Adcirca

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ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 
 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
ADCIRCA 20 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg tadalafil. 
 
Excipient with known effect 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 233 mg lactose (as monohydrate). 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet (tablet). 
 
Orange and almond shaped film-coated tablets, marked "4467" on one side. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
ADCIRCA is indicated in adults for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) classified 
as WHO functional class II and III, to improve exercise capacity (see section 5.1). 
 
Efficacy has been shown in idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and in PAH related to collagen vascular disease. 
  
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Treatment should only be initiated and monitored by a physician experienced in the treatment of PAH. 
 
Posology 
 
The recommended dose is 40 mg (2 x 20 mg) taken once daily with or without food. 
 
Elderly patients 
Dose adjustments are not required in elderly patients. 
 
Renal impairment 
In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment a starting dose of 20 mg once per day is 
recommended. The dose may be increased to 40 mg once per day, based on individual efficacy and 
tolerability. In patients with severe renal impairment the use of tadalafil is not recommended (see 
sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Due to limited clinical experience in patients with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh 
Class A and B), following single doses of 10 mg, a starting dose of 20 mg once per day may be 
considered. If tadalafil is prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken 
by the prescribing physician. Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) have not 
been studied and therefore dosing of tadalafil is not recommended (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
 



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Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of ADCIRCA in the paediatric population has not yet been established.  
Currently available data are described in section 5.1.  
 
Method of administration 
 
ADCIRCA is for oral use. 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Acute myocardial infarction within the last 90 days. 
 
Severe hypotension (<90/50 mm Hg). 
 

- In clinical studies, tadalafil was shown to augment the hypotensive effects of nitrates. This is 
thought to result from the combined effects of nitrates and tadalafil on the nitric oxide/cGMP 
pathway. Therefore, administration of tadalafil to patients who are using any form of organic 
nitrate is contraindicated (see section 4.5). 

 
The co-administration of PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such 
as riociguat, is contraindicated as it may potentially lead to symptomatic hypotension (see section 4.5). 
 
Patients who have loss of vision in one eye because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy 
(NAION), regardless of whether this episode was in connection or not with previous PDE5 inhibitor 
exposure (see section 4.4). 
 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Cardiovascular 
 
The following groups of patients with cardiovascular disease were not included in PAH clinical 
studies: 
 
- Patients with clinically significant aortic and mitral valve disease 
- Patients with pericardial constriction 
- Patients with restrictive or congestive cardiomyopathy 
- Patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction 
- Patients with life-threatening arrhythmias 
- Patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease 
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension. 
 
Since there are no clinical data on the safety of tadalafil in these patients, the use of tadalafil is not 
recommended.  
 
Pulmonary vasodilators may significantly worsen the cardiovascular status of patients with pulmonary 
veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). Since there are no clinical data on administration of tadalafil to 
patients with veno-occlusive disease, administration of tadalafil to such patients is not recommended. 
Should signs of pulmonary oedema occur when tadalafil is administered, the possibility of associated 
PVOD should be considered.  
 
Tadalafil has systemic vasodilatory properties that may result in transient decreases in blood pressure. 
Physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with certain underlying conditions, such as 
severe left ventricular outflow obstruction, fluid depletion, autonomic hypotension or patients with 
resting hypotension, could be adversely affected by such vasodilatory effects. 



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In patients who are taking alpha1 blockers concomitant administration of tadalafil may lead to 
symptomatic hypotension in some patients (see section 4.5). Therefore, the combination of tadalafil 
and doxazosin is not recommended. 
 
Vision 
 
Visual defects and cases of NAION have been reported in connection with the intake of tadalafil and 
other PDE5 inhibitors. Analyses of observational data suggest an increased risk of acute NAION in 
men with erectile dysfunction following exposure to tadalafil or other PDE5 inhibitors. As this may be 
relevant for all patients exposed to tadalafil, the patient should be advised that in case of sudden visual 
defect, he should stop taking ADCIRCA and consult a physician immediately (see section 4.3). 
Patients with known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, were not 
included in the clinical studies, and use in these patients is not recommended.  
 
