How much does Cialis cost without insurance?

Viagra is one of the most well-known, popular drug names. But did you know it’s not the only medication that treats erectile dysfunction? As many as 30 million men experience ED, and many of them use Cialis. However, treating erectile dysfunction isn’t cheap. Maintaining a healthy sex life with Cialis can add up. To help ease the burden, learn how much Cialis costs without insurance, and how you can save on your Cialis prescription.

What is Cialis?

Cialis (tadalafil) is a medication prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, which is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. It is part of a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors or PDE5i) alongside well-known alternatives like Viagra (sildenafil) and Levitra (vardenafil). These medications function by facilitating increased blood flow to the penis through the relaxation of specific muscles, but they must be accompanied by sexual stimulation to be effective.

Beyond erectile dysfunction, Cialis is versatile and may also be prescribed for conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension. “Cialis is utilized for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erectile dysfunction (ED), pulmonary arterial hypertension, and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon,” explains Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP, a clinical pharmacist and owner of Sunshine Nutraceuticals.

Dosage and Administration

Cialis is typically available in an oral tablet form, which can be prescribed for either daily use or on an as-needed basis. For daily use, the dosage may begin at 2.5 mg taken at the same time every day, transitioning to maintenance dosages that range from 2.5 mg to 5 mg per day. When taken as needed for sexual activity, doses can vary from 5 mg to 20 mg, but it is important to note that Cialis should not be consumed more than once a day.

Pricing Trends

A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that between 2012 and 2017, the price of Cialis surged significantly, with an increase of 187% from $127 per month (for a 30 tablet supply) to $365. The pricing can vary depending on the prescribed dosage, with costs exceeding $1341 in some instances.

It is noteworthy that several health insurance and Medicare Part D prescription plans typically do not cover Cialis. This exclusion is often due to the classification of ED medications as lifestyle-related rather than medically necessary. However, there's a trend towards more insurance policies beginning to cover ED medications and other sexual dysfunction treatments, which prompts patients to check their specific insurance policy for potential Cialis coverage.

How to get cheap Cialis without insurance

Fortunately, options exist for those who need to manage the often high costs associated with Cialis. Here are several strategies to obtain Cialis more affordably:

1. Buy generic tadalafil

Your pharmacist may recommend switching to the generic form of Cialis, known as tadalafil. Since its availability began in 2018, this generic option presents a significantly lower cost per pill. Choosing tadalafil over its brand-name counterpart can lead to substantial savings.

2. Use SingleCare coupons

Regardless of your insurance status, utilizing SingleCare can provide financial relief when purchasing Cialis. The retail price of brand-name Cialis may exceed $1,000, but by selecting generic tadalafil and applying a free SingleCare coupon, you could acquire 30 5 mg tablets of tadalafil for just $90. This represents a remarkable saving exceeding a thousand dollars simply by using a coupon! Utilizing a coupon can lead to savings of up to 80% compared to paying the full cash price at the pharmacy.

3. Check with the manufacturer

Pharmaceutical companies often have savings programs and coupons available for patients who need assistance with medication costs. For instance, Pfizer offers savings on Viagra prescriptions through a coupon system. Nevertheless, keep in mind that many of these manufacturer coupons may have restrictions regarding duration or eligible amounts, along with strict eligibility criteria.

4. Buy Cialis online

Some individuals discover significant savings by purchasing their medications online. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on reputable online pharmacies to ensure the safety and validity of the medications. Prior to placing any orders for medications online, consult this guide to understand the risks involved and identify what to look for in an online pharmacy.

5. Compare costs with other ED pills

Cialis shares similar mechanisms with other first-line PDE5 inhibitors. However, unfortunately, a clearly cheaper alternative may not exist even when considering generics. For example, the average cost of brand-name Viagra ranges from $150-$200 for a pair of 100 mg tablets, but costs can drop to under $50 with a SingleCare coupon. Similarly, two 20 mg tablets of Levitra usually cost around $125, reduced to approximately $80 with a coupon. Lastly, for those considering Stendra, which is not currently available in generic form, a typical pricing scenario is around $500 for six 200 mg tablets. Employing a SingleCare coupon may help bring that cost down to closer to $400.

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