After the official approval of Viagra in 1998, the drug introduced the revolutionary approach to the treatment of male erectile dysfunction and soon became the “gold standard” for the treatment of impotence. For years, Viagra remained beyond comparison… However, in 2003 the hegemony of miraculous blue pills was shaken by the new medication, called Cialis, which offered significant benefit of prolonged activity up to 36-hours. Soon Cialis gained world-wide popularity as “the weekend pill”. Besides, Cialis in low doses recently received the FDA approval for being used on a daily basis.

However, comparatively high price for Cialis (one 10 mg Cialis pill costs about $16) and the unbridled striving of some pharmaceutical companies to produce low-cost generic copies of the medications with the world wide popularity resulted in the appearance of cheap alternatives to Cialis.

Tadacip and Apcalis, produced by Indian pharmaceutical companies Cipla and Ajanta correspondingly, are among the alternatives to original Cialis, which are widely promoted via multiple online pharmacies and web shops.

First thing to note is that those generics are not legally authorized on the territory of the USA because of original patent protection. However, since the generics are anyway available, it is worthy to review them to draw the attention of potential customers to the benefits or potential risks of improving one’s sexual performance with the above said medications.

Theoretically, Tadacip and Apcalis should be exactly as effective against erectile dysfunction as the original Cialis. The above-said generic pills contain the same substance used in Cialis as the main working ingredient. It is called tadalafil, and it works by relaxing penile arteries and smooth muscles in the corpus cavernosum (inside the penis), thus increasing blood flow to the penis, consequently leading to the erection and hardening of male penis.

Of course, the generic alternatives made in India are cheaper than original Cialis. Tadacip in its highest strength of 20 mg is offered online for about $5 per one pill, and Apcalis is available around $6 per one 20 mg pill.  

While chemically Tadacip and Apcalis are almost exact copies of original Cialis (except for some inactive ingredients added for color or taste), men should consider carefully the decision of trying generic version of Cialis. First of all, it should be kept in mind, that since those generics are not authorized in the USA, their production, storage and transportation are not controlled in accordance with American terms and conditions. Even taking into account that the pharmaceutical companies Cipla and Ajanta are leaders in India, there is still no guarantee that their products are stored and delivered to the customers somewhere in the North America under proper conditions.

Another key issue to keep in mind is the strength of the medication, one is considering to try. The point is that generics Tadacip and Apcalis are produced in high dosages only (either 10 mg or 20 mg pills). However, online only the maximum strength pills are usually offered. This issue could be very tricky, since on one hand a customer receives a pill that is most likely to work as it is supposed to, but on the other hand maximum strength always means increased rate of side effects.

For comparison, original Cialis is available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg pills, the strength of which is likely to fit the majority of people with ED. Higher strengths are recommended for severe cases of impotence. Besides, the cost of low dose Cialis is almost the same as the cost of generics in the highest strength. So, if Cialis 2.5 mg or 5 mg works, there is no need to seek for alternatives. Anyway, do not use generics such as Tadacip or Apcalis on a daily basis.

To summarize this short review of generic alternatives to Cialis, let us point out the benefits and risks of Tadacip, Apcalis or other analogue pills:

-         low cost of treatment;

-         complete anonymity (no need to talk to a doctor personally);

-         no prescription needed;

-         the same working ingredient as in the original drug;

-         jelly or chewable tablets are available;

-         same effectiveness and safety issues as original Cialis (theoretically, not proven!).

Potential risks:

-         generics unapproved and unauthorized outside India;

-         contaminations of the pills or improper dosage is possible;

-         generics available only in the maximum strength;

-         medical counseling is not available when using unauthorized generics;

-         generics should never be used on a daily basis;

-         patient information may not always be provided.