Generic Cialis

Cialis is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Cialis from being manufactured. However, it is expected that once Cialis goes off patent in 2016, several companies will start manufacturing a generic version of the drug.

 

Cialis Generic: An Overview

Cialis® (tadalafil) is a prescription medicine that is licensed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Cialis is manufactured by Eli Lilly and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Cialis from being manufactured.
 

When Will a Generic Cialis Be Available?

The patent for Cialis expires in 2016. It is expected that once Cialis goes off patent, several companies will begin manufacturing a generic Cialis drug. Normally in the United States, one company is given 180 days of exclusivity to manufacture a generic version. After 180 days, it would be expected that a number of other manufacturers will also begin making a generic Cialis.
 

Is Tadalafil a Generic Cialis?

No. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis, not a generic version of the drug. Although people often refer to a drug's active ingredient as its "generic name," it is actually different than a generic version of it. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent, and another company (besides the original manufacturer) must have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;