Decreased or sudden hearing loss 
 
Cases of sudden hearing loss have been reported after the use of tadalafil. Although other risk factors 
were present in some cases (such as age, diabetes, hypertension, previous hearing loss history and 
associated connective tissue diseases) patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention in 
the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. 
 
Renal and hepatic impairment 
 
Due to increased tadalafil exposure (AUC), limited clinical experience, and the lack of ability to 
influence clearance by dialysis, tadalafil is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment. 
 
Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) have not been studied and, therefore, 
dosing of tadalafil is not recommended. 
 
Priapism and anatomical deformation of the penis 
 
Priapism has been reported in men treated with PDE5 inhibitors. Patients who experience erections 
lasting 4 hours or more should be instructed to seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not 
treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency may result. 
 
Tadalafil should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as 
angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie's disease), or in patients who have conditions which may 
predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia). 
 
Use with CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors 
 
For patients chronically taking potent inducers of CYP3A4, such as rifampicin, the use of tadalafil is 
not recommended (see section 4.5). 
 
For patients taking concomitant potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole or ritonavir, the 
use of tadalafil is not recommended (see section 4.5).  
 
Treatments for erectile dysfunction 
 
The safety and efficacy of combinations of tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors or other treatments for 
erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Patients should be informed not to take ADCIRCA with 
these medicinal products. 
 



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Prostacyclin and its analogues 
 
The efficacy and safety of tadalafil co-administered with prostacyclin or its analogues has not been 
studied in controlled clinical studies. Therefore, caution is recommended in case of co-administration. 
 
Bosentan 
 
The efficacy of tadalafil in patients already on bosentan therapy has not been conclusively 
demonstrated (see sections 4.5 and 5.1). 
 
Lactose 
 
ADCIRCA contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose 
intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine. 
 
Sodium 
 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-
free’. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Effects of other substances on tadalafil 
 
Cytochrome P450 Inhibitors 
 
Azole Antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole) 
Ketoconazole (200 mg daily), increased tadalafil (10 mg) single dose exposure (AUC) 2-fold and Cmax 
by 15 %, relative to the AUC and Cmax values for tadalafil alone. Ketoconazole (400 mg daily) 
increased tadalafil (20 mg) single dose exposure (AUC) 4-fold and Cmax by 22 %. 
 
Protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir) 
Ritonavir (200 mg twice daily), which is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6, 
increased tadalafil (20 mg) single dose exposure (AUC) 2-fold with no change in Cmax. Ritonavir 
(500 mg or 600 mg twice daily) increased tadalafil (20 mg) single-dose exposure (AUC) by 32 % and 
decreased Cmax by 30 %.  
 
Cytochrome P450 Inducers 
 
Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (e.g. bosentan) 
Bosentan (125 mg twice daily), a substrate of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 and a moderate inducer of 
CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and possibly CYP2C19, reduced tadalafil (40 mg once per day) systemic exposure 
by 42 % and Cmax by 27 % following multiple dose co-administration. The efficacy of tadalafil in 
patients already on bosentan therapy has not been conclusively demonstrated (see sections 4.4 and 
5.1). Tadalafil did not affect the exposure (AUC and Cmax) of bosentan or its metabolites. 
The safety and efficacy of combinations of tadalafil and other endothelin-1 receptor antagonists have 
not been studied. 
 
Antimicrobial medicinal products (e.g. rifampicin) 
A CYP3A4 inducer, rifampicin (600 mg daily), reduced tadalafil AUC by 88 % and Cmax by 46 %, 
relative to the AUC and Cmax values for tadalafil alone (10 mg). 
 
Effects of tadalafil on other medicinal products 
 
Nitrates 
In clinical studies, tadalafil (5, 10 and 20 mg) was shown to augment the hypotensive effects of 
nitrates. This interaction lasted for more than 24 hours and was no longer detectable when 48 hours 



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had elapsed after the last tadalafil dose. Therefore, administration of tadalafil to patients who are using 
any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated (see section 4.3). 
 
Anti-hypertensives (including Calcium channel blockers) 
The co-administration of doxazosin (4 and 8 mg daily) and tadalafil (5 mg daily dose and 20 mg as a 
single dose) increases the blood pressure-lowering effect of this alpha-blocker in a significant manner. 
This effect lasts at least twelve hours and may be symptomatic, including syncope. Therefore, this 
combination is not recommended (see section 4.4). 
In interaction studies performed in a limited number of healthy volunteers, these effects were not 
reported with alfuzosin or tamsulosin. 
 
In clinical pharmacology studies, the potential for tadalafil (10 and 20 mg) to augment the hypotensive 
effects of antihypertensive medicinal products was examined. Major classes of antihypertensive 
medicinal products were studied either as monotherapy or as part of combination therapy. In patients 
taking multiple antihypertensive medicinal products whose hypertension was not well controlled, 
greater reductions in blood pressure were observed compared to patients whose blood pressure was 
well controlled, where the reduction was minimal and similar to that in healthy subjects. In patients 
receiving concomitant antihypertensive medicinal products, tadalafil 20 mg may induce a blood 
pressure decrease, which (with the exception of doxazosin -see above) is, in general, minor and not 
likely to be clinically relevant. 
 
Riociguat 
Preclinical studies showed an additive systemic blood pressure lowering effect when PDE5 inhibitors 
were combined with riociguat.  In clinical studies, riociguat has been shown to augment the 
hypotensive effects of PDE5 inhibitors.  There was no evidence of favourable clinical effect of the 
combination in the population studied.  Concomitant use of riociguat with PDE5 inhibitors, including 
tadalafil, is contraindicated (see section 4.3).   
 
Alcohol 
Alcohol concentrations were not affected by co-administration with tadalafil (10 mg or 20 mg). In 
addition, no changes in tadalafil concentrations were seen after co-administration with alcohol. 
Tadalafil (20 mg) did not augment the mean blood pressure decrease produced by alcohol (0.7 g/kg or 
approximately 180 ml of 40 % alcohol [vodka] in an 80 kg male), but in some subjects, postural 
dizziness and orthostatic hypotension were observed. The effect of alcohol on cognitive function was 
not augmented by tadalafil (10 mg). 
 
CYP1A2 substrates (e.g. theophylline) 
When tadalafil 10 mg was administered with theophylline (a non-selective phosphodiesterase 
inhibitor) there was no pharmacokinetic interaction. The only pharmacodynamic effect was a small 
(3.5 bpm) increase in heart rate. 
 
CYP2C9 substrates (e.g.R-warfarin) 
Tadalafil (10 mg and 20 mg) had no clinically significant effect on exposure (AUC) to S-warfarin or 
R-warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), nor did tadalafil affect changes in prothrombin time induced by 
warfarin.  
 
Acetylsalicylic acid 
Tadalafil (10 mg and 20 mg) did not potentiate the increase in bleeding time caused by acetyl salicylic 
acid.  
 
P-glycoprotein substrates (e.g. digoxin) 
Tadalafil (40 mg once per day) had no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin. 
 
Oral contraceptive pill 
At steady-state, tadalafil (40 mg once per day) increased ethinylestradiol exposure (AUC) by 26 % and 
Cmax by 70 % relative to oral contraceptive administered with placebo.  There was no statistically 



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significant effect of tadalafil on levonorgestrel which suggests the effect of ethinylestradiol is due to 
inhibition of gut sulphation by tadalafil. The clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain. 
 
Terbutaline 
A similar increase in AUC and Cmax seen with ethinylestradiol may be expected with oral 
administration of terbutaline, probably due to inhibition of gut sulphation by tadalafil. The clinical 
relevance of this finding is uncertain. 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
 
There are limited data from the use of tadalafil in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate 
direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition 
or postnatal development (see section 5.3). As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the 
use of tadalafil during pregnancy.  
 
