Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
In 2017 The Affordable and Safe Prescription Importation Act was introduced. The Act regulated how individuals, pharmacies, and wholesalers import prescription drugs from licensed Canadian sellers. The medication would have the same active ingredient at the same strength and meet safety standards by being certified by the FDA.
In July 2019, President Trump promised that Americans would be able to import Canadian drugs legally and with less expense. Canadian Cialis and generic Cialis (Tadalafil) cost less than 50% than in the U.S. In Canada, the price is regulated to ensure that the cost is not high and out of reach for those who need it.
The American public, in general, supports all the proposals to lower prescription drug costs. They believe lowering the prices for prescription drugs should be a Congressional priority. Many hope a national medication importation program from Canada will be put in place soon.
Why Do Americans Want to Buy From Canada?
The cost of medications in the U.S. is usually higher than anywhere else. In Canada, the same prescription drugs are available for a fraction of the price that they are in the U.S. They are typically made in the same factories, by the same companies.
Currently, U.S. drugmakers can set, raise, and lower drug prices any way they wish. The FDA has no legal authority to regulate drug prices; it only controls what drugs are available to the U.S. public.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support the proposal to change the current legislation. This would allow price negotiation with suppliers and producers. Generics are available, and they are less expensive.
A well-known practice in the pharmaceutical business is “pay-for-delay.” Companies that produce brand name medications pay generic drug makers not to bring cheaper medicines to the market. If this practice was stopped, it would lower the cost of medications for the American public.
Did you know?
Can I Buy Cialis Online From Canada?
Despite warnings from the FDA and American pharmaceutical companies, many Americans look out of the country to meet their medication needs. There is a risk in doing so, both legally and to your health.
Technically, it is not legal to buy medication from outside the U.S. – even from Canada. However, some changes to bills were recently made in the House of Commons. This allows some medicines from Canada to be purchased and allowed into the U.S. by customs agents.
To buy Cialis from Canada and get through customs, the medication needs to have:
- Documentation that the medication is needed
- A prescription from a licensed physician
- Address and contact information of pharmacy
- Clear labelling with dosage amount listed
- Be in a proper container
- A personal use amount, no more than 90 day supply
How Much Does Cialis Cost in Canada?
One of the reasons driving Americans to look to other sources for Cialis is the high cost of drugs in the U.S. Prices for the medication in the U.S. is higher than in many other countries. Some feel that buying from outside the U.S. is their only affordable option to get Cialis.
Dangers and Risks of Buying Canadian Cialis Online
Cialis is one of the most often prescribed medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. It should only be used when a doctor has diagnosed and written a prescription for the person to use the drug.
Understanding how to use this drug is fundamental since there could be some issues with side effects or dangerous interactions. If a doctor hasn’t prescribed this medication, you could be in danger of the following:
Common Side Effects
Some side effects of taking Cialis are mild and routine and may subside. Talk to the doctor if they become difficult to manage:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Back pain
- Flushing
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Acid reflux
- Muscle aches
- Burping
- Stomach discomfort
Serious Side Effects
These side effects are very serious. Call 911 and get medical attention immediately.
- Sudden hearing loss
- Vision impairment
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- An erection that lasts longer than four hours
Cialis Interactions
Cialis can adversely interact with other medications and could become a life-threatening situation. Make sure that your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity and your doctor knows about all medications you are currently taking. Without medical advice, you are putting yourself in danger.
- Nitrates
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- HIV medications
- Blood pressure
- Other E.D. medications
People with known heart conditions are at a higher risk of cardiovascular issues. Use of alcohol, vitamins, recreational drugs, herbal supplements can also cause interactions. Even drinking grapefruit juice can affect the way Cialis works.
A critical issue with purchasing Cialis from unauthorized sources is the chance of getting something other than Cialis. Research published in 2020 showed that of 45 online pharmaceutical companies tested, 36 of those had serious issues with the products purchased.
The active ingredient for Cialis was not at the dosage level marked on the tablets. In some cases, researchers could not determine what were actually in the pills received. The drug packaging was not original, did not have expiry dates, and most were in foreign languages.
To protect your health when buying Cialis online, follow these guidelines:
- Website requires a valid prescription
- Website pharmacy is VIPPS accredited
- Verifiable physical address
- Contact information
- Privacy policy
- Clear line of communication
Is It Legal to Buy Cialis From Canada?
