Tadalafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take tadalafil. This means you should be open about your use of this medication not only with your primary care physician but also with any specialist or healthcare provider involved in your treatment. If you require emergency medical care due to a heart-related issue, it is vital that your attending physician is informed of the last time you took tadalafil. This information could be crucial in determining the most effective and safe course of treatment during a critical moment.
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 follow-ups will enable your doctor to monitor your response to the treatment, identify any potential issues early, and adjust your dosage as needed to ensure maximum effectiveness. Additionally, blood and urine tests may be necessary to detect 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®). This is crucial since the presence of more than one PDE5 inhibitor can intensify side effects and complications. Cialis® has tadalafil as an active ingredient, so using it simultaneously with tadalafil can lead to an increased risk of adverse effects.
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 is known as priapism and can cause serious complications, including permanent damage to the penile tissue if not treated promptly. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential to safeguard your health and prevent long-term consequences.
This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). Therefore, it is critical to adopt protective measures during sexual activity. If you have questions or need guidance about how to ensure safe practices, consult with your doctor for recommendations tailored to your lifestyle and health needs.
It is important to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have now or may have had in the past. This disclosure is necessary as tadalafil can lead to significant side effects in individuals with existing heart conditions, potentially increasing the risk of complications. Your healthcare provider will consider these factors when prescribing and monitoring your medication.
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. It is essential to avoid such combinations because they can lead to serious cardiovascular events. If you need to use a nitrate medicine, ensure that you have taken it at least 48 hours after your last dose of tadalafil to minimize risks.
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. Overindulgence in alcohol can exacerbate side effects associated with tadalafil, such as headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, and lowered blood pressure, thus impairing your overall health and safety while on this medication.
If you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, contact your doctor immediately. Sudden vision changes can indicate serious adverse reactions and necessitate prompt medical attention to assess and potentially treat the condition effectively.
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. Any significant changes in sensory perception should be reported to your healthcare provider, as they can be symptomatic of serious side effects that require immediate evaluation and intervention.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Engaging in medication without proper consultation may lead to unforeseen interactions that could compromise your health during your treatment with tadalafil.