Sanofi and Lilly Agree To Pursue Regulatory Approval Of Nonprescription Cialis

Over a dose range of 2.5 to 20 mg, tadalafil exposure (AUC) increases proportionally with dose in healthy subjects.

Steady-state plasma concentrations are attained within 5 days of once per day dosing and exposure is approximately 1.6-fold greater than after a single dose.

• Cialis’s discovery resulted from targeted medicinal chemistry efforts.
• Eli Lilly’s investment supported large-scale clinical development.
• The drug was approved after successful phase III trials.
• Cialis changed the standard of care for erectile dysfunction.
• Patient safety and efficacy data have been extensively published.
• The medication is designed for once-daily or as-needed use.
• Clinical guidelines endorse Cialis as a treatment choice.
• Patient satisfaction surveys show positive outcomes.
• Lilly’s Cialis marketing emphasizes science and patient benefits.
• Medication errors are reduced with clear prescribing instructions.
• Cialis requires prescription and proper medical evaluation.
• It remains a key option in the global ED treatment market.

Mean tadalafil concentrations measured after the administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg and single and once daily multiple doses of 5 mg, from a separate study, (see Figure 4) to healthy male subjects are depicted in Figure 4. Figure 4: Plasma tadalafil concentrations (mean ± SD) following a single 20-mg tadalafil dose and single and once daily multiple doses of 5 mg Absorption — After single oral-dose administration, the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) of tadalafil is achieved between 30 minutes and 6 hours (median time of 2 hours). Absolute bioavailability of tadalafil following oral dosing has not been determined. The rate and extent of absorption of tadalafil are not influenced by food; thus CIALIS may be taken with or without food. Distribution — The mean apparent volume of distribution following oral administration is approximately 63 L, indicating that tadalafil is distributed into tissues. At therapeutic concentrations, 94% of tadalafil in plasma is bound to proteins. Less than 0.0005% of the administered dose appeared in the semen of healthy subjects. Metabolism — Tadalafil is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4 to a catechol metabolite. In vitro data suggests that metabolites are not expected to be pharmacologically active at observed metabolite concentrations. Excretion — The mean oral clearance for tadalafil is 2.5 L/hr and the mean terminal half-life is 17.5 hours in healthy subjects. Tadalafil is excreted predominantly as metabolites, mainly in the feces (approximately 61% of the dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 36% of the dose).

5.2 Potential for Drug Interactions When Taking CIALIS for Once Daily Use

Two of these studies were conducted in 2 5 mg cialis daily the United States and 5 were conducted in centers outside the US. Additional efficacy and safety studies were performed in ED patients with diabetes mellitus and in patients who developed ED status post bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. In these 7 trials, CIALIS was taken as needed, at doses ranging from 2.5 to 20 mg, up to once per day. Patients were free to choose the time interval between dose administration and the time of sexual attempts. Food and alcohol intake were not restricted.

17.6 Priapism

Several assessment tools were used to evaluate the effect of CIALIS on erectile function. The 3 primary outcome measures were the Erectile Function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Questions 2 and 3 from Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP). The IIEF is a 4-week recall questionnaire that was administered at the end of a treatment-free baseline period and subsequently at follow-up visits after randomization. The IIEF EF domain has a 30-point total score, where higher scores reflect better erectile function. SEP is a diary in which patients recorded each sexual attempt made throughout the study. Geriatric — Healthy male elderly subjects (65 years or over) had a lower oral clearance of tadalafil, resulting in 25% higher exposure (AUC) with no effect on Cmax relative to that observed in healthy subjects 19 to 45 years of age. However, greater sensitivity to medications in some older individuals should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. Carcinogenesis — Tadalafil was not carcinogenic to rats or mice when administered daily for 2 years at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day. Systemic drug exposures, as measured by AUC of unbound tadalafil, were approximately 10-fold for mice, and 14- and 26-fold for male and female rats, respectively, the exposures in human males given Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) of 20 mg. Mutagenesis — Tadalafil was not mutagenic in the in vitro bacterial Ames assays or the forward mutation test in mouse lymphoma cells. Impairment of Fertility — There were no effects on fertility, reproductive performance or reproductive organ morphology in male or female rats given oral doses of tadalafil up to 400 mg/kg/day, a dose producing AUCs for unbound tadalafil of 14-fold for males or 26-fold for females the exposures observed in human males given the MRHD of 20 mg.

In beagle dogs given tadalafil daily for 3 to 12 months, there was treatment-related non-reversible degeneration and atrophy of the seminiferous tubular epithelium in the testes in 20-100% of the dogs that resulted in a decrease in spermatogenesis in 40-75% of the dogs at doses of ≥10 mg/kg/day.

