Is there a generic for Cialis?

Yes — 6 approved generic versions of Cialis (tadalafil) are tracked in our index. Generic substitution is typically automatic at the pharmacy unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."

How much cheaper is generic tadalafil?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. After multiple manufacturers enter the market (12-24 months post-cliff), prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Your insurance copay may not reflect the full savings — check the cash price too.

Are generics as effective as the brand?

For small-molecule drugs: yes. Generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence — identical active ingredient, same dose, same route, same indication. Pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds (±20% AUC + Cmax). Most patients can switch without clinical effect.

When did Cialis go generic?

Generic tadalafil entered the US market when the originator's exclusivity expired. See the patent timeline below for specific dates.

Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · How we verify

Cialis generic

Complete generic competition for Cialis (tadalafil): 6 approved generics across manufacturers, 0 filed under FDA review. 4 active patents remain. Sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO.

6 approved generics 4 active patents

About Cialis

Cialis (tadalafil) — originally marketed by Eli Lilly. Class: Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor [EPC].

Approved generic versions (6)

Generic	Manufacturer	Phase
Tadalafil versus tamsulosin as MET	Beni-Suef University	marketed
Tadalafil 20 MG	University of Arizona	marketed
Tadalafil 5mg	Aswan University	marketed
Tadalafil 5 mg	Eli Lilly and Company	marketed
Tadalafil Pill	Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital	marketed
Tadalafil 10 MG	Philip Kern	marketed

Originator patent timeline

Active patents (4)

2038-12-24 — 11975006 · Formulation · US
2038-12-24 — 12186322 · Formulation · US
2038-12-24 — 11382917 · Formulation · US
2038-12-24 — 11666576 · Formulation · US

Expired patents (0)

No expired patents tracked.

How small-molecule generic approval works

Generic versions of small-molecule drugs are approved by the FDA via the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Sponsors must demonstrate bioequivalence (pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds) and identical chemical composition — no clinical trials in patients are required. Approval typically takes 18-24 months.

This is different from biosimilars for biologic drugs, which use the more complex 351(k) BLA pathway and typically achieve smaller (15-35%) discounts vs the originator. Small-molecule generics typically launch at 60-80% discount, dropping to 85-95% within 2 years.

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Cialis full drug profile
Biosimilar tracker (for biologic drugs)
Patent cliff tracker
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing