Cialis is the brand name for a medication that is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). (Learn More)
The drug works by increasing blood flow in the body. (Learn More) There are side effects and precautions associated with using this medication. (Learn More)
There are many concerns about buying prescription medications online. (Learn More) You should never buy Cialis without a prescription for the drug. (Learn More)
Understand the process you must follow in order to get a valid prescription from a telemedicine physician. (Learn More) And be sure to know the signs of a fake online pharmacy. (Learn More)
If you buy the medication online, your insurance might pay for at least a portion of your prescription, depending on your specific plan. (Learn More)
Cialis
Cialis is the brand name for the medication tadalafil, which is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. You can buy Cialis online, but you need to exercise caution in order to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
- When tadalafil is sold as Cialis, it is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
- When tadalafil is sold under the brand name Adcirca, it is prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Both of these brand names describe the same medication, prescribed for different purposes.
- Tadalafil is a vasodilator that increases blood flow in the body.
- It is also available in a generic version.
How Cialis Works to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
When you are sexually stimulated, nitric oxide is released into your penis, which enhances the production of a chemical known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This chemical is involved in the dilation and contraction of blood vessels, including blood vessels in the penis.
Another substance in your body, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) reverses the actions of cGMP. Tadalafil inhibits the action of PDE5, thereby allowing blood flow to increase.
Precautions With Cialis
There are potential side effects to using Cialis, such as flushing (particularly in the face), backache, and nausea. There are rarer and more severe side effects, such as a loss of vision or hearing, that require medical intervention in many cases.
Cialis can interact with many different medications and even foods. People with cardiac problems should use the medication only when prescribed to do so by their physician.
Cialis cannot be obtained legally unless you have a prescription from your physician for the drug. You should only take the drug under the supervision of your doctor. The medication should only be used by people over the age of 18, and there are limitations on the amount of Cialis you should take within any 24-hour period.
Buying ED Medications Online
If you do an online search for erectile dysfunction drugs, you are likely to get hundreds of websites that feature medications like Cialis and other natural remedies that are reputed to give you the same effects as FDA-approved ED medications.
According to WebMD, when tests were done on Viagra sold online, only 10 percent of the samples were even close to the advertised strength of the drug (the dose of Viagra in the drug). Many of the prescription medications for ED sold online contain ingredients they should not. Some contain potentially dangerous ingredients.
Do Not Buy ED Drugs Without a Prescription
ED drugs that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are prescription medications that require an evaluation from a physician before they can be prescribed. A physician needs to determine that the drug is appropriate for your situation.
Cialis can be dangerous if you have certain health conditions, such as liver damage, heart disease, or others. It may exacerbate conditions like diabetes.
If you purchase Cialis online from an unregistered pharmacy, you may get something that is not even really Cialis. Even if you do get tadalafil, it may be dangerous for you to take it if you have not been evaluated by a physician.
How to Safely Buy Cialis Online
In order to safely buy any prescription medication online, including Cialis, the FDA recommends that you only purchase from safe online pharmacies. The qualifications of a safe online pharmacy, according to the FDA, are:
- The pharmacy requires a valid prescription from a physician or similar licensed health care professional (see below).
- The pharmacy is licensed by the state board of pharmacy or equivalent state agency where you live.
- The pharmacy has a U.S.-based pharmacist available to answer questions, and the pharmacy is located in the United States with a valid address.
The FDA also recommends looking for pharmacies that are verified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and have a VIPPS Seal.
Getting the Prescription Online
Some sites claim to have a licensed physician on board who can prescribe the medication. You might be embarrassed to discuss your issues with someone in person, or you may not be able to afford the cost of a consultation with your doctor. Being evaluated by a telemedicine physician might be preferable for you.
This is a bit of a complex situation. Getting a prescription medication requires that the physician knows a little bit about your history and is able to address any issues you may have once you start taking the medication.
Some telemedicine doctors can write prescriptions for medications as long as certain criteria are met. Most telemedicine doctors will not prescribe drugs that require an in-person exam, including prescription ED medications. Thus, getting a prescription online for an ED medication like Cialis is a bit tricky, but if the physician is licensed in the state where they are practicing and the pharmacy meets the above requirements, it might be appropriate. Nonetheless, the best-case scenario is to have an in-person exam and get a written prescription from your physician before trying to buy Cialis online.
Different states have different requirements about how telemedicine can be performed, the limits of telemedicine, and prescribing medications online. You should familiarize yourself with the policies regarding telemedicine within your state.
Some insurance companies may allow coverage for certain telemedicine practices. Take some time to understand your own insurance company’s policies.
Spotting a Fake Online Pharmacy Selling ED Drugs
The FDA reports that you should be suspicious of any pharmacy or source online that is attempting to sell you ED medications if:
- The source allows you to purchase the medication without a valid prescription from a physician.
- They do not have a pharmacist, who is licensed in the U.S., available to consult with you.
- They send unsolicited emails to you offering cheap prices on the medications.
- They are located outside of the United States or ship their medication worldwide.
- They have extremely low prices that seem just too good to be true.
Will My Insurance Pay for the Medication?
Whether or not your insurance will cover some of the cost of your medication depends on your insurance provider and the type of policy you have. Most insurance policies provide for some medication coverage, but in the case of Cialis, your provider may only partially pay for the medication and only allow you to get a certain amount of the medication at one time.
Check with your insurance provider to see what your policy allows.
References
Cialis. (August 2017). Medical News Daily.
Tadalafil. Medicine Net.
Buying ED Drugs Online: Is It worth the Risk? (November 2017). WebMD.
How to Buy Medicines Safely From an Online Pharmacy. (January 2018). Food and Drug Administration.
Is It Legal to Buy Other Prescription Drugs Online? (December 2018). Verywell Health.
The State Telehealth Laws. (September 2018). Center for Connected Health Policy.
