The most popular and best-selling drugs in the world are now available in New Zealand. With more and more New Zealanders choosing to do drugs recreationally or for medical reasons, there has been a demand for these products.
However, with the arrival of a new drug comes a bit of a change in terms and conditions. Different medications have different effects on men, so before you try anything new, it’s important to know the differences between the most popular drugs in New Zealand:
Viagra Tadalafil
Viagra Tadalafil vs Cialis: Everything You Need to Know
In 2015, Pfizer’s drug Viagra topped the global prescription drug marketplace with sales of 47.9 billion US dollars, according to IMS Health. Since then, the drug has been embroiled in controversy as regards its safety for women. But even before the arrival of the women’s rights movement in the 1960s, doctors and pharmacists had raised questions about how the drug would affect women. Some of the side effects that have been reported include:
- Headaches, especially in conjunction with vision problems (dizziness, blurred vision, or loss of vision)
- Heart disease
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Prostate enlargement
As a result of these side effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the drug as a category B drug in 2012, meaning that it has “a significant risk of serious harm or death,” and therefore must be prescribed or administered only in a medical setting. But Viagra Tadalafil is more effective for men with erectile dysfunction than other ED drugs, and the categorization has done little to dampen its popularity.
In fact, as per the latest statistics, at least 500,000 women are now taking Viagra worldwide, with one-quarter of the global population consuming the drug.
Cialis
Cialis is another of the world’s top-selling drugs. It was approved for medical use in 2004 and marketed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The FDA has approved the drug for that indication, but it also lists the indications for treatment of male sexual dysfunction (impotence, poor erectile quality, and low libido), and cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure). In August 2019, the patent for Cialis was due to expire, with many pharmaceutical companies working to develop similar medicines. The price of Cialis is generally lower than that of Viagra, but it is not yet available in New Zealand.
Both Viagra and Cialis are sildenafil products, which indicates that they work by inhibiting enzymes called phosphodiesterases, thus allowing for greater levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to occur in the corpus cavernosum. As a result of increased cGMP concentrations, blood vessels in the penis become dilated, leading to an increased blood flow into the penis and ultimately an erection. With increased blood flow to the penis, the risk of organ injury is decreased.
The efficacy of these medications in the treatment of ED has been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. In one study of nearly 600 men with ED (almost all of whom were taking some form of medication), those patients who were treated with Viagra had significantly greater improvements in erectile function and overall satisfaction compared to those who were given a placebo. In another study of more than 500 men with ED, those who were given Cialis experienced significant improvements in erectile function and intercourse satisfaction compared to those who were given a placebo. In both of these trials, safety and tolerability were also greatly improved in the treatment groups compared to those in the placebo groups.
Differences Between Viagra Tadalafil And Cialis
If you’re looking to purchase medications in New Zealand, it’s important to know the differences between the two most popular drugs, Viagra Tadalafil and Cialis. Aside from the fact that Cialis is not yet available in NZ, there are a number of significant differences between the two medications. These include:
- Capsule vs. Tablet: The form that Viagra and Cialis are available in. Both are available in tablet and capsule forms, but the former is the more common of the two.
- Dosage: The recommended dose of Viagra is 20 mg, taken orally, 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. The recommended dose of Cialis is 20 mg, taken orally, daily.
- Half-Life: The half-life of Viagra is about 4 to 5 hours, while that of Cialis is 12 to 16 hours.
- Taste: One of the most common side effects associated with Viagra is a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. While this is usually harmless, it’s not pleasant for those who are on the drug.
- Sale: The price of Viagra is set by the manufacturer, but the cost of Cialis can vary, depending on the pharmacy.
- Side Effects: Some of the more common side effects associated with Viagra are nasal congestion, headache, flushing, and upset stomach. While more rarely reported side effects include diarrhea, rash, and heart disease.
- Storage: Viagra and Cialis are both stored at room temperature, but the former must be stored in the refrigerator and the latter can be stored at room temperature. As such, you must remember to remove the caps from the medication before you store it in your refrigerator.
As stated, Cialis is not yet approved for use in New Zealand. But even before its arrival, there were a number of differences between the two medications. While both are sildenafil products, Cialis is available only in tablet form. This means that it is easier for patients to take the drug, as a single tablet can be administered instead of the usual two or three pills that are taken by those taking Viagra.
A number of patients, both men and women, are experiencing side effects with Cialis. The most common ones include headache, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Other reported side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, and heart disease. As with Viagra, these are all signs that the medication is having an adverse effect on the body. Those who experience these side effects should stop taking the drug and contact their doctor immediately.
Based on the differences between Viagra Tadalafil and Cialis, it’s clear that the medications are not the same, and it is important that patients are aware of that. Viagra Tadalafil is a very popular drug in New Zealand, and for good reason. It is the gold standard for treatment of ED, and for many it is the only option for treatment of the condition. However, before purchasing the medication, patients should be made aware of the differences between the two drugs, which are listed in the table above.