Tadalafil Prices in the UK: Online vs High Street

Tadalafil prices in the UK vary significantly depending on where you purchase it, whether you use NHS services, and whether you choose generic or branded versions. This guide explains typical cost ranges and factors affecting prices.

Price Overview

Generic Tadalafil (Typical Ranges)

These are indicative price ranges as of late 2024. Actual prices vary and change over time.

On-Demand Doses (10mg or 20mg):

• 4 tablets: £15-35
• 8 tablets: £25-55
• 16 tablets: £45-95

Daily Low-Dose (2.5mg or 5mg):

• 28 tablets (1 month): £20-45
• 84 tablets (3 months): £50-120

Branded Cialis:

• 4 tablets: £50-75
• Higher than generic equivalents across all strengths

Prices are illustrative only. Always check current pricing with specific providers.

Factors Affecting Tadalafil Prices

Generic vs Brand

Generic tadalafil:

• Significantly cheaper
• Multiple manufacturers compete
• Bioequivalent to branded Cialis
• Typical choice for cost-conscious buyers

Branded Cialis:

• Premium pricing
• Original brand recognition
• Same active ingredient as generic
• Preferred by some despite higher cost

For more on this difference, see our guide on tadalafil vs Cialis.

Dose Strength

Pricing by strength:

• 2.5mg: Often cheapest per tablet
• 5mg: Mid-range pricing
• 10mg: Standard on-demand price
• 20mg: Typically most expensive per tablet

However, price per milligram often favours higher strengths.

Quantity Purchased

Larger quantities generally offer better value:

• 4-tablet packs: Highest per-tablet cost
• 8-16 tablet packs: Moderate discount
• 30+ tablet packs: Best per-tablet value

Balancing bulk savings against medication expiry and usage patterns is important.

Provider Type

Different outlets have different pricing structures:

• NHS prescriptions: Prescription charge applies (if not exempt)
• Online clinics: Competitive pricing, convenience premium
• High street pharmacies: Variable, often higher for private prescriptions
• Supermarket pharmacies: May offer competitive rates

NHS vs Private Pricing

NHS Prescription Costs

If tadalafil is available on the NHS (criteria vary by region):

England:

• Standard prescription charge: £9.90 per item (as of 2024)
• Applies regardless of quantity on prescription
• Exemptions available for many groups
• Prescription prepayment certificates can reduce costs for regular users

Scotland: Prescriptions are free

Wales: Prescriptions are free

Northern Ireland: Standard charge similar to England

NHS Availability for ED

NHS prescribing for ED is limited:

• Restricted to specific medical conditions (diabetes, prostate cancer treatment, etc.)
• Criteria vary between Clinical Commissioning Groups
• Many men don’t meet NHS criteria
• Private prescription often necessary

For more details, see our guide on tadalafil NHS vs private.

Private Prescription Costs

When buying privately:

• Pay full medication cost
• Consultation fees may apply
• No prescription charge
• Greater availability than NHS route

Online vs High Street Comparison

Online Clinic Pricing

Advantages:

• Competitive pricing
• Convenient price comparison
• Often transparent pricing
• Regular promotions or first-order discounts

Typical costs:

• Consultation: £0-20 (often included)
• Medication: £15-35 for basic package
• Delivery: Usually free or low cost

Considerations:

• Ensure legitimacy (GPhC registration)
• Check total cost including consultations
• Watch for subscription traps

High Street Pharmacies

Advantages:

• Face-to-face consultation
• Immediate collection
• Established trust
• Professional advice on-site

Typical costs:

• Private consultation: £20-40
• Medication: £30-50 for basic package
• No delivery charges

Considerations:

• Often more expensive than online
• Requires in-person visit
• Privacy concerns for some

Supermarket Pharmacy Services

Major supermarkets with pharmacies (Asda, Tesco) may offer:

• Competitive pricing
• Private consultation services
• Convenient locations
• Variable availability

Cost by Specific Providers

Boots

Boots Online Doctor and in-store services:

• Private consultation available
• Generic and branded options
• Typically mid-to-higher range pricing
• Trusted brand reputation

Superdrug

Superdrug Online Doctor:

• Competitive online pricing
• Free delivery over certain amounts
• Generic tadalafil focus
• Regular offers

Dr Fox

Online-only service:

• Competitive pricing
• Established online clinic
• Wide range of options
• Clear pricing structure

For detailed comparison, see our guide on tadalafil at Boots, Superdrug and Dr Fox.

Lloyds Pharmacy

• Online and in-store services
• Private prescription services
• Mid-range pricing
• National availability

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Consultation Fees

Some providers charge separately for:

• Initial consultation
• Follow-up consultations
• Prescription processing

Check whether medication prices include consultation or if it’s additional.

Delivery Charges

• Free delivery thresholds vary
• Expedited delivery costs extra
• Some providers charge per order
• High street collection avoids delivery fees

Subscription Services

Be cautious of:

• Automatic recurring charges
• “Subscribe and save” that’s hard to cancel
• Mandatory minimum subscription periods
• Auto-renewal without clear notice

Always check terms carefully.

