Ever wondered what the real Cialis pill should look like? Whether you’re picking up a prescription or checking for authenticity, it’s important to know the size, shape, and colour of an authentic Cialis pill.
In this guide, we’ll break down what Cialis looks like, including pill images, markings, and key details to help you identify it.
What Do Cialis Pills Look Like?
Cialis is typically yellow and almond-shaped with a smooth, film-coated surface. They come in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths, with pill size increasing slightly as dosage rises, while keeping the same shape and color.
Authentic Cialis tablets and some generic Tadalafil pills have a “C” followed by the dosage engraved on one side (e.g., “C 20” for 20 mg). If a pill lacks these markings or appears different, it may not be genuine.
How is Cialis Packaged?
Cialis usually comes as a film-coated tablet, approved by both the FDA in the U.S. and Health Canada. It’s typically packaged in blister packs or prescription bottles to ensure accurate dosing and easy use.
Other forms like soft gels, chewables, or liquid vials, may claim faster absorption or easier swallowing, but they are often unregulated. This means you have no way of knowing if the dosage is correct or if harmful substances are mixed in. Taking unregulated medicine can lead to dangerous side effects, ineffective treatment, or even severe health risks.
For safety, it is advisable to stick with the official tablet version and consult with your doctor or pharmacist before considering any alternative forms.
How to Spot Fake Cialis
Spotting a fake Cialis can be tricky, but it is easier if you know what you’re looking for. With the rise of counterfeit pills sold online, it’s very important to learn how to spot counterfeit drugs and verify authenticity before use.
Here’s how to check if your pill is the real deal:
1. Check the Pill Appearance
✔ Color & Shape: Genuine Cialis tablets are yellow, almond-shaped, and film-coated.
✔ Markings: Authentic pills are imprinted with a “C” followed by the dosage number (e.g., C20 for 20 mg).
✔ Texture: The surface should be firm and smooth, never crumbly or chalky.
2. Inspect the Packaging
✔ Clear & Professional Labeling: Blurry text or typos are a red flag. Official Cialis packaging includes a lot number and expiration date.
✔ Manufacturer: Genuine Cialis is made by Eli Lilly and Company.
✔ Security Features: Look for holograms or QR codes to confirm authenticity.
3. Buy from Trusted Sources
✔ Licensed and reputable pharmacies—avoid random online sellers.
✔ Beware of Suspiciously Low Prices—if it’s too cheap, it’s likely fake.
Disclaimer: Always double-check before taking Cialis to protect your health and safety.
Differences in Color and Shape
Counterfeit Cialis has circulated since the early 2000s, becoming more common as online sales increased. These counterfeit pills often look different from the genuine Cialis tablets in both color and shape.
Key indicators include:
1. Color Differences
Real Cialis is always a yellow, film-coated tablet.
Fake Cialis can appear pale yellow, bright yellow, or even white, sometimes with uneven coloring or spots.
2. Shape & Texture Variations
Authentic Cialis is almond-shaped with a smooth, consistent surface.
Counterfeit versions may be round, oval, or irregularly shaped. Some feel chalky, rough, or crumbly instead of smooth.
Tip: Always compare your pill to official Cialis images and buy only from licensed pharmacies. If the color or shape looks off, don’t take it.
Incorrect or Missing Markings
Genuine Cialis tablets always have a clear, consistent imprint —a “C” followed by the dosage (e.g., C20 for 20 mg). Meanwhile, fake Cialis may have incorrect or missing imprints.
What to look for:
Real Cialis: Clear “C” and accurate dosage.
Fake Pills: No markings, misspelled texts, or uneven imprints.
Missing or incorrect markings are a major red flag. Always check these details and consult a pharmacist if anything seems off. Fake Cialis may contain the wrong active ingredient or incorrect dosages that can cause unusual side effects and be harmful.
Unusual Packaging and Labels
Before purchasing Cialis, inspect the packaging. Authentic Cialis from Eli Lilly comes in properly labeled packaging with clear branding, dosage information, and security features like holograms and QR codes.
Real Packaging Contains: Crisp printing, correct spelling, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
Counterfeit Packaging: Blurry text, typos, missing details, or absent security features.
The font and print quality on fake Cialis packaging are often inconsistent. Meanwhile, Cialis packaging includes tamper-proof seals to prevent fraud. If the packaging looks cheap or off, it’s likely fake.
To stay safe, always buy from a licensed pharmacy. Jack Health makes this easy by offering secure, online consultations with Canadian-licensed doctors, so you can get a Cialis prescription quickly and confidently.
Texture, Smell, and Other Warning Signs
Subtle sensory details can help reveal a counterfeit product. Genuine Cialis tablets have a smooth, firm, film-coated surface and are odorless. In contrast, fake pills might exhibit noticeable differences in texture and smell
Examine your Cialis carefully before use. Genuine Cialis is smooth, firm, and film-coated, while counterfeits often feel chalky or rough. Notice these key points:
Texture: Real tablets are smooth; fakes may feel crumbly or uneven.
Smell: Authentic Cialis is odorless, unlike counterfeits that may smell chemical, sweet, or bitter.
Color Consistency: Genuine pills have a uniform yellow hue; any spots or color variations can indicate a fake.
Key Takeaways
- An authentic Cialis is yellow, almond-shaped, and film-coated with clear imprints like “C 20” for 20 mg tablets.
- A fake Cialis often has incorrect markings, unusual textures, strange smells, or inconsistent colors.
- Only buy from licensed pharmacies and compare pills to official images to ensure you’re buying authentic Cialis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cialis always a yellow, oval pill?
No. While brand-name Cialis tablets are always yellow and almond-shaped, generic versions may come in different colors and shapes depending on the manufacturer. Some generics are white, orange, or even blue and may be round or oval instead of almond-shaped.
If you’re unsure about a pill’s authenticity, check the imprint, texture, and packaging. Brand-name Cialis always has a “C” followed by the dosage number (e.g., C 20) and comes in professionally labeled packaging from Eli Lilly and Company. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist before taking it.
Can you identify Cialis without markings?
No. Cialis cannot be properly identified without markings. Authentic Cialis tablets always have a clear imprint—a “C” followed by the dosage number (e.g., C 20)—which confirms they are made by Eli Lilly and Company.
Unmarked pills are a major red flag and could be counterfeit or unsafe, containing the wrong ingredients or dangerous substances.
What are the risks of taking fake Cialis?
Taking fake Cialis can be dangerous because you don’t know what’s really in it. Counterfeit pills may contain incorrect dosages, harmful chemicals, or even completely different drugs.
Some fake versions have been found to contain chalk, drywall powder, or prescription drugs not meant for ED—all of which can cause serious side effects like heart problems, allergic reactions, or dangerous drops in blood pressure.
(US)
Subscription plan auto-renews every three months - cancel anytime
