We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Our tester looked at 8 different platforms that offer generic and branded Cialis online. The five listed here are some of the best based on user experience and the process of creating a profile.
Cialis, the brand name for tadalafil, can safely treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and is available only by prescription. To receive a prescription, you can talk with a doctor directly or sign up with an online service that can connect you with a doctor.
There are a lot of services out there to choose from, however. That’s why our tester, Parisa Syed (she/they), signed up for these platforms to see how the process was before she got to the confirmation page. She walks you through the steps so you know what to expect.
Disclaimer from our tester | Parisa Syed, Healthline editor
I am a biological female who voluntarily tested these platforms. I’ve done my best to show the steps and services so you can find what platform seems like the best for you.
The function of these drugs are the same; it’s the services that are different. I wanted to test what the process was like to the confirmation page, and I was happy to find that some of them didn’t even let me get that far without verification.
Follow along as Syed walks through the platforms included in this article and explains why they were chosen as the “best.”
*Parisa does not endorse any of the platforms below. The “best” superlatives were chosen based on user experience.
Quick facts about Cialis (tadalafil)
FDA approved
for daily use or as-needed use
takes about 30 minutes to kick in
lasts anywhere from 24 to 36 hours
| Price range | ED medications available | Subscription required? | Healthline score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman | • $20 to $80 per dose of Cialis • $8 to $44 per dose of tadalafil | • branded and generic Viagra • branded, generic, and daily generic Cialis | yes | 4.0/5 |
| Hims | • starts at $958 for 1-month supply of daily Cialis • starts at $40 for 1-month supply of daily tadalafil | • branded and generic Viagra • branded, generic, and daily generic Cialis • Stendra | yes | 4.3/5 |
| Rex MD | • $29 per dose of Cialis • $2 to $6 per dose of tadalafil | • branded and generic Viagra • branded, generic, and daily generic Cialis | yes | 3.9/5 |
| Lemonaid | $220 for 1-month supply of daily tadalafil | • generic Viagra (sildenafil) • generic, daily Cialis (tadalafil) | no | 3.9/5 |
| PlushCare | • subscriptions start at $19.99 per month • price of medication is not clear | • branded, daily, and generic Cialis • branded and generic Viagra • branded and generic Stendra | yes | 4.2/5 |
We compared several companies against a number of our top priorities to help us build our list of recommendations. Here were our priorities:
- Meets our internal vetting standards: Healthline assesses brands and products for criteria based on medical and business standards. Read more about our process.
- Company reputation: All the companies reviewed here have between an A- and A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau and a reputation for delivering quality telehealth services and Cialis.
- Price: Affordability and accessibility are important. All the companies reviewed offer Cialis online at an affordable monthly price.
- Doctor’s consultation: To get Cialis online in the United States, a licensed medical professional must prescribe it for you. All the platforms reviewed require an initial consultation and use the expertise of licensed medical professionals.
- Healthline scores: After considering all of the above points, we used that information to award each company an average score out of 5. For a more in-depth explanation of our scoring rubric, you can read more at Healthline Scores: How We Evaluate Men’s Telehealth Platforms.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We evaluate services for consistency with standards of care and best practices, and we look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the services on this page, we considered all the ED treatment services that passed our vetting process. Then, we scored each service to narrow down our list even further.
The cost of Cialis varies depending on the dosage. Cialis can range between $12 to $70 per pill, depending on the dosage and where you purchase it.
Tadalafil, a generic medication, is more affordable. It’s usually between $1 and $20 per pill.
Cialis and tadalafil use the same active ingredient. The difference in cost is largely due to the brand name’s market recognition, research and development costs, and marketing expenses.
Brand-name medications like Cialis also have higher prices because they are protected by patents for a certain period, during which no generic versions can be legally manufactured or sold.
Whether you opt for brand-name Cialis or the generic version, there are a few ways to save on prescription medication. For example, you could try a mail-order pharmacy or look for discounts online.
- Fill out the assessment and create a profile.
- The platforms included in this article require you to take an online assessment and create a profile if you don’t already have one. The questionnaires ask you for general information, like your gender, age, and when you first started noticing symptoms.
- All of these platforms ask about your health history, your blood pressure, other medications you’re taking, and if you’re currently experiencing any life changing events or are coping with mental health challenges.
- Verify identity.
- Some platforms, like Lemonaid and hims, have verification steps in between or before the confirmation page to make sure you’re a real person.
- The only platform that highlighted privacy and consent was Lemonaid.
- Go to the confirmation page.
- With some platforms, step 4 comes before step 3. The confirmation page is where you view and agree to the subscription cost of the platform or the telehealth visit.
- Discuss with a healthcare professional.
- Based on the online assessment you completed, the healthcare professional will help you decide which medication is best for you. You can also share your preference if you have one. They may also ask more follow-up questions.
- If your healthcare professional decides that you may not be eligible for a medication, they’ll tell you. Depending on the platform, you could receive a refund if the service isn’t able to help.
- Receive the medication.
- Each platform in this roundup has different shipping dates: some like Plushcare only offer pickup at your local pharmacy, but others say they offer discreet shipping straight to your doorstep. Some services offer subscriptions, and refills will be sent to you automatically.
Online platforms can offer an easy, convenient way to fill your Cialis prescription, but it’s important to get Cialis from a legitimate telehealth service and not a dodgy, unregistered website.
Only use online services or platforms that are certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or have a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accreditation. This ensures that they meet certain safety standards.
