Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor prescribed for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The physical appearance of tadalafil tablets varies considerably depending on the manufacturer, strength, and whether you receive a branded or generic version. Generic tadalafil typically comes as oval or round tablets in yellow, orange, or white, whilst the branded version (Cialis) features distinctive yellow, almond-shaped tablets. Understanding what tadalafil looks like helps you identify your medication correctly and recognise potential counterfeits. All UK-licensed products must meet stringent MHRA standards for quality, safety, and efficacy, regardless of appearance.

What Does Tadalafil Look Like?

Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor primarily prescribed for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The physical appearance of tadalafil tablets varies considerably depending on the manufacturer, strength, and whether you receive a branded or generic version.

Generic tadalafil tablets typically come in several strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. The most common presentations include:

• Oval or almond-shaped tablets in yellow, orange, or white

• Round tablets in various colours depending on the manufacturer

• Film-coated tablets with a smooth surface

• Markings or imprints on most UK-licensed products showing the strength and manufacturer code

The colour and shape are determined by the pharmaceutical company producing the medicine, and these characteristics can differ significantly between manufacturers. For instance, one generic manufacturer may produce yellow oval tablets, whilst another produces white round tablets of the same strength. This variation is entirely normal and does not affect the medication's efficacy.

Most tablets have identifying information, typically including the dosage strength and a manufacturer's code. The tablets are usually supplied in blister packs or bottles, with each pack containing patient information leaflets (PILs) detailing the medication's appearance and ingredients. If you have allergies or intolerances to certain excipients (such as lactose or specific colourants), check the PIL for a full list of ingredients. If your tadalafil looks different from your previous prescription, this may simply indicate a change in supplier by your pharmacy. However, you should always verify any unexpected changes with your pharmacist to ensure you have received the correct medication.

Different Brands and Appearances of Tadalafil

In the UK, tadalafil is available as both branded and generic formulations, each with distinct visual characteristics. Understanding these differences helps patients recognise their medication and ensures they receive the correct treatment.

Cialis (the original branded version) has a distinctive appearance:

• Yellow, almond-shaped, film-coated tablets

• Marked with 'C' and the strength (e.g., 'C 2.5', 'C 5', 'C 10', 'C 20')

• Available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths

• Supplied in blister packs with clear branding

Generic tadalafil products may vary by manufacturer and batch. While many are yellow or orange oval tablets, the exact appearance depends on the specific manufacturer and formulation. The daily-use formulations (2.5mg and 5mg) are generally smaller than the on-demand higher-strength tablets (10mg and 20mg).

Tadalafil is also licensed for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), sometimes under different brand names, which may have entirely different appearances from the erectile dysfunction formulations.

Pharmacies in the UK typically dispense whichever generic version is most cost-effective at the time, meaning your tablets may look different with each prescription. This is standard practice within the NHS and private pharmacies. The active ingredient—tadalafil—remains the same regardless of appearance, as all licensed products must meet stringent MHRA standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. If you have concerns about a change in your medication's appearance, your pharmacist can confirm the product details and provide reassurance about its authenticity.

How to Identify Genuine Tadalafil Tablets

Counterfeit medications pose a significant risk to patient safety, and tadalafil is frequently targeted by counterfeiters. Knowing how to identify genuine tablets is essential for protecting your health.

Legitimate tadalafil tablets should have:

• Clear, precise markings: Genuine tablets typically feature sharp, well-defined imprints showing the strength and manufacturer code. Blurred, uneven, or missing markings may suggest counterfeits.

• Consistent colour and coating: The film coating should be uniform without discolouration, chips, or rough patches.

• Professional packaging: Authentic products come in sealed blister packs or bottles with batch numbers, expiry dates, and manufacturer details clearly printed.

• Patient information leaflet: Every pack must include a detailed PIL in English, listing side effects, contraindications, and usage instructions.

• Pharmacy dispensing label: UK pharmacies must affix a label showing your name, dosage instructions, dispensing date, and pharmacy details.

Warning signs of counterfeit tadalafil include:

• Tablets that crumble easily or have an unusual smell

• Packaging with spelling errors or poor-quality printing

• Absence of a patient information leaflet

• Suspiciously low prices from unverified sources

• Products purchased from websites without proper registration

Keep medicines in their original packaging and check that batch numbers and expiry dates match those on your dispensing label.

If you suspect you have counterfeit medicine, do not take it. Instead, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately, and report it to the MHRA via their 'Report illegal medicine or medical product' service. For suspected side effects from genuine medication, use the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk). Counterfeit tadalafil may contain incorrect doses, harmful substances, or no active ingredient at all, potentially causing serious adverse effects or treatment failure.

Where to Get Tadalafil Safely in the UK

Obtaining tadalafil through legitimate channels is crucial for ensuring you receive genuine, safe medication. In the UK, tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine (POM), meaning it can only be legally supplied following a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

NHS and private GP services:

Your GP can assess your suitability for tadalafil, considering your medical history, current medications, and any contraindications. Erectile dysfunction may indicate underlying cardiovascular conditions, so a proper medical assessment is essential. If appropriate, your GP will issue an NHS prescription (subject to prescription charges in England) or a private prescription. You can then have this dispensed at any registered community pharmacy.

Registered online pharmacies:

Several legitimate online services offer consultations and tadalafil prescriptions. These must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and display the GPhC internet pharmacy logo (in Great Britain). Reputable services include:

• Online consultation services with UK-registered prescribers

• Established pharmacy chains with online platforms

• Services regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England

These services typically require you to complete a medical questionnaire reviewed by a UK-registered doctor or pharmacist before issuing a prescription.

What to avoid:

• Websites offering tadalafil without a prescription

• Social media sellers or unverified online marketplaces

• Products marketed as 'herbal alternatives' or 'natural Cialis'

• Overseas websites not registered with UK regulatory bodies

Purchasing from unregulated sources is illegal and dangerous. The MHRA regularly identifies counterfeit medicines from unverified websites.

Important safety note: Tadalafil must never be taken with nitrate medications (e.g., GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate) or riociguat, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you experience side effects, report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. For urgent issues such as prolonged erection (priapism) lasting over four hours, chest pain, sudden vision changes, or sudden hearing loss, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or attending A&E.

Frequently Asked Questions