Generic Cialis (Tadalafil): Is It the Same as Brand Cialis?

What is the generic name for Cialis?

The generic name is tadalafil. Cialis is Eli Lilly’s brand name; the active ingredient in every tablet is tadalafil, and generic versions are sold under that ingredient name (Cialis (tadalafil) label). For the molecule itself, dosing and side effects, read our tadalafil guide.

When did Cialis go generic?

In 2018. FDA approved brand Cialis on November 21, 2003 (Drugs@FDA: Cialis (tadalafil) NDA 021368). The first generic, Teva’s tadalafil tablets in 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg, was approved on May 22, 2018 (Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141), and Teva announced the US launch on September 27, 2018 (Teva launch announcement). Approval is the regulatory date; launch is when Teva announced availability in the US.

Sources: Drugs@FDA: Cialis (tadalafil) NDA 021368; Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141; Teva launch announcement. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.

Is generic Cialis as good as brand Cialis?

Yes: FDA-approved generic tadalafil must meet the same standards for clinical benefit and risks as brand Cialis. It must match the active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route and demonstrate bioequivalence (FDA generic-drug standards for tadalafil; generic tadalafil label (Accord)). Bioequivalence concerns how the medicine performs in the body; it does not require identical inactive ingredients.

Teva’s tadalafil carries the therapeutic-equivalence code AB1 in Drugs@FDA (Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141). The FDA Orange Book: tadalafil equivalence explains that therapeutic equivalents have demonstrated bioequivalence and are expected to produce equivalent clinical effects and safety.

What can differ: tablet color, shape, imprint and inactive ingredients. FDA “generally allows minor differences in appearance” (FDA generic-drug Q&A for tadalafil). If you have an allergy or intolerance to an excipient such as lactose, check the inactive ingredients on your specific product’s label (generic tadalafil label (Accord)).

Tadalafil vs Cialis: brand vs generic side by side

This table compares the current brand label with one generic label on DailyMed. Other generic makers use their own inactive ingredients and tablet designs.

Sources: Cialis (tadalafil) label; generic tadalafil label (Accord); Drugs@FDA: Cialis (tadalafil) NDA 021368; Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141; FDA generic-drug facts for tadalafil. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.

Which generic Cialis strengths are FDA-approved?

Generic Cialis tablets come in 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg strengths (generic tadalafil label (Accord)). Strength is the amount in a tablet; your prescribed schedule is a separate decision. For that discussion, use our guides to daily tadalafil and how long Cialis lasts.

40 mg and 50 mg are not FDA-approved US strengths of generic Cialis. The Cialis-equivalent tablets in the generic tadalafil label (Accord) and the Cialis (tadalafil) label do not list either strength. Do not confuse a tablet strength with instructions to take multiple tablets; ask the prescriber to confirm the exact product and directions.

How to spot fake “generic Cialis” online

Counterfeit tadalafil is a documented problem. FDA found counterfeit Cialis 20 mg tablets in the mail to a US consumer that contained multiple active ingredients (FDA counterfeit Cialis (tadalafil) alert). In 2026, FDA also warned that a “natural” enhancement product contained sildenafil and tadalafil not listed on its label, which may interact with nitrates and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels (FDA hidden tadalafil and sildenafil notice).

The FDA lists these signs of a safe online pharmacy:

• It always requires a prescription (FDA online pharmacy checklist).
• It has a physical address and phone number in the US (FDA online pharmacy checklist).
• It has a licensed pharmacist to answer questions (FDA online pharmacy checklist).
• It is licensed by your state board of pharmacy; if it is not listed, FDA says not to use it (BeSafeRx state license lookup).
• FDA flags deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true as a warning sign (FDA online pharmacy checklist).

For “gas station” pills, see rhino pills and supplements for ED.

Generic Cialis cost: what the listed prices show

Compare the exact product, quantity and coupon conditions. These are SingleCare’s published quotes, not a price for an online clinical visit or a compounded product. The listed prescription products contain tadalafil (Cialis (tadalafil) label; generic tadalafil label (Accord)).

Source: SingleCare tadalafil page, “Prices updated: 10/23/2026”. Accessed Oct 24, 2026. Prices are third-party estimates, not Mendoxa prices. For brand pricing details, see Cialis cost.

What each path includes

Choose by the care you want to discuss. If you want FDA-approved generic Cialis specifically, ask for tadalafil by name (generic tadalafil label (Accord)). Mendoxa’s visit assesses a compounded combination that is not FDA-approved; it is a different treatment option.

Sources: Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141; generic tadalafil label (Accord); Cialis (tadalafil) label; BeSafeRx state license lookup; SingleCare tadalafil page; FDA compounding Q&A; Mendoxa care information. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.

What to bring to the visit

• Already using a prescription? Bring its name, manufacturer and directions, plus what you want to change.
• Choosing between medicines? Read sildenafil vs tadalafil and ED medication options, then discuss your priorities (Viagra (sildenafil) label).
• Concerned about ingredients? Bring the bottle or label so the provider or pharmacist can check the specific formulation (generic tadalafil label (Accord)).
• Taking nitrates? Tell the provider before ED treatment: tadalafil is contraindicated with organic nitrates (Cialis (tadalafil) label).