Breastfeeding 
 
Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of tadalafil in milk. 
A risk to the breastfed child cannot be excluded. ADCIRCA should not be used during breast feeding. 
 
Fertility 
 
Effects were seen in dogs that might indicate impairment of fertility. Two subsequent clinical studies 
suggest that this effect is unlikely in humans, although a decrease in sperm concentration was seen in 
some men (see sections 5.1 and 5.3). 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
ADCIRCA has negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Although the frequency of 
reports of dizziness in placebo and tadalafil arms in clinical studies was similar, patients should be 
aware of how they react to ADCIRCA, before driving or operating machinery. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions, occurring in ≥ 10 % of patients in the tadalafil 40 mg 
treatment arm, were headache, nausea, back pain, dyspepsia, flushing, myalgia, nasopharingitis and 
pain in extremity. The adverse reactions reported were transient, and generally mild or moderate. 
Adverse reaction data are limited in patients over 75 years of age. 
 
In the pivotal placebo-controlled study of ADCIRCA for the treatment of PAH, a total of 323 patients 
were treated with ADCIRCA at doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 40 mg once daily and 82 patients were 
treated with placebo.  The duration of treatment was 16 weeks. The overall frequency of 
discontinuation due to adverse events was low (ADCIRCA 11 %, placebo 16 %). Three hundred and 
fifty seven (357) patients who completed the pivotal study entered a long-term extension study.  Doses 
studied were 20 mg and 40 mg once daily.  
 
Tabulated summary of adverse reactions 
 
The table below lists the adverse reactions reported during the placebo-controlled clinical study in 
patients with PAH treated with ADCIRCA.  Also included in the table are some adverse reactions 
which have been reported in clinical studies and/or post marketing with tadalafil in the treatment of 
male erectile dysfunction.  These events have either been assigned a frequency of “Not known,” as the 



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frequency in PAH patients cannot be estimated from the available data or assigned a frequency based 
on the clinical study data from the pivotal placebo-controlled study of ADCIRCA. 
 
Frequency estimate: Very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to 
<1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from 
the available data). 
 

Very common  Common  Uncommon  Rare  
 

Not known1  

Immune system disorders 
 Hypersensitivity 

reactions5 
  Angioedema 

Nervous system disorders 
Headache6 Syncope, 

Migraine5 
Seizures5, 
Transient 
amnesia5 

 Stroke2 
(including 
haemorrhagic 
events) 
 

Eye disorders 
 Blurred vision   Non-arteritic 

anterior ischemic 
optic neuropathy 
(NAION), 
Retinal vascular 
occlusion, Visual 
field defect 

Ear and labyrinth disorders 
  Tinnitus  Sudden hearing 

loss 

Cardiac disorders 
  Palpitations2, 5 Sudden cardiac 

death2, 5, 
Tachycardia2, 5 
 

 Unstable angina 
pectoris, 
Ventricular 
arrhythmia, 
Myocardial 
Infarction2  

Vascular disorders 
Flushing Hypotension Hypertension   
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
Nasopharyngitis 
(including nasal 
congestion, sinus 
congestion and 
rhinitis) 

Epistaxis 
 

   

Gastrointestinal disorders 
Nausea, 
Dyspepsia 
(including 
abdominal 
pain/discomfort3) 

Vomiting, 
Gastroesophageal 
reflux 

   

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
 Rash Urticaria5, 

Hyperhydrosis 
(sweating)5 

 Stevens-Johnson 
Syndrome, 
Exfoliative 
dermatitis 
 



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Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders 
Myalgia,  
Back pain 
Pain in extremity 
(including limb 
discomfort) 
 

    

