Cialis FAQ

Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication in 2003. It's in the drug class PDE-5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase). It increases blood flow to the penis while increasing the blood vessels in the penile walls.

Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Cialis. It's one of the most popular ED medications on the market today. It increases sexual stimulation and pleasure for men who can't achieve or sustain a full erection. Most patients take Cialis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, some doctors also prescribe this medication for patients with an enlarged prostate.

Cialis is similar to Levitra (vardenafil), an ED drug that was on the market until 2018. It works like Viagra, another popular erectile dysfunction medication. It also works like Adcirca, a blood flow regulator. Flomax (tamsulosin) is a less popular ED medication.

Today, there are generic versions of this drug as well as over-the-counter supplements that help with ED. In this article, we'll answer common questions about Cialis. We'll also discuss the severe side effects of this drug and explain what to do if you get sick after using it.

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where a man cannot get or maintain an erection during sexual arousal. Cialis works to increase blood flow to the penis. It achieves this by blocking an enzyme that prevents the body from producing sufficient nitric oxide, the chemical that tells the brain to send blood to the penis. The class of drugs that do this are phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

There are various ED treatments. However, Cialis is an FDA-approved ED medication with fewer side effects than similar prescription drugs.

Does Cialis prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases?

No. Cialis is not a form of birth control. It doesn't help prevent sexually transmitted illnesses (STI) either. If you take Cialis, you'll need to rely on your regular birth control and STI protection methods.

What are the severe side effects of Cialis?

Like other ED medications, Cialis has potential adverse side effects.

Cialis side effects include:

• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Chest pain
• Flu-like symptoms

Less common side effects include vision problems and a painful erection that will not go away, referred to as priapism. Some patients report sudden hearing loss as well.

Heart disease patients who also take nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, must be careful. There is an increased risk of:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical advice. Stop taking the drug until you can see your healthcare provider.

Who should not take Cialis?

Patients should avoid the use of Cialis if they take nitrates, use recreational drugs, or whose doctors have advised them to avoid sexual activity.

Are there any serious health risks associated with Cialis?

Patients can experience a sudden loss of blood pressure after taking Cialis. This is especially common among patients who take Cialis along with nitrates. Patients suffering from a loss of blood pressure may feel dizzy, faint, or suffer a stroke or heart attack.

What should I tell my healthcare professional before they prescribe Cialis?

Before using Cialis, tell your healthcare professional if you have heart problems, low blood pressure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Also, let them know if you've had any of the following medical conditions:

• Stroke
• Liver problems
• Kidney disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Bleeding problems
• Have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease
• Have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Angina
• Blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Take medicines called alpha-blockers

If you suffer from these conditions, you should avoid taking Cialis. Your doctor can prescribe another medication, or you can rely on over-the-counter aids.

What should I tell my healthcare professional if I have already taken Cialis?

Tell your healthcare professional that you take Cialis. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be necessary for your healthcare professionals to know when you last took Cialis.

Can other medicines or food affect Cialis?

Cialis and certain other medicines can interact with each other. For example, people taking Riociguat for pulmonary hypertension should avoid Cialis.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take to avoid adverse drug interactions.

This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Even one dose of Cialis can be harmful if it interacts with specific medications.

Do not eat or drink grapefruit juice while taking Cialis. This does not interact well with the active ingredients in the medication.

Has Eli Lilly recalled Cialis?

As of 2024, Eli Lilly Company has yet to recall Cialis. Other pharmaceutical companies have recalled or discontinued ED drugs. For example, Bayer discontinued the sale of Levitra in 2018 due to business reasons. Some speculate that they did so after numerous reports of vision loss and heart attacks. However, the company and the FDA insist they discontinued the drug for business reasons and not due to safety concerns.

Do I have a legal claim for a Cialis complication?

Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or a loved one experiences dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Cialis. You may also want to discuss your options with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Can I sue if Cialis didn't work as advertised?

Some medications only work for certain people. You can only sue a drug manufacturer if you suffer a severe side effect after taking their medication. You can also sue them if they fail to warn you of the dangers of their drug. It is not enough that Cialis wasn't effective for you.

How do I prove that Cialis caused my condition?

Your attorney must prove several things to recover damages in a Cialis lawsuit. First, you must demonstrate that you suffered an injury while taking Cialis. You also have to prove that the drug manufacturer was responsible for these injuries.

You will likely have to hire expert witnesses to testify about the drug's dangerous side effects. Expert witnesses rely on studies, medical records, and other information to prove causation.

If you prevail in your legal claim, you may recover the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses and future medical bills
• Lost wages and lost future income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

Your attorney will help determine the damages to demand in your lawsuit.

Contact a Dangerous Drug Attorney for Help

If you believe you suffered an injury from taking Cialis, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. They'll review your claim and advise you on how best to proceed. Visit FindLaw.com's attorney directory to find a lawyer near you.