Label hard stops

Label hard stops (nitrates, riociguat, an erection over 4 hours, sudden vision or hearing loss) are listed once in our sildenafil guide, from the Viagra (sildenafil) label and Cialis (tadalafil) label.

If you want ED treatment now

Start with the Mendoxa 3-in-1 visit to ask whether its compounded rapid-dissolve tablet fits your ED care. Independent licensed providers assess suitability; Prescription required. Mendoxa ED care explains the process.

The tablet combines sildenafil, tadalafil and apomorphine; it is not FDA-approved. Ingredient references are the Viagra (sildenafil) label, Cialis (tadalafil) label and APOKYN (apomorphine) label; APOKYN is an injectable Parkinson’s treatment, and its label is not approval of this ED combination.

Bring what you have tried, including any generic tadalafil, and your current medicines. Explore the combination ED tablet or the Mendoxa home page. Quantities and costs appear once in the table below.

Mendoxa ED plans and prices

The Mendoxa ED tablet is a compounded rapid-dissolve tablet with sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and apomorphine (APOKYN label). It dissolves under the tongue. A licensed clinician decides if it fits you and selects the strength. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved.

The 3-month total covers three months at the monthly tablet quantity shown.

If prescribed · Cancel anytime · Available in 49 states (not California). Prices from the Mendoxa intake at try.mendoxa.co/f/ed on Oct 24, 2026. The intake always shows the current price.

FAQ

What is the generic name for Cialis?

Tadalafil. It is the active ingredient in Cialis and the name generic versions are sold under (Cialis (tadalafil) label).

When did generic Cialis become available in the US?

FDA approved the first generic tadalafil (Teva) on May 22, 2018 (Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141), and Teva announced the US launch on September 27, 2018 (Teva launch announcement).

Is generic Cialis as good as brand Cialis?

FDA requires an approved generic to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route and to be bioequivalent (FDA generic-drug facts for tadalafil). Teva’s tadalafil is rated AB1, meaning FDA considers it therapeutically equivalent to Cialis (Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141; Orange Book preface).

What are the ingredients in generic Cialis?

The active ingredient is tadalafil. Inactive ingredients vary by maker: one generic uses sorbitan monostearate, while brand Cialis uses hydroxypropyl cellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate (generic tadalafil label (Accord); Cialis (tadalafil) label).

Is there a 40 mg or 50 mg generic Cialis?

No. The FDA-approved US generic Cialis tablet strengths are 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg; 40 mg and 50 mg are not approved strengths for this product (generic tadalafil label (Accord); Cialis (tadalafil) label). Ask the prescriber or pharmacist to verify unfamiliar offers.

Do I need a prescription for generic Cialis?

Yes. Generic tadalafil is a prescription drug (Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141), and FDA says a safe online pharmacy always requires one (FDA online pharmacy checklist). Mendoxa’s online visit uses Independent licensed providers; its compounded tablet is not FDA-approved.

References

1. DailyMed: VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) tablet, film coated, label revised 12/2017. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
2. DailyMed: CIALIS (tadalafil) tablet, film coated, label revised 3/2026. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
3. DailyMed: APOKYN (apomorphine hydrochloride) injection, label revised 6/2022. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
4. FDA (Drugs@FDA): VIAGRA (sildenafil) prescribing information, NDA 020895. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
5. FDA (Drugs@FDA): CIALIS (tadalafil) prescribing information, NDA 021368. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
6. FDA: Compounding and the FDA, questions and answers. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
7. DailyMed: tadalafil tablets label, Accord Healthcare. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
8. Drugs@FDA: Cialis (tadalafil) NDA 021368. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
9. Drugs@FDA: Teva tadalafil ANDA 090141. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
10. FDA: Generic Drug Facts. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
11. FDA: Generic Drugs Questions & Answers. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
12. FDA: Preface to the Orange Book. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
13. Teva: generic Cialis launch announcement, Sep 27, 2018. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
14. FDA: counterfeit Cialis (tadalafil) tablets alert. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
15. FDA: X10 product with hidden sildenafil and tadalafil, May 29, 2026. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
16. FDA: How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
17. FDA BeSafeRx: locate a state-licensed online pharmacy. Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
18. SingleCare: tadalafil prices (prices updated 10/23/2026). Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
19. Mendoxa ED care (product, format, max 1 dose per 24 hours). Accessed Oct 24, 2026.
20. Mendoxa ED intake: plan prices (term_options). Accessed Oct 24, 2026.

Related guides

• Tadalafil: dosing and side effects
• Cialis cost
• Daily tadalafil
• How long does Cialis last?
• Sildenafil vs tadalafil
• Tadalafil vs vardenafil
• Online ED prescription
• ED medications compared
• Sildenafil + tadalafil in one tablet

Explore Mendoxa ED care

Compounded medication prescribed only if a licensed U.S. clinician decides it is appropriate. Not FDA-approved as a finished product. Not available in California. This site is not for emergencies. Call 911 if you need urgent care.