Renal and urinary disorders 
  Haematuria   
Reproductive system and breast disorders  
 Increased uterine 

bleeding4 
Priapism5, Penile 
haemorrhage, 
Haematospermia 

 Prolonged 
erections 

General disorders and administration site conditions 
 Facial oedema, 

Chest pain2 
   

 (1) Events not reported in registration studies and cannot be estimated from the available data.  The 
adverse reactions have been included in the table as a result of postmarketing or clinical study data 
from the use of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. 
(2) Most of the patients in whom these events have been reported had pre-existing cardiovascular risk 
factors. 
(3) Actual MedDRA terms included are abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, 
abdominal pain upper, and stomach discomfort. 
(4) Clinical non-MedDRA term to include reports of abnormal/excessive menstrual bleeding 
conditions such as menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, menometrorrhagia, or vaginal hemorrhage. 
(5) The adverse reactions have been included in the table as a result of postmarketing or clinical study 
data from the use of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; and in addition, the frequency 
estimates are based on only 1 or 2 patients experiencing the adverse reaction in the pivotal placebo-
controlled study of ADCIRCA.  
(6) Headache was the most commonly reported adverse reaction. Headache may occur at the 
beginning of therapy; and decreases over time even if treatment is continued.   
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Single doses of up to 500 mg have been given to healthy subjects, and multiple daily doses up to 
100 mg have been given to patients with erectile dysfunction.  Adverse reactions were similar to those 
seen at lower doses.  
In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required. Haemodialysis 
contributes negligibly to tadalafil elimination. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Urologicals, drugs used in erectile dysfunction, ATC code: G04BE08. 
 



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Mechanism of action 
 
Tadalafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the enzyme 
responsible for the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).  Pulmonary arterial 
hypertension is associated with impaired release of nitric oxide by the vascular endothelium and 
consequent reduction of cGMP concentrations within the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle.  PDE5 
is the predominant phosphodiesterase in the pulmonary vasculature.  Inhibition of PDE5 by tadalafil 
increases the concentrations of cGMP resulting in relaxation of the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle 
cell and vasodilation of the pulmonary vascular bed. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
Studies in vitro have shown that tadalafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5. PDE5 is an enzyme found in 
corpus cavernosum smooth muscle, vascular and visceral smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, platelets, 
kidney, lung, and cerebellum. The effect of tadalafil is more potent on PDE5 than on other 
phosphodiesterases. Tadalafil is > 10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE1, PDE2, and 
PDE4, enzymes which are found in the heart, brain, blood vessels, liver, and other organs. Tadalafil is 
> 10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE3, an enzyme found in the heart and blood vessels. 
This selectivity for PDE5 over PDE3 is important because PDE3 is an enzyme involved in cardiac 
contractility. Additionally, tadalafil is approximately 700-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE6, 
an enzyme which is found in the retina and is responsible for phototransduction. Tadalafil is also 
> 10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE7 through PDE10.  
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Efficacy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) 
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 405 patients with pulmonary 
arterial hypertension.  Allowed background therapy included bosentan (stable maintenance dose up to 
125 mg twice daily) and chronic anticoagulation, digoxin, diuretics and oxygen. More than half 
(53.3 %) of the patients in the study were receiving concomitant bosentan therapy. 
 
Patients were randomised to one of five treatment groups (tadalafil 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 
placebo). Patients were at least 12 years of age and had a diagnosis of PAH that was idiopathic, related 
to collagen disease, related to anorexigen use, related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 
infection, associated with an atrial-septal defect, or associated with surgical repair of at least 1 year in 
duration of a congenital systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (for example, ventricular septal defect, patent 
ductus arteriosus). The mean age of all patients was 54 years (range 14 to 90 years) with the majority 
of patients being Caucasian (80.5 %) and female (78.3 %). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) 
etiologies were predominantly idiopathic PAH (61.0 %) and related to collagen vascular disease 
(23.5 %). The majority of patients had a World Health Organization (WHO) Functional Class III 
(65.2 %) or II (32.1 %).  The mean baseline 6-minute-walk-distance (6MWD) was 343.6 meters. 
 