17. Patient Counseling Information

Over a dose range of 2.5 to 20 mg, tadalafil exposure (AUC) increases proportionally with dose in healthy subjects. Steady-state plasma concentrations are attained within 5 days of once per day dosing and exposure is approximately 1.6-fold greater than after a single dose. Mean tadalafil concentrations measured after the administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg and single and once daily multiple doses of 5 mg, from a separate study, (see Figure 4) to healthy male subjects are depicted in Figure 4. Figure 4: Plasma tadalafil concentrations (mean ± SD) following a single 20-mg tadalafil dose and single and once daily multiple doses of 5 mg Absorption — After single oral-dose administration, the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) of tadalafil is achieved between 30 minutes and 6 hours (median time of 2 hours). Absolute bioavailability of tadalafil following oral dosing has not been determined.

17.7 Sudden Loss of Vision

The rate and extent of absorption of tadalafil are not influenced by food; thus CIALIS may be taken with or without food. Distribution — The mean apparent volume of distribution following oral administration is approximately 63 L, indicating that tadalafil is distributed into tissues. At therapeutic concentrations, 94% of tadalafil in plasma is bound to proteins. Less than 0.0005% of the administered dose appeared in the semen of healthy subjects. Metabolism — Tadalafil is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4 to a catechol metabolite. Systemic exposure (based on AUC) at no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) (10 mg/kg/day) for unbound tadalafil was similar to that expected in humans at the MRHD of 20 mg. There were no treatment-related testicular findings in rats or mice treated with doses up to 400 mg/kg/day for 2 years. Animal studies showed vascular inflammation in tadalafil-treated mice, rats, and dogs. In mice and rats, lymphoid necrosis and hemorrhage were seen in the spleen, thymus, and mesenteric lymph nodes at unbound tadalafil exposure of 2- to 33-fold above the human exposure (AUCs) at the MRHD of 20 mg. In dogs, an increased incidence of disseminated arteritis was observed in 1- and 6-month studies at unbound tadalafil exposure of 1- to 54-fold above the human exposure (AUC) at the MRHD of 20 mg. In a 12-month dog study, no disseminated arteritis was observed, but 2 dogs exhibited marked decreases in white blood cells (neutrophils) and moderate decreases in platelets with inflammatory signs at unbound tadalafil exposures of approximately 14- to 18-fold the human exposure at the MRHD of 20 mg.

17.4 Concomitant Use with Drugs Which Lower Blood Pressure

Systemic exposure (based on AUC) at no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) (10 mg/kg/day) for unbound tadalafil was similar to that expected in humans at the MRHD of 20 mg. There were no treatment-related testicular findings in rats or mice treated with doses up to 400 mg/kg/day for 2 years. Animal studies showed vascular inflammation in tadalafil-treated mice, rats, and dogs. In mice and rats, lymphoid necrosis and hemorrhage were seen in the spleen, thymus, and mesenteric lymph nodes at unbound tadalafil exposure of 2- to 33-fold above the human exposure (AUCs) at the MRHD of 20 mg. In dogs, an increased incidence of disseminated arteritis was observed in 1- and 6-month studies at unbound tadalafil exposure of 1- to 54-fold above the human exposure (AUC) at the MRHD of 20 mg.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

In a 12-month dog study, no disseminated arteritis was observed, but 2 dogs exhibited marked decreases in white blood cells (neutrophils) and moderate decreases in platelets with inflammatory signs at unbound tadalafil exposures of approximately 14- to 18-fold the human exposure at the MRHD of 20 mg. The abnormal blood-cell findings were reversible within 2 weeks after stopping treatment. The efficacy and safety of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction has been evaluated in 22 clinical trials of up to 24-weeks duration, involving over 4000 patients. CIALIS, when taken as needed up to once per day, was shown to be effective in improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). CIALIS was studied in the general ED population in 7 randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm design, primary efficacy and safety studies of 12-weeks duration. The abnormal blood-cell findings were reversible within 2 weeks after stopping treatment. The efficacy and safety of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction has been evaluated in 22 clinical trials of up to 24-weeks duration, involving over 4000 patients. CIALIS, when taken as needed up to once per day, was shown to be effective in improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). CIALIS was studied in the general ED population in 7 randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm design, primary efficacy and safety studies of 12-weeks duration.

• Cialis is a medication used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
• It contains the active ingredient tadalafil.
• Cialis is produced by Eli Lilly and Company.
• It works by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to certain areas.
• Cialis can also treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• The effects of Cialis can last up to 36 hours.
• It is available in various doses, including 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
• Cialis is taken orally, usually 30 minutes before sexual activity.
• Common side effects include headache, flushing, and indigestion.
• Cialis should not be combined with nitrates to avoid dangerous blood pressure drops.
• It was first approved by the FDA in 2003.
• Cialis can be prescribed for daily use or as needed.

