TL;DR
Generic Cialis is a pharmaceutical formulation of tadalafil that treats erectile dysfunction (ED) and, in lower doses, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors and provides a therapeutic window of up to 36hours, earning the nickname “the weekend pill”. Generic versions contain the same active ingredient, strength and bioavailability as the brand‑name product, but cost‑effective manufacturing and competition drive the price down.
In the United Kingdom, tadalafil is classified as a prescription‑only medicine (POM). This means you cannot legally purchase it over the counter or from an unlicensed source. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enforces this rule, ensuring that any online vendor displaying a valid pharmacy licence has undergone rigorous checks for quality, storage and dispensing practices.
While the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approves tadalafil, the UK relies on its own regulator. The good news is that a prescription can be obtained digitally through a tele‑medicine consultation. Reputable UK tele‑health platforms connect you with a certified doctor, who reviews your medical history and, if appropriate, issues an electronic prescription that can be filled by any licensed online pharmacy.
Not every website that shouts "buy cheap generic Cialis" is trustworthy. Below are five criteria that separate legitimate pharmacies from the gray market:
When a site fails any of these checks, walk away. The cheapest deal often hides counterfeit tablets that contain the wrong dose or harmful fillers.
Source | Price per tablet | Delivery time | Licence status |
---|---|---|---|
UK‑based tele‑health + licensed pharmacy | £0.35 | 2‑4days | GPhC‑registered |
Euro‑EU online pharmacy (shipping to UK) | £0.30 | 4‑7days | EU‑licensed |
Unverified discount site | £0.10‑£0.15 | Varies, often >2weeks | None (risk of counterfeit) |
As the table shows, the sweet spot for safety and cost sits around £0.30‑£0.35 per tablet. Bulk orders (e.g., 30‑day supply) often shave another few pence off each pill.
After you receive the tablets, store them in a cool, dry place and start with the lowest effective dose. If you experience any unusual side effects, contact your prescribing doctor immediately.
Erectile dysfunction affects roughly 15% of UK men under 40 and up to 40% of men over 70. Tadalafil works by relaxing smooth muscle in the penile arteries, improving blood flow. The standard adult dose for on‑demand use is 10mg taken at least 30minutes before sexual activity. For daily use, 2.5‑5mg is taken each morning.
Common side effects (usually mild) include:
Serious adverse reactions are rare but can occur if you mix tadalafil with nitrates (found in some heart medicines) or alpha‑blockers. Always disclose your full medication list during the tele‑consultation.
Understanding generic Cialis opens the door to several adjacent areas of interest. You might want to read about:
Each topic deepens your knowledge and helps you make more informed health decisions.
Yes. Tadalafil is a prescription‑only medicine, so a qualified doctor must issue a prescription before any licensed pharmacy can dispense it. Online tele‑health services provide a legal and convenient way to obtain that prescription.
Only if the site is an EU‑licensed pharmacy that follows GMP standards. Shipping to the UK is allowed, but you must verify the licence number and ensure the product is stored correctly during transit. Unverified discount sites pose a high risk of counterfeit or sub‑standard tablets.
A reputable UK pharmacy typically charges between £3.00 and £4.00 for ten 10mg tablets, which translates to £0.30‑£0.40 per pill. Bulk packs of 30pills can bring the price per tablet down to around £0.28.
Yes. The daily‑use regimen uses a lower dose (2.5mg or 5mg) taken each morning. This maintains steady blood levels and allows spontaneous sexual activity without planning ahead.
Mild headache, flushing, indigestion and back pain are the most frequently reported. Hydrating well, taking the tablet with food, and avoiding alcohol can reduce severity. If side effects persist beyond 24hours, contact your doctor.
Most private insurers in the UK have a formulary that includes generic tadalafil, but coverage varies. The NHS generally does not fund ED medication unless it is for a specific medical condition like BPH. Always check your policy details.
Look for a UK pharmacy licence number on the site and cross‑check it on the GPhC register, confirm the address, ensure the site uses HTTPS, and read patient reviews that mention product quality and delivery speed.