The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at week 16 in 6-minute walk distance 
(6MWD). Only tadalafil 40 mg achieved the protocol defined level of significance with a placebo-
adjusted median increase in 6MWD of 26 metres (p=0.0004; 95 % CI: 9.5, 44.0; Pre-specified 
Hodges-Lehman method) (mean 33 metres, 95 % CI: 15.2, 50.3). The improvement in walk distance 
was apparent from 8 weeks of treatment. Significant improvement (p<0.01) in the 6MWD was 
demonstrated at week 12 when the patients were asked to delay taking study medicinal product in 
order to reflect trough active substance concentration. Results were generally consistent in subgroups 
according to age, gender, PAH aetiology and baseline WHO functional class and 6MWD. The 
placebo-adjusted median increase in 6MWD was 17 metres (p=0.09; 95 % CI: : -7.1, 43.0; Pre-
specified Hodges-Lehman method) (mean 23 metres, 95 % CI; -2.4, 47.8) in those patients who 
received tadalafil 40 mg in addition to their concomitant bosentan (n=39), and was 39 metres (p<0.01, 
95 % CI:13.0, 66.0; Pre-specified Hodges-Lehman method) (mean 44 metres, 95 % CI: 19.7, 69.0) in 
those patients who received tadalafil 40 mg alone (n=37). 
 



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The proportion of patients with improvement in WHO functional class by week 16 was similar in the 
tadalafil 40 mg and placebo groups (23 % vs. 21 %).  The incidence of clinical worsening by week 16 
in patients treated with tadalafil 40 mg (5 %; 4 of 79 patients) was less than placebo (16 %; 13 of 82 
patients). Changes in the Borg dyspnoea score were small and non-significant with both placebo and 
tadalafil 40 mg. 
 
Additionally, improvements compared to placebo were observed with tadalafil 40 mg in the physical 
functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality and social functioning domains of the 
SF-36. No improvements were observed in the role emotional and mental health domains of the SF-
36. Improvements compared to placebo were observed with tadalafil 40 mg in the EuroQol (EQ-5D) 
US and UK index scores comprising mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, 
anxiety/depression components, and in the visual analogue scale (VAS). 
 
Cardiopulmonary hemodynamics was performed in 93 patients. Tadalafil 40 mg increased cardiac 
output (0.6 L/min) and reduced pulmonary artery pressures (-4.3 mmHg) and pulmonary vascular 
resistance (-209 dyn.s/cm5) compared to baseline (p<0.05). However, post hoc analyses demonstrated 
that changes from baseline in cardiopulmonary hemodynamic parameters for the tadalafil 40 mg 
treatment group were not significantly different compared to placebo. 
 
Long-term treatment 
357 patients from the placebo-controlled study entered a long-term extension study. Of these, 311 
patients had been treated with tadalafil for at least 6 months and 293 for 1 year (median exposure 365 
days; range 2 days to 415 days). For those patients for which there are data, the survival rate at 1 year 
is 96.4 %. Additionally, 6 minute walk distance and WHO functional class status appeared to be stable 
in those treated with tadalafil for 1 year. 
 
Tadalafil 20 mg administered to healthy subjects produced no significant difference compared to 
placebo in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean maximal decrease of 1.6/0.8 mm Hg, 
respectively), in standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean maximal decrease of 
0.2/4.6 mm Hg, respectively), and no significant change in heart rate.  
 
In a study to assess the effects of tadalafil on vision, no impairment of colour discrimination 
(blue/green) was detected using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test. This finding is consistent with 
the low affinity of tadalafil for PDE6 compared to PDE5. Across all clinical studies, reports of 
changes in colour vision were rare (< 0.1 %). 
 
