Counterfeit Cialis 20mg tablets

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a product labelled Cialis 20mg tablets and found that:

• The product is an attempted counterfeit of a genuine product in the marketplace. Distinguishing features are outlined below.
• The Cialis 20mg tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil. Consumers and medical professionals should be particularly aware of this as genuine products contain the substance tadalafil.
• Consumers are advised that sildenafil is a prescription-only (S4) medicine in Australia.

The supply of Cialis 20mg tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal.

These Cialis 20mg tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.

Information for consumers

• Stop taking Cialis 20mg tablets and take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.
• The tablets present with all of the following features, which differ from the genuine product. These features are also highlighted in the attached image:
  • Use of lot number 05668 at the top of the blister package
  • Display of 4 languages on the back of the blister pack instead of 3
  • Use of a white, red and black logo stating ‘Lilly ICOS’ on the bottom left of the back of the blister pack

Action the TGA is taking

The TGA is working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to help stop future shipments of Cialis 20mg tablets from entering Australia.

If these tablets are found at the border by the ABF they will be seized and destroyed.

The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites and has produced a short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online. Products purchased over the Internet:

• may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
• may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by the TGA for supply in Australia.