Repeat Prescription Costs

If requiring long-term treatment:

• Ongoing consultation fees
• Whether prices increase for repeats
• Subscription options versus ad-hoc purchases
• Bulk buying opportunities

Money-Saving Tips

Compare Providers

• Check multiple legitimate sources
• Compare total cost (medication + fees)
• Consider convenience versus price
• Use comparison tools responsibly

Consider Generics

• Generic tadalafil is typically 50-80% cheaper than Cialis
• Identical effectiveness and safety
• Multiple reputable manufacturers
• No medical reason to prefer brand

Buy Appropriate Quantities

• Larger quantities usually offer better value
• Don’t overbuy (medication expires)
• Balance savings against storage time
• Check expiry dates

Use Prescription Prepayment (NHS)

If eligible for NHS prescriptions:

• Prepayment certificates cap annual costs
• 3-month certificate: £31.25
• 12-month certificate: £111.60
• Worthwhile for regular prescriptions

Check for Promotions

Legitimate online clinics sometimes offer:

• First-order discounts
• Seasonal promotions
• Bulk purchase discounts
• Loyalty programmes

Always verify the provider is legitimate before pursuing discounts.

What to Avoid

Suspiciously Cheap Offers

If prices are far below market rates:

• Likely counterfeit medications
• Potentially dangerous products
• Illegal operations
• No medical oversight

Safety is worth more than savings on fake medication.

Unregu lated International Sites

Avoid:

• Non-UK registered pharmacies
• Websites shipping from abroad
• Services not requiring prescriptions
• Sites accepting only cryptocurrency

These pose serious health and legal risks.

”Bulk Discount” Scams

Be wary of:

• Pressure to buy large quantities immediately
• “One-time offer” urgency tactics
• Discounts that seem unrealistic
• Upfront payment for future deliveries

Price Trends and Predictions

Generic Competition

• More generic manufacturers entering market
• Increasing competition lowering prices
• Price stability expected to continue
• Unlikely to decrease much further

Online vs High Street

• Online prices generally more competitive
• High street may adjust to compete
• Convenience premium persists
• Price gap may narrow over time

Budgeting for Long-Term Treatment

Monthly Costs

Daily 5mg regimen:

• £20-45 per month typically
• £240-540 annually

On-Demand 10mg (2x weekly):

• £15-30 for 4 tablets lasting 2-4 weeks
• £180-360 annually approximately

On-Demand 10mg (1x weekly):

• £15-30 for 4 tablets lasting 4-8 weeks
• £90-180 annually approximately

Cost-Effectiveness Considerations

• Daily treatment more expensive overall but suits frequent users
• On-demand cheaper for infrequent use
• Consider quality of life benefits versus cost
• Private treatment may be worthwhile investment for many

Insurance and Private Medical Cover

Private Health Insurance

• Most private insurance doesn’t cover ED medications
• Check your specific policy
• Some policies may cover underlying investigations
• Consultations may be covered separately from medication

Payment Plans

• Some private clinics offer payment plans
• Spread cost of consultations
• Medication usually requires upfront payment
• Check terms carefully

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is tadalafil so much cheaper than it used to be?

The Cialis patent expired in 2017, allowing generic manufacturers to produce tadalafil. Competition between multiple generic manufacturers has driven prices down significantly. Generic tadalafil costs 50-80% less than branded Cialis while being equally effective.

Should I buy the cheapest tadalafil I can find?

Not if “cheapest” means unregulated sources. Always purchase from UK-registered pharmacies even if prices are slightly higher. The cheapest legitimate option among reputable providers is sensible, but don’t compromise safety for minimal savings.

Is it cheaper to buy tadalafil in larger quantities?

Yes, larger quantities typically offer better per-tablet value. However, ensure you can use the medication before it expires (check expiry dates) and that you have secure storage. Buying 3-6 months supply often provides good balance between value and practicality.

Can I get tadalafil free on the NHS?

If you’re exempt from prescription charges (various exemption categories exist) and meet NHS criteria for tadalafil prescribing, yes. However, many people don’t meet NHS prescribing criteria for ED. In England, prescription charges apply if you’re not exempt. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Why do prices vary so much between providers?

Different business models, consultation fees, bulk purchasing arrangements, brand positioning, and convenience factors all affect pricing. Online services often have lower overheads than high street pharmacies. Generic versus branded also makes a significant difference.

Is branded Cialis worth the extra cost?

Medically, no – generic tadalafil is bioequivalent to Cialis. However, some people prefer branded medications for personal reasons or brand trust. There’s no pharmacological advantage to paying more for Cialis over generic tadalafil.

Related Information

For more about obtaining tadalafil:

• Buying Tadalafil Online Safely - Safe purchasing guide
• Tadalafil at Boots, Superdrug and Dr Fox - Provider comparison
• Tadalafil NHS vs Private - Access routes
• Tadalafil vs Cialis - Generic vs brand

Important Notes

• Prices listed are indicative and change over time
• Always verify current pricing with specific providers
• Ensure any provider is GPhC-registered
• Safety should never be compromised for cost savings
• Cheapest doesn’t always mean best value when service quality considered

Tadalafil prices in the UK are generally affordable, especially for generic versions. Comparing legitimate providers, choosing generic over branded, and buying appropriate quantities offers the best value whilst maintaining safety and quality.