Three studies were conducted in men to assess the potential effect on spermatogenesis of tadalafil 
10 mg (one 6-month study) and 20 mg (one 6-month and one 9-month study) administered daily. In 
two of these studies decreases were observed in sperm count and concentration related to tadalafil 
treatment of unlikely clinical relevance. These effects were not associated with changes in other 
parameters such as motility, morphology and FSH. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
A single study has been performed in paediatric patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) 
in which no evidence of efficacy was seen. The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 
parallel, 3-arm study of tadalafil was conducted in 331 boys aged 7-14 years with DMD receiving 
concurrent corticosteroid therapy. The study included a 48-week double-blind period where patients 
were randomised to tadalafil 0.3 mg/kg, tadalafil 0.6 mg/kg, or placebo daily. Tadalafil did not show 
efficacy in slowing the decline in ambulation as measured by the primary 6 minute walk distance 
(6MWD) endpoint: least squares (LS) mean change in 6MWD at 48 weeks was -51.0 meters (m) in the 
placebo group, compared with -64.7 m in the tadalafil 0.3 mg/kg group (p = 0.307) and -59.1 m in the 
tadalafil 0.6 mg/kg group (p = 0.538). In addition, there was no evidence of efficacy from any of the 
secondary analyses performed in this study. The overall safety results from this study were generally 
consistent with the known safety profile of tadalafil and with adverse events (AEs) expected in a 
paediatric DMD population receiving corticosteroids. 



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The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with 
ADCIRCA in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of pulmonary arterial 
hypertension (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
   
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
Tadalafil is readily absorbed after oral administration and the mean maximum observed plasma 
concentration (Cmax) is achieved at a median time of 4 hours after dosing. 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 ADCIRCA may be taken 
with or without food. The time of dosing (morning versus evening after a single 10 mg administration) 
had no clinically relevant effects on the rate and extent of absorption. 
 
Distribution  
 
The mean volume of distribution is approximately 77 l at steady state, indicating that tadalafil is 
distributed into tissues. At therapeutic concentrations, 94 % of tadalafil in plasma is bound to proteins. 
Protein binding is not affected by impaired renal function. 
Less than 0.0005 % of the administered dose appeared in the semen of healthy subjects. 
 
Biotransformation 
 
Tadalafil is predominantly metabolised by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 isoform. The major 
circulating metabolite is the methylcatechol glucuronide. This metabolite is at least 13,000-fold less 
potent than tadalafil for PDE5. Consequently, it is not expected to be clinically active at observed 
metabolite concentrations. 
 
Elimination  
 
The mean oral clearance for tadalafil is 3.4 l/h at steady state and the mean terminal half-life is 16 
hours in healthy subjects. Tadalafil is excreted predominantly as inactive metabolites, mainly in the 
faeces (approximately 61 % of the dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 36 % of the 
dose).  
 
Linearity/non-linearity 
 
Over a dose range of 2.5 to 20 mg, tadalafil exposure (AUC) increases proportionally with dose in 
healthy subjects.  Between 20 mg to 40 mg, a less than proportional increase in exposure is observed.  
During tadalafil 20 mg and 40 mg once daily dosing, steady-state plasma concentrations are attained 
within 5 days, and exposure is approximately 1.5 fold of that after a single dose. 
 
Population pharmacokinetics 
 
In patients with pulmonary hypertension not receiving concomitant bosentan, the average tadalafil 
exposure at steady-state following 40 mg was 26 % higher when compared to those of healthy 
volunteers. There were no clinically relevant differences in Cmax compared to healthy volunteers. The 
results suggest a lower clearance of tadalafil in patients with pulmonary hypertension compared to 
healthy volunteers. 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 13 

Special populations 
 
Elderly 
Healthy elderly subjects (65 years or over), had a lower oral clearance of tadalafil, resulting in 25 % 
higher exposure (AUC) relative to healthy subjects aged 19 to 45 years after a 10 mg dose. This effect 
of age is not clinically significant and does not warrant a dose adjustment. 
 
Renal insufficiency 
In clinical pharmacology studies using single-dose tadalafil (5 to 20 mg), tadalafil exposure (AUC) 
approximately doubled in subjects with mild (creatinine clearance 51 to 80 ml/min) or moderate 
(creatinine clearance 31 to 50 ml/min) renal impairment and in subjects with end-stage renal disease 
on dialysis. In haemodialysis patients, Cmax was 41 % higher than that observed in healthy subjects. 
Haemodialysis contributes negligibly to tadalafil elimination.  
Due to increased tadalafil exposure (AUC), limited clinical experience, and the lack of ability to 
influence clearance by dialysis, tadalafil is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment. 
 
