Tadalafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take tadalafil. This communication is vital for ensuring that any medical treatments or interventions you receive are safe and tailored to your health history. If you find yourself in need of emergency medical care for a heart-related issue, your healthcare provider must be informed about when you last took tadalafil, as this information could significantly influence your treatment plan.
If you will be taking this medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Regular monitoring is crucial for determining the effectiveness of the medication and making necessary adjustments to your treatment. This may involve scheduled blood and urine tests to evaluate for any unwanted effects that may arise from the medication.
If you take tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, do not take Cialis® or other PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil (Revatio® or Viagra®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). It's crucial to avoid combining tadalafil with these medications as both Cialis® and tadalafil share similar active ingredients, which increases the risk of adverse effects and underscores the importance of following your healthcare provider's guidance strictly.
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, known as priapism, can lead to serious and permanent damage to your penis and requires prompt medical attention to ensure your safety.
This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). It is essential to employ protective measures during sexual activity, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding safe practices, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further information.
It is important to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have now or may have had in the past. This medicine can cause serious side effects in patients with pre-existing heart conditions, making it essential to ensure that your doctor has a complete understanding of your medical history.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using riociguat (Adempas®) or a nitrate medicine, often used to treat angina (chest pain). Nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-Dur®, Transderm Nitro®, Nitrol® Ointment, and Nitrolingual® Spray must be avoided, as the interaction can lead to severe hypotension. Additionally, some illegal substances or so-called “street drugs” known as "poppers" may also contain nitrates and should be strictly avoided. If you require the use of a nitrate medication, ensure that you wait at least 48 hours after your last tadalafil dose.
Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol (eg, 5 or more glasses of wine or 5 or more shots of whiskey) when taking tadalafil, as doing so can increase your risk of adverse effects. Consuming alcohol in excess is known to heighten the likelihood of experiencing headaches or dizziness, elevate your heart rate, and lower your blood pressure, which are issues that require careful monitoring.
If you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, contact your doctor immediately. Visual disturbances can be serious and necessitate immediate medical evaluation.
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. This symptom cluster may indicate potential side effects from the medication that warrant immediate attention.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes all forms of medication, whether they are prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medications, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements you may be considering. Engaging in open communication with your healthcare provider will help ensure that your treatment remains safe and effective.