6 Ways to Save on Cialis for Erectile Dysfunction

shapecharge/E+ via Getty Images

If you've ever looked into getting a medication for erectile dysfunction (ED), you may know that treatment prices can vary. Cialis (tadalafil), for instance, is one of the most popular brand-name ED medications. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly.

The first generic version of Cialis was released in September 2018, and other manufacturers have released their own generic versions since then. This has increased market competition, driving prices down. But the cost of Cialis can still vary depending on the discounts you take advantage of and the savings programs you enroll in.

How much does Cialis cost?

Without insurance, Cialis can cost around $426.92 for thirty 5 mg tablets. For generic Cialis, the cost could be around $278.21 for the same dosage and quantity.

What factors affect the cost of Cialis?

Several factors affect the cost of Cialis, including:

• Where you live: Medication prices often vary based on your location. According to GoodRx research, for example, residents in Denver, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., typically pay less for prescription medications than those in New York, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.

• Your pharmacy: Pharmacies negotiate their own contracts for medications, so what you pay could vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, even if they are just down the street from one another.

• Your insurance: Insurance companies decide how much they will cover for prescription medication costs. In addition, you also may have to pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, depending on your plan type.

• Dosage: Your healthcare professional will determine how much Cialis you need and how often you should take it, which can affect the cost.

Cialis vs. generic tadalafil

Cialis and generic tadalafil are similarly safe and effective, and the FDA has a rigorous process for ensuring that generics perform just like their brand counterparts.

Both Cialis and tadalafil treat ED at the following doses:

• 2.5 mg

• 5 mg

• 10 mg

• 20 mg

At 5 mg, both versions are also used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as difficulty urinating. They work by relaxing the muscle cells in the prostate, allowing urine to flow out of the bladder.

As a side note, there are other medications that use tadalafil as their active ingredient, such as Adcirca.This medication is only available at 20 mg and is approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Adcirca is available as a generic, as well. Tadliq and Alyq also use tadalafil as their active ingredient.

How do you get a prescription for Cialis?

You will have to get a prescription for Cialis from a healthcare professional. You can see your preferred healthcare professional for an office visit or meet with an online prescriber. Once you have your prescription, you can fill it at the pharmacy of your choice.

6 ways to save on Cialis

Here are six tips to help you maximize your savings on tadalafil.

1. Check your insurance coverage

Since Cialis is now available as a generic, many insurance plans offer some level of coverage. However, Medicare and Medicaid generally do not cover Cialis for erectile dysfunction, since it's not considered medically necessary.

If tadalafil isn't covered by your plan, you can ask your healthcare professional about submitting an appeal. The exact appeal process will depend on your insurance company, but it typically involves working with your healthcare professional to submit a letter explaining why the medication is medically necessary for you. In some cases, you may also need to submit a prior authorization form or go through step therapy before your insurance company will cover your prescription.

2. Use a GoodRx discount for Cialis

If you don't have insurance, your coverage is inadequate, or you're just looking for ways to save money, using generics instead of brand-name medications might be an option for you. However, GoodRx can help you save even more - sometimes offering prices that are lower than insurance copays.

Here's how you can obtain a GoodRx coupon for generic Cialis:

• Search for "tadalafil" on GoodRx.com or on the GoodRx mobile app.

• Select the quantity and strength you need.

• Click on "set your location" to find GoodRx coupons for pharmacies in your area.

With a GoodRx coupon, you can pay as low as $9.25 for thirty 5 mg tablets of generic Cialis. For the brand-name medication, you can pay around $292.86 for the same quantity and dosage using a GoodRx coupon. You can use GoodRx to compare prices at different pharmacies and get the best price in your area.

3. Ask your healthcare professional for a 90-tablet prescription

Filling a larger prescription can help you save on medications. Ask your healthcare professional for a 90-tablet prescription instead of a 30-tablet prescription to compare the savings.

If you're paying with insurance, getting a 90-tablet prescription would allow you to pay a copay once, instead of three times for three 30-tablet prescriptions. To change your prescription to a larger quantity, you may need to request a new prescription from your healthcare professional and/or get approval from your insurance company.

4. Talk to your healthcare professional about alternative medications

Cialis isn't the only ED medication with generic alternatives. Viagra (sildenafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), which belong to the same class of medications as Cialis (known as PDE-5 inhibitors), also have generics available. This means you might want to compare prices if you're looking for an ED medication. And if you have insurance, research how your coverage differs across these drugs. As they have different dosing schedules and uses, you'll also want to speak to your healthcare professional and find out if Viagra, Cialis, or another ED medication might be best for you.

5. Use funds from your HSA or FSA

If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you may be able to use those tax-free dollars to pay for a Cialis prescription. Cialis and other prescription medications meet the requirements for eligible expenses for HSAs and FSAs. FSA funds expire at a set deadline, so use those before you lose them. HSA funds carry over from year to year, so they can be used at any time.

6. Use a patient assistance program

Many drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to help those in need receive prescription medications at no cost. If you have a Cialis prescription, you can apply to the Lilly Cares® Foundation Patient Assistance Program. If you qualify, you could receive Cialis for free for up to 12 months.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.