacy and safety of Cialis to other products.
4. How do I take Cialis?
Cialis is taken orally before sexual activity, not more than once a day. Beginning in 30 minutes and for up to 36 hours after taking the pill, Cialis can help you get an erection if you are sexually stimulated. Cialis may be taken with or without food. In some patients, the dose strength and maximum frequency of use may be adjusted. For more detailed information consult with your health care provider.
5. Are there any side effects with Cialis?
As with any drug product, there may be side effects. The most commonly reported side effects in patients treated with Cialis during the testing of the product were the following: headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle pain, flushing, stuffy nose.
Patients who get back pain and muscle aches usually get them 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis and these usually go away by themselves within 48 hours. A small number of patients taking Cialis also reported abnormal vision.
6. What important information should you know about Cialis?
Cialis can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with any nitrate medication or with any alpha-blocker medication (alpha blockers are medicines used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and high blood pressure) other than FLOMAX (tamsulosin) 0.4 mg daily. You could get dizzy, faint or have a heart attack or stroke.
Tell your healthcare provider that you take Cialis. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your health care provider to know when you last took Cialis.
After taking a single tablet, some of the active ingredient of Cialis remains in your body for more than 2 days. The active ingredient can remain longer if you have problems with your kidneys or liver, or you are taking certain other medications.
7. What should I talk to my doctor about when considering if Cialis is right for me?
Because sexual activity can increase the work of the heart, your doctors should talk to you about your heart's general condition and if Cialis is right for you. Patients who have a condition called "left ventricular outlet obstruction" from valvular problems or heart muscle enlargement may get side effects such as fainting or lightheadedness.
Because patients with recent heart attacks or stroke, heart pains (angina), heart failure, uncontrolled blood pressure or uncontrolled irregular heart beats, severe liver disease, and retinal eye problems were not studied with Cialis, Cialis is not recommended for these patients. There may be rare occurrences of priapism or painful, prolonged erections. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Patients should seek prompt medical attention if their erection lasts longer than four hours.
8. Who should not take Cialis?
Cialis should not be used by patients taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin tablets or patches) or any alpha blocker other than FLOMAX 0.4 mg daily because the combination of these with Cialis could significantly lower blood pressure and lead to fainting or even death in some men.
9. Can Cialis be used with other treatments for impotence?
The safety and effectiveness of Cialis when used with other treatments for impotence has not been studied. Combined use could lead to additional lowering of blood pressure, possibly to unsafe levels. Therefore the use of such treatments in combination with Cialis is not recommended.
10. What if I am taking other drugs?
Always discuss with your health care practitioner ALL of the medications you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter) that way, you can receive the best advice for your own situation. Cialis is not recommended for people taking any form of nitroglycerin and most alpha-blockers, other than FLOMAX, because the combination may lower blood pressure to an unsafe level.
11. How is Cialis supplied?
Cialis is available as oral tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg strengths.
12. Even if I have severe ED, can Cialis work for me?
Yes. Cialis has been shown to work in men with all severities of ED. However individual results may vary. Your doctor is your best source of information for treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
13. If I have diabetes can Cialis work for me?
Yes. Results from studies of men in the general population, including diabetics, and one study of only men with diabetes showed that 68% of men with diabetes mellitus reported improved erections.
14. How should I take Cialis?
Cialis comes in a 20 mg dose and can be taken with or without food. You results may vary. Do not take Cialis more than once every 24 hours. Do not take Cialis more often than your doctor recommends.
15. Can I take Cialis if I am also taking nitrates?
No, you should not take Cialis if you're taking nitrates because of an unsafe drop in blood pressure could occur. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking Cialis to ensure that your heart is healthy enough to handle the extra strain of having sex.
Men taking any form of nitrates should not take Cialis. If you take Cialis while taking any nitrate medicine or recreational drug containing nitrates, your blood pressure could suddenly drop to an unsafe level. Many prescription medicines that are used to treat chest pains caused by heart disease contain nitrates. These medicines include nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes and pills that are swallowed or dissolve in the mouth) or isosorbide mononitrate and dinitrate (pills that are swallowed, chewed or dissolved in the mouth).
Certain recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers") also contain nitrates. This list is not totally inclusive, so it is important you talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about what nitrates are, or if any of your medications may contain them.
16. What if I am taking other medications?
Like with other prescription medications, you should always consult your doctor or health care professional about any other medications you are currently taking before taking Cialis.
17. Are there any food restrictions with Cialis?
No. Cialis can be taken without regard to food intake.
18. Will I get erections when I don't want them?
No, sexual stimulation is required in order for Cialis to work.
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