Can The Weekend Pill Take On The Little Blue Pill And Win?

 

Dr Ruut N. Tuten, our straight-shooting sex doctor, is back to answer a few emails from readers. In the mailbag this week: questions about the ED drug Cialis, desperately seeking generic Cialis, can Viagra and Cialis be taken together, and how to buy Cialis online without getting ripped off.

Dr Ruut N. Tuten:

I’m thinking about trying an ED drug for the very first time. I’ve seen all the ads for Viagra, so of course that came to mind first. But if Cialis lasts longer and costs less, doesn’t it make sense to try that instead? What’s your take on Cialis vs Viagra?

Just Call Me "Ed"

Dear Ed:

If you’ve seen the ads, then you know that Viagra lasts for about 4 hours and Cialis lasts about 36, hence the nickname "the weekend pill". But there are other differences and similarities you should keep in mind when weighing Cialis vs Viagra:

• Time to Effectiveness: Viagra takes about 15 minutes to start working. Cialis takes 30.
• Time on Market: Viagra has been on the market about 5 years longer than Cialis so has a longer track record of real world use.
• Active Ingredient: Cialis – tadalafil. Viagra – sildenafil citrate.
• Dosage: Different active ingredients, different dosage. Most doctors start by prescribing 50 mg of Viagra or 10 mg of Cialis. The dosage can be increased or decreased depending on results.
• Warnings: Neither Cialis nor Viagra should be used by men who take nitrates. Your alcohol intake should also be limited while taking ED drugs.
• Side Effects: Headache and upset stomach are the most common side effects with both Cialis and Viagra. Vision problems are a rare but serious side effect with both.
• Cost of Cialis vs Viagra: Both cost about the same. (Compare Cialis vs Viagra prices.)

Ed, in the end it’s up to you and your doctor to decide which product works best for you. If you don’t have a doctor, the licensed physicians on staff at eDrugstore.md will review your medical history to help you decide on a course of action. You can submit your Cialis vs Viagra question here.

Dr Ruut:

I’m still a young guy and I really like to perform for the ladies, like over the top. If I buy Cialis online and take it, will I be able to do it all weekend long, like over and over again?

(very) Randy

Dear Randy:

The company that makes Cialis, Eli Lilly, didn’t test their pill for more than one (ahem) attempt in 36 hours, so that’s all they will commit to. They promise that most men will be able to have a "single successful intercourse attempt." Anything more is gravy, so to speak.

Randy, drugs like Cialis and Viagra are intended for men with erectile dysfunction. Impotence. Limp dick. If you can get it up and keep it up without drugs, then you don’t need them!

Hi Doctor

I’m a 52 year old man, I’ve tried both Viagra and Cialis. Neither of them worked for me, even though my doctor changed the dosage a few times. I’m getting desperate. What if I took both of them at the same time, would that help?

Floppy in Florida

Dear Floppy:

Do NOT take Cialis with Viagra or any other ED drug at the same time. The safety of taking these drugs together hasn’t been studied and could be risky to your health.

I know you’re getting frustrated but the best course of action is to go back to your doctor, or find another doctor and keep working at the problem. There are other treatments for ED beyond pills, you can read about them in this Erectile Dysfuction Resources and Support.

Dear Dr. Tuten:

Can I save money by buying generic Cialis instead of regular Cialis? The brand name product is so expensive at my pharmacy…

Penny Pincher

Well, Mr. Pincher,

I can sympathize with your desire to save money — Dr Ruut is the original Mr Scrooge! But there’s no such thing as a free lunch and there’s no such thing as generic Cialis.

Eli Lilly is the US manufacturer of Cialis and they hold the patent, which means no other company can legally make a generic version until the patent runs out in 2016.

Sure you’ll find lots of websites claiming to sell "generic Cialis" or "cheap Cialis" but what they’re actually selling is FAKE Cialis. Their so-called generic Cialis is probably not manufactured in the US, so its production is not carefully monitored and controlled, it may not contain the ingredients listed on the package, and may not even work.

So if you aren’t buying genuine Cialis, then you are taking a gamble… with your money and with your health.

Before doing anything you might regret later, learn as much as you can about Cialis by reading a few articles in our Cialis library.

Then compare the cost to buy Cialis online at eDrugstore.md… you’ll find it much cheaper here than at your neighborhood pharmacy.

Hello Doctor,

I’ve done a fair bit of online shopping… everything from books to eBay antiques (some arrived, some didn’t) but I’ve never purchased prescriptions over the Internet before.

What’s the best way to buy Cialis online so I don’t get ripped off by shady vendors?

Cautious Cal

Dear Cal:

Good question. Please read the previous answer regarding generic Cialis. First of all, you need to be careful when choosing an online pharmacy. Avoid those offering generic Cialis or cheap Levitra or discount Viagra. If you see that kind of language – cheap, discount, generic, herbal – then you know it isn’t genuine Cialis.

For people who want to buy Cialis online for the first time, here’s a good article that will walk you through the steps of getting an online prescription and then placing your order. It pertains to Viagra, but applies just as well to Cialis. Once you see how easy it is to buy Cialis online, it won’t seem so intimidating:

Article: How To Order Viagra Online: Helpful Tips For First Time Buyers

Hope that helps, Cal!

Yours in perpetual "up"timism,

Dr Ruut N. Tuten

Stay tuned…. another edition of Ask the Doctor is coming soon to eDrugstore.md Health Articles.