Also, never purchase Cialis from a website that claims you don’t need a prescription to access it. Cialis and tadalafil are prescription medications and can’t be purchased over the counter — even if you’re buying them online.
When choosing an online service or pharmacy, you might also want to consider:
- Cost: Online platforms can be quite affordable, but it’s important to factor in hidden costs, including consultation fees, delivery fees, membership fees, and more.
- Access to medical advice: Check if the platform offers a consultation with a healthcare professional, either through video chat, online chat, or phone call, to review your symptoms.
- Shipping times: Many online platforms deliver medications within a few working days. Keep this timeframe in mind when shopping.
- Customer service: Will the company be helpful when you’re facing a technical glitch or if you receive the wrong order? Read customer reviews to see what they say about the service.
While it might be tempting to sign up for the website offering the cheapest Cialis, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable source.
How do I know my online Cialis prescription and medication is legit?
ED medications are among the most counterfeited drugs. Fake versions can have toxic ingredients.
Other such pills and supplements can contain
Pros
- Discreet shipping: All the platforms we reviewed emphasize their use of discreet packaging and shipping.
- No health insurance required: Cialis can be purchased without health insurance and without going into a pharmacy.
- Saves time and trips to the doctor: Getting a prescription usually requires visiting a doctor’s office and waiting for a prescription to be filled. Purchasing Cialis online removes steps in the process, and the medication is shipped straight to your door.
- Resources and education available: Many online telehealth services provide abundant educational material so users can get their questions answered.
- Affordable: The initial online visit is less expensive than most copays.
Cons
- Not available in all U.S. states: Some platforms are only available in the states where physicians on the platform are licensed.
- Not covered by insurance: People with insurance aren’t able to benefit from their plans with these online telehealth platforms.
- No ongoing doctor-patient relationship: While people can communicate with healthcare professionals through the online platform, most online services are generally no match for a doctor-patient relationship developed over time.
One of the benefits of using Cialis or tadalafil (generic Cialis) is it can be taken daily or on demand, depending on the dose. This depends on your prescription and your sexual needs.
Here’s a breakdown of how Cialis and tadalafil work for daily and as-needed use:
Daily use
If you want to potentially always be ready for sex, you can take a small dose of either 2.5 or 5 mg of Cialis or tadalafil (depending on your prescription) every day.
A small dose every day means you may not need to plan ahead and take a pill in advance of sexual activity. You likely will not need to consider how long the pill is effective because if taken regularly, you may not experience any ED symptoms.
As-needed use
If you don’t anticipate regular sexual activity, are unable to take a pill in advance of anticipated sexual activity, or are not interested in taking a daily pill, your doctor may prescribe a higher as-needed dose of Cialis or tadalafil.
These higher dose pills are available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before sex. For some people, these pills can last over 24 hours. So, it’s strongly advised to only take these medications once per day to avoid the risk of taking too much.
Cialis and tadalafil are generally safe for most people. But as with any medication, they can cause side effects.
Common Cialis side effects include:
- cough
- diarrhea
- headaches
- heartburn
- indigestion
- muscle pain in the limbs
- nausea
- stomach or back pain
These side effects are usually mild and temporary, but if they persist, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare professional.
However, there are more serious side effects to be aware of, though they are rare. These include:
- allergic reactions
- a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous because it may deprive your body of the oxygen it needs to function
- hearing loss or vision loss
- priapism, a painful condition where an erection lasts for more than 4 hours
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
It’s also important to note that Cialis and tadalafil can interact with other medications, foods, or supplements, which can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Common Cialis interactions include:
- certain antibiotic medications, like clarithromycin
- certain antifungal medications, like ketoconazole
- certain blood pressure medications, including alpha-blockers
- grapefruit, which can affect how your liver processes certain drugs
- nitrates like nitroglycerin
- other ED medications
- other PDE5 inhibitors
If you’re taking any of these, be sure to inform your healthcare professional before starting Cialis or tadalafil.
According to a 2018 research review, ED affects about one-third of men and is more likely to occur with older age.
ED may lead to anxiety about sexual intercourse, along with a disrupted sex life.
In addition, a 2021 review found that ED can lead to a reported lower quality of life and even reduced work productivity.
Tadalafil and Cialis are the same medication. Cialis is the brand-name version of tadalafil. The main difference is likely the shape and color of the tablets. Tadalafil is also generally less expensive than Cialis.
To be used legally in the United States, ED medications must be purchased with an in-state prescription.
Anyone selling Cialis online without a doctor’s assessment and approval is not legitimate and puts you at risk of using a toxic product.
Yes, you can get a Cialis prescription online. Thanks to telehealth medicine, filling your prescriptions online is easier and faster than ever.
You can buy ED medications, like Cialis and its generic version, through a variety of online platforms after a telehealth professional evaluates your symptoms and medical history and provides an electronic prescription.
Buying Cialis online is a relatively simple process that allows users to forgo an in-person trip to the doctor. While online services differ slightly, all require a private health assessment and consultation with a virtual specialist or physician before the medication is shipped to you.
Cialis is not available over the counter in the United States. It must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional. All the telehealth services listed in this article include a virtual consultation with a doctor, who can decide whether to prescribe Cialis for your ED symptoms.
To ensure safety, it’s important to purchase Cialis through a legitimate telehealth company, like the ones reviewed here. Otherwise, you risk purchasing Cialis with potentially counterfeit or dangerous ingredients.
Cialis and other prescription ED medications cannot be purchased over the counter. Online services like Roman, Hims, and Lemonaid offer options for people looking to quickly and discreetly get access to medication without insurance and for an affordable price.