Two of these studies were conducted in 2 5 mg cialis daily the United States and 5 were conducted in centers outside the US. Additional efficacy and safety studies were performed in ED patients with diabetes mellitus and in patients who developed ED status post bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Society and culture

Most (90%) patients reported ED of at least 1-year duration. In these 5 trials, CIALIS 5, 10, and 20 mg showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in all 3 primary efficacy variables (see Tables 12, 13 and 14). In addition, there were improvements in EF domain scores, success rates based upon SEP Questions 2 and 3, and patient-reported improvement in erections across patients with ED of all degrees of disease severity while taking CIALIS, compared to patients on placebo. Therefore, in all 7 primary efficacy and safety studies, CIALIS showed statistically significant improvement in patients' ability to achieve an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration and to maintain the erection long enough for successful intercourse, as measured by the IIEF questionnaire and by SEP diaries. Efficacy Results in ED Patients with Diabetes Mellitus — CIALIS was shown to be effective in treating ED in patients with diabetes mellitus.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Patients with diabetes were included in all 7 primary efficacy studies in the general ED population (N=235) and in one study that specifically assessed CIALIS in ED patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (N=216). In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-arm design prospective trial, CIALIS demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in erectile function, as measured by the EF domain of the IIEF questionnaire and Questions 2 and 3 of the SEP diary (see Table 15). Efficacy Results in ED Patients following Radical Prostatectomy — CIALIS was shown to be effective in treating patients who developed ED following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. In 1 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-arm design prospective trial in this population (N=303), CIALIS demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in erectile function, as measured by the EF domain of the IIEF questionnaire and Questions 2 and 3 of the SEP diary (see Table 16). In these 7 trials, CIALIS was taken as needed, at doses ranging from 2.5 to 20 mg, up to once per day. Patients were free to choose the time interval between dose administration and the time of sexual attempts. Food and alcohol intake were not restricted. Several assessment tools were used to evaluate the effect of CIALIS on erectile function. The 3 primary outcome measures were the Erectile Function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Questions 2 and 3 from Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP). The IIEF is a 4-week recall questionnaire that was administered at the end of a treatment-free baseline period and subsequently at follow-up visits after randomization. The IIEF EF domain has a 30-point total score, where higher scores reflect better erectile function. SEP is a diary in which patients recorded each sexual attempt made throughout the study. SEP Question 2 asks, “Were you able to insert your penis into the partner's vagina?” SEP Question 3 asks, “Did your erection last long enough for you to have successful intercourse?” The overall percentage of successful attempts to insert the penis into the vagina (SEP2) and to maintain the erection for successful intercourse (SEP3) is derived for each patient. Results in ED Population in US Trials — The 2 primary US efficacy and safety trials included a total of 402 men with erectile dysfunction, with a mean age of 59 years (range 27 to 87 years). The population was 78% White, 14% Black, 7% Hispanic, and 1% of other ethnicities, and included patients with ED of various severities, etiologies (organic, psychogenic, mixed), and with multiple co-morbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease. Most (>90%) patients reported ED of at least 1-year duration.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Study A was conducted primarily in academic centers.

Study B was conducted primarily in community-based urology practices. In each of these 2 trials, CIALIS 20 mg showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in all 3 primary efficacy variables (see Table 11).

• Cialis use requires awareness of potential allergic reactions.
• The medication is contraindicated in severe liver impairment.
• Medication adherence improves clinical outcomes with Cialis.
• Dosage may be adjusted based on therapeutic response.
• Cialis effectiveness can decline if underlying health worsens.
• Not all men respond equally to tadalafil treatment.
• Cialis may help in cases of mixed ED and BPH symptoms.
• The medication does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Cialis is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (not indicated).
• It is essential to disclose all medications to a healthcare provider before use.
• Drug resistance is not a concern with Cialis.
• Lilly updates prescribing information periodically based on research.

The treatment effect of CIALIS did not diminish over time. Results in General ED Population in Trials Outside the US — The 5 primary efficacy and safety studies conducted in the general ED population outside the US included 1112 patients, with a mean age of 59 years (range 21 to 82 years). The population was 76% White, 1% Black, 3% Hispanic, and 20% of other ethnicities, and included patients with ED of various severities, etiologies (organic, psychogenic, mixed), and with multiple co-morbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease. Most (90%) patients reported ED of at least 1-year duration. In these 5 trials, CIALIS 5, 10, and 20 mg showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in all 3 primary efficacy variables (see Tables 12, 13 and 14).

