Brand-name Cialis pills are yellow and almond- or teardrop-shaped, with the dose marked on each tablet (for example "C 5", "C 10" or "C 20"). Generic tadalafil, however, can come in many colours and shapes. So appearance helps identify brand Cialis but does not prove authenticity. This article describes what the pills look like and why it matters.
It belongs in our erectile dysfunction strategies section.
What does brand Cialis look like?
Brand Cialis tablets are yellow and shaped like an almond or teardrop. Each is embossed with a "C" and a number indicating the strength in milligrams, such as C 5, C 10 or C 20. This consistent look is part of the brand's identity.
| Strength | Brand marking |
|---|---|
| 5 mg | "C 5", yellow almond shape |
| 10 mg | "C 10", yellow almond shape |
| 20 mg | "C 20", yellow almond shape |
Do generics look the same?
No. Generic tadalafil is made by many companies, each using its own colour, shape and markings, because the brand's specific look is protected. A round white tadalafil tablet can be perfectly genuine — the appearance simply reflects the manufacturer, not the quality.
Can appearance prove a pill is real?
Not reliably. Counterfeiters can copy a familiar look, and genuine generics vary widely, so colour and shape alone are weak evidence. What matters more is the packaging, batch number and a verifiable source. The same logic applies to identifying any ED medicine.
How to be sure of what you have
Buy from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription, keep the packaging and leaflet, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure about a tablet's identity. Avoid loose, unlabelled pills from unverified sellers. For safe sourcing principles, see where Viagra is manufactured.
The bottom line
Brand Cialis is a yellow almond-shaped tablet marked with its dose, while generic tadalafil varies in appearance. Looks can identify but cannot guarantee authenticity — source and packaging matter most. For a fuller comparison, see is Cialis better than Viagra.
Compare: Is Cialis better than Viagra? Extra uses: Uses of Cialis beyond ED. Origins: Where is Viagra manufactured?
Frequently asked questions
- What colour and shape is Cialis?
- Brand Cialis is yellow and almond-shaped, marked with a "C" and the dose; generics vary.
- Is a white round tadalafil tablet fake?
- Not necessarily — generic tadalafil comes in many colours and shapes and can be genuine.
- How do I confirm a pill is real?
- Rely on packaging, batch numbers and a licensed source, not appearance alone.