Forty-five million men suffer with erectile dysfunction. While well-known medications like Viagra and Cialis can treat the condition these medications are only available with a prescription.
Will that change anytime soon? Reports indicate pharmaceutical companies are making a move to sell the popular ED pill, Cialis, over the counter.
When will Cialis be available over the counter?
French pharmaceutical company Sanofi bought the rights to seek approval for Cialis over the counter in several countries including the US and Canada. The process can only move forward once patents expire, which is set to happen in 2017.
After that, the FDA will have to decide what kind of tests or studies are needed to give consent for consumers to buy the drug without a prescription.
In other words, it will take some time before you see Cialis at your local pharmacy. However, this is the first step toward making the medication readily available.
What’s taken so long?
Pharmaceutical companies patent medications. Until those patents run out, medications can’t be turned into a generic form. In addition, the FDA has to have proof that the drug is safe for patients to obtain without a prescription. The FDA has final approval.
ED medications are considered to be a low risk drug for people not conflicted with heart problems. When it comes to Cialis, regulators over arching concern are for men with heart conditions. Most doctors believe that pharmacists can appropriately advise customers on the concerns for these medications before purchase.
Side effects for men without heart disease include heartburn and making acid reflux worse.
How can you get Cialis in the meantime?
For now, men still need a prescription to get Cialis. That means a doctor’s visit, or a online consultation with a doctor to diagnose the problem.
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