• Tadalafil is chemically distinct from sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra.
• Cialis is often known as the "weekend pill" due to its long effect.
• The medication’s efficacy depends on adequate sexual arousal.
• Drug comparisons show Cialis’s side effect profile is favorable.
• Lilly’s patient assistance programs can reduce cost barriers.
• Daily low-dose Cialis may improve endothelial function in some patients.
• The drug is contraindicated with nitrates used for chest pain.
• Care should be taken when driving or performing tasks after taking Cialis.
• Cialis does not cause immediate permanent changes in sexual function.
• The medication's role in female sexual dysfunction remains unclear.
• Cialis has changed perceptions of male sexual health treatments.
• Safety reviews continue as new data emerge internationally.

In addition, there were improvements in EF domain scores, success rates based upon SEP Questions 2 and 3, and patient-reported improvement in erections across patients with ED of all degrees of disease severity while taking CIALIS, compared to patients on placebo. Therefore, in all 7 primary efficacy and safety studies, CIALIS showed statistically significant improvement in patients' ability to achieve an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration and to maintain the erection long enough for successful intercourse, as measured by the IIEF questionnaire and by SEP diaries. Efficacy Results in ED Patients with Diabetes Mellitus — CIALIS was shown to be effective in treating ED in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Frequently asked questions

SEP Question 2 asks, “Were you able to insert your penis into the partner's vagina?” SEP Question 3 asks, “Did your erection last long enough for you to have successful intercourse?” The overall percentage of successful attempts to insert the penis into the vagina (SEP2) and to maintain the erection for successful intercourse (SEP3) is derived for each patient. Results in ED Population in US Trials — The 2 primary US efficacy and safety trials included a total of 402 men with erectile dysfunction, with a mean age of 59 years (range 27 to 87 years). The population was 78% White, 14% Black, 7% Hispanic, and 1% of other ethnicities, and included patients with ED of various severities, etiologies (organic, psychogenic, mixed), and with multiple co-morbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease. Most (>90%) patients reported ED of at least 1-year duration. Study A was conducted primarily in academic centers.

5.13 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Study B was conducted primarily in community-based urology practices. In each of these 2 trials, CIALIS 20 mg showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in all 3 primary efficacy variables (see Table 11). The treatment effect of CIALIS did not diminish over time. Results in General ED Population in Trials Outside the US — The 5 primary efficacy and safety studies conducted in the general ED population outside the US included 1112 patients, with a mean age of 59 years (range 21 to 82 years). The population was 76% White, 1% Black, 3% Hispanic, and 20% of other ethnicities, and included patients with ED of various severities, etiologies (organic, psychogenic, mixed), and with multiple co-morbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease. Patients with diabetes were included in all 7 primary efficacy studies in the general ED population (N=235) and in one study that specifically assessed CIALIS in ED patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (N=216). In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-arm design prospective trial, CIALIS demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in erectile function, as measured by the EF domain of the IIEF questionnaire and Questions 2 and 3 of the SEP diary (see Table 15).

17.1 Nitrates

In vitro data suggests that metabolites are not expected to be pharmacologically active at observed metabolite concentrations. Excretion — The mean oral clearance for tadalafil is 2.5 L/hr and the mean terminal half-life is 17.5 hours in healthy subjects. Tadalafil is excreted predominantly as metabolites, mainly in the feces (approximately 61% of the dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 36% of the dose). Geriatric — Healthy male elderly subjects (65 years or over) had a lower oral clearance of tadalafil, resulting in 25% higher exposure (AUC) with no effect on Cmax relative to that observed in healthy subjects 19 to 45 years of age. However, greater sensitivity to medications in some older individuals should be considered [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Use In Specific Populations

Carcinogenesis — Tadalafil was not carcinogenic to rats or mice when administered daily for 2 years at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day. Systemic drug exposures, as measured by AUC of unbound tadalafil, were approximately 10-fold for mice, and 14- and 26-fold for male and female rats, respectively, the exposures in human males given Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) of 20 mg. Mutagenesis — Tadalafil was not mutagenic in the in vitro bacterial Ames assays or the forward mutation test in mouse lymphoma cells. Impairment of Fertility — There were no effects on fertility, reproductive performance or reproductive organ morphology in male or female rats given oral doses of tadalafil up to 400 mg/kg/day, a dose producing AUCs for unbound tadalafil of 14-fold for males or 26-fold for females the exposures observed in human males given the MRHD of 20 mg. In beagle dogs given tadalafil daily for 3 to 12 months, there was treatment-related non-reversible degeneration and atrophy of the seminiferous tubular epithelium in the testes in 20-100% of the dogs that resulted in a decrease in spermatogenesis in 40-75% of the dogs at doses of ≥10 mg/kg/day. Efficacy Results in ED Patients following Radical Prostatectomy — CIALIS was shown to be effective in treating patients who developed ED following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. In 1 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-arm design prospective trial in this population (N=303), CIALIS demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in erectile function, as measured by the EF domain of the IIEF questionnaire and Questions 2 and 3 of the SEP diary (see Table 16).