Prescription prices in the US can be hard to predict. Two people with the same prescription can pay very different amounts depending on their insurance, their deductible and the pharmacy they use. That is why many Americans look at generic medicines and, increasingly, at ordering them online. This page sets out, in plain terms, what to expect and what to check.
A generic contains the same active ingredient, at the same strength and in the same form, as the brand-name original. Tadalafil is the generic of Cialis, sildenafil is the generic of Viagra, and finasteride 1 mg is the generic of Propecia. The tablet may look different and carry a different name, but the part that treats your condition is the same, and a generic must be shown to behave the same way in the body as the brand.
Do I still need a prescription?
Yes. A valid prescription from your doctor is required for every order of a prescription medicine. Have a copy ready before you start.
Will my insurance cover it?
Online generic orders are usually paid for directly rather than through insurance. Compare the cash price per tablet with your copay or deductible. For some long-term generics paying directly works out cheaper; for others, insurance wins. It is worth doing the sum.
How long does delivery take?
Orders are delivered to the US, UK, Europe and Canada by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging. That takes longer than a pickup at your local drugstore, so reorder well before you run out.
Tadalafil is one of the most searched generics in the US. The licensed doses are 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily, or 10 mg or 20 mg taken as needed, no more than once in 24 hours. Strengths of 40 mg and 80 mg are sold online, but they are above the licensed dose and should only be used if a prescriber has specifically set them. Never combine tadalafil with nitrates. If you are comparing options, this guide on how to buy tadalafil online lays out the brands, strengths and pack sizes side by side.
The site asks for your prescription.
The product page shows the active ingredient, strength and pack size.
The strength matches your prescription exactly.
There is clear contact information and a written ordering process.
You have told your doctor or pharmacist which generic you plan to take, so it is on your medicine record.
Check the active ingredient, strength, expiry date and blister condition. A generic tablet that looks nothing like the brand is normal. A strength that does not match your prescription is not, so don't take it, and contact the store.
If you want to buy generic medicines online from the US, most of the work is preparation: a valid prescription, a clear note of the active ingredient and strength, and a site that is open about its products. When you buy medicine online with those in place, you can often cut the cost of long-term treatment considerably. For a fuller explanation of quality, pricing and brand-to-generic names, read this guide to buying generic drugs online.
This is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine.