Tadalafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take tadalafil. As part of your ongoing health management, sharing this information ensures that all healthcare providers are aware of your medications, particularly if you require emergency medical care for a heart condition. This knowledge can significantly impact your treatment and outcomes, especially when it comes to timing—your doctor needs to ascertain when you last ingested tadalafil to make informed decisions regarding your immediate care.
If you will be taking this medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Consistent monitoring allows your physician to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication, helping to determine if it is yielding the desired results or necessitating adjustments in your treatment plan. Regular blood and urine tests may be required to assess for potential unwanted effects and ensure your safety while undergoing this therapy.
If you take tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, do not take Cialis® or other PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil (Revatio® or Viagra®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). As these medications may interact adversely, taking them together increases the risk of side effects and complications. Notably, Cialis® contains tadalafil, so using it concurrently with tadalafil can lead to an increased incidence of health issues.
If you experience a prolonged erection for more than 4 hours or a painful erection for more than 6 hours, contact your doctor immediately. This situation can lead to serious medical repercussions, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent long-term damage to your penis, ensuring your health and well-being.
This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). It is vital to practice safe sex and use appropriate protective measures, such as condoms, to reduce your risk. If you have any questions regarding sexually transmitted infections or safe practices, consult your healthcare provider for more information.
It is important to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have now or may have had in the past. Tadalafil can trigger severe side effects in those with existing heart conditions, making it critical to disclose your complete medical history for personalized care and to minimize health risks.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using riociguat (Adempas®) or a nitrate medicine, often used to treat angina (chest pain). Common nitrate medications include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-Dur®, Transderm Nitro®, Nitrol® Ointment, and Nitrolingual® Spray. Additionally, some illegal ("street") drugs known as "poppers" (such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite) also contain nitrates. If you require a nitrate medication, ensure you wait at least 48 hours after your last tadalafil dose before using it.
Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol (e.g., 5 or more glasses of wine or 5 or more shots of whiskey) when taking tadalafil. Excessive alcohol consumption can significantly amplify the risk of adverse effects, such as headaches, dizziness, elevated heart rate, and decreased blood pressure, complicating your overall health.
If you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, contact your doctor immediately. This symptom may indicate a serious reaction that requires urgent intervention to preserve your eyesight.
Check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by dizziness and ringing in the ears. These symptoms could signal a serious condition that may necessitate further examination and timely medical action.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. It is vital to avoid any potential interactions that could affect the efficacy of your treatment or lead to harmful side effects. This includes not only prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medications but also herbal and vitamin supplements, which can sometimes interfere with prescribed therapies.