Under guidelines from the FDA, federal border agents can use discretion when people bring medication across the border. They can allow it if the amount of the medication shows it is for personal use. If the drug isn’t one that is a risk, and the purchaser has a doctor’s prescription and their contact information, then it may be allowable.
There are ways for the consumer to protect themselves from rogue online sellers. The Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) provides information about safe online pharmacy websites that are certified, trusted, and licensed. The Canadian government regulates the companies and tests the medication.
Pharmacies from Canada who have the CIPA seal on their websites are considered safe. In serving over 10 million American patients since 2002, they have maintained a perfect safety record. Prices are up to 80% less than buying through U.S. pharmacies.
Our tip: How to buy Cialis with online prescription
Why Should I Not Buy Cialis Online From Canada?
Some feel that the high cost of Cialis and other medications in the U.S. is justified. They state that Americans subsidize the development of new drugs for the rest of the world, and because it is expensive to bring a new drug to market, the price is reasonable.
Generic medications are available to Americans, and the cost of themes is considered to be comparable between Canada and the U.S. Therefore, only a few brand name medications are affected. Others disagree with this and say that they cannot afford to buy their medicines in the U.S.
There is a concern too that shortages of medications will happen for Canadians if Americans can import medicine at a lower cost. Drug shortages are recorded on the Canadian Medical Association website. Currently, though, Cialis is not one of the drugs at risk for deficiencies.
According to a recent poll, lowering costs of medication in the U.S. is one of American’s top priorities. The drug approval process needs to be simplified. Increasing market competition within the U.S. can reduce costs and lower the chances of counterfeit medications entering the country.
Is Getting a Prescription Through Telehealth a Good Alternative to Cialis From Canada?
Telehealth can be a convenient option to get an appointment with a physician from home. You can use a smartphone or computer to communicate with the physician. It can save both time and money for a patient.
Charges for each service vary by website. If the telehealth or E-health service is offered by your physician or within your health insurance network, sometimes just a co-pay will be required. They will clearly state what services are offered, the cost, and what payment methods are accepted on their website.
Telemedicine has changed the way diagnosis is made with certain medical conditions. Doctors who are board-certified use technology and often work from hospitals or health insurance providers. Only situations that don’t require an in-person examination can be dealt with using this method.
Once you decide which service you will be using, you will need to provide some personal information. Informed consent varies by state, but each website should clearly state what the expectations are for both patient and physician. There will be an area prominently displayed to book an appointment with their service.
How it Works
Firstly, you need to fill in an online form; this will be about your medical history, current medications and pre-existing conditions. Next, a doctor will check the application and contact you to ask any further questions. In some states, this contact must be in the form of a video chat.
Once the medical professional is satisfied that you meet the criteria for the medicine, they will create a prescription for you. In all cases, the telehealth service is affiliated with a partner pharmacy, and you can easily order your medication right away.
If you prefer, you can have the prescription sent to you or directly to your usual pharmacy. If you order your medications online, make sure the pharmacy you use is certified, and the doctor’s signature is on the prescription.
The charges for the service will be outlined on the telehealth website and what payment options are accepted. Make sure you look at this before scheduling an appointment so that you understand all fees beforehand. Payment is usually collected before the service is provided.
Talk About It
Talk to the doctor openly about erectile dysfunction. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but starting the conversation with your doctor about your experience with erectile dysfunction is worth it. Your physical and psychological health is vital.
Most men experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. While it is frustrating, it can be treated. Contact your doctor to see if Cialis could be the solution for you.
Article Sources
- Questions and Answers for Cialis (tadalafil). In: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. URL: https://www.fda.gov/
- Parker-Pope, Tara (August 28, 2009). “The Cost of Treating Erectile Dysfunction“. New York Times.
- CIALIS- tadalafil tablet, film coated. Eli Lilly and Company. URL: https://uspl.lilly.com/
- Eli Lilly and Company Limited (2017). Cialis 20mg film-coated tablets. EMC. [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7430.pdf [accessed 20th July, 2020].
- Report Suspected Unlawful Sales of Pharmaceutical Drugs on the Internet
Buying Controlled Substances Online: DEA Warning – Purchasing drugs online may be illegal and dangerous. URL: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ - Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet. What to look for when buying medicines online. In: U. S. Food and Drug Administration. URL: https://www.fda.gov/
- How to Buy Medicines Safely From an Online Pharmacy. In: U. S. Food and Drug Administration. URL: https://www.fda.gov/
- How to Buy and Use Medicine. In: USAGov, the Official Guide to Government Information and Services. URL: https://www.usa.gov/medicine