Hepatic insufficiency 
Tadalafil exposure (AUC) in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class 
A and B) is comparable to exposure in healthy subjects when a dose of 10 mg is administered. If 
tadalafil is prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the 
prescribing physician. There are no available data about the administration of doses higher than 10 mg 
of tadalafil to patients with hepatic impairment. 
Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) have not been studied and therefore dosing 
of tadalafil in these patients is not recommended. 
 
Patients with diabetes 
Tadalafil exposure (AUC) in patients with diabetes was approximately 19 % lower than the AUC 
value for healthy subjects after a 10 mg dose. This difference in exposure does not warrant a dose 
adjustment.  
 
Race 
Pharmacokinetic studies have included subjects and patients from different ethnic groups, and no 
differences in the typical exposure to tadalafil have been identified. No dose adjustment is warranted. 
 
Gender 
In healthy female and male subjects following single and multiple-doses of tadalafil, no clinically 
relevant differences in exposure were observed. No dose adjustment is warranted. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, and toxicity to 
reproduction. 
 
There was no evidence of teratogenicity, embryotoxicity or foetotoxicity in rats or mice that received 
up to 1000 mg/kg/day tadalafil. In a rat prenatal and postnatal development study, the no observed 
effect dose was 30 mg/kg/day. In the pregnant rat the AUC for calculated free active substance at this 
dose was approximately 18 times the human AUC at a 20 mg dose. 
 
There was no impairment of fertility in male and female rats. In dogs given tadalafil daily for 6 to 12 
months at doses of 25 mg/kg/day (resulting in at least a 3-fold greater exposure [range 3.7 – 18.6] than 
seen in humans given a single 20 mg dose) and above, there was regression of the seminiferous tubular 
epithelium that resulted in a decrease in spermatogenesis in some dogs. See also section 5.1.  
 
 



 14 

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Film-coated tablet core 
 
lactose monohydrate  
croscarmellose sodium  
hydroxypropylcellulose  
microcrystalline cellulose  
sodium laurilsulfate 
magnesium stearate 
 
Film-coat 
 
lactose monohydrate  
hypromellose 
triacetin 
titanium dioxide (E171) 
iron oxide yellow (E172) 
iron oxide red (E172) 
talc 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
3 years. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Do not store above 30°C.  
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
Aluminium/PVC/PE/PCTFE blisters in cartons of 28 and 56 film-coated tablets. 
 
Not all packs sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements. 
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V. 
Papendorpseweg 83, 3528 BJ Utrecht 
The Netherlands 
 
 



 15 

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/08/476/005-006 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 1 October 2008 
Date of latest renewal: 1 October 2013  
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 



 16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 
RELEASE 

 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE  
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 

MARKETING AUTHORISATION 
 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 
THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT 

 
 



 17 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release 
 
Lilly S.A. 
Avda de la Industria 30 
28108 Alcobendas (Madrid) 
Spain 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
 
Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2). 
 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 
 
• Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) 

  
The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of Union 
reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and any 
subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 
 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT   
 
• Risk management plan (RMP) 

 
The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities 
and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the marketing authorisation 
and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP. 
 
An updated RMP should be submitted: 

• At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 
• Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 
 



 18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 
  



 19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 



 20 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
OUTER CARTON 

 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
ADCIRCA 20 mg film-coated tablets 
tadalafil 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg tadalafil 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
lactose 
 
See leaflet for further information.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
28 film-coated tablets 
56 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Do not store above 30°C.  
 



 21 

 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V. 
Papendorpseweg 83, 3528 BJ Utrecht 
The Netherlands 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/08/476/005-006 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
ADCIRCA 20 mg 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC 
SN 
NN 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 22 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
ADCIRCA 20 mg tablets 
tadalafil 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Lilly  
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. 
 

 



 23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



 24 

 
Package leaflet: Information for the user 

 
ADCIRCA 20 mg film-coated tablets 

tadalafil 
 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you get any of the side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible 

side effects not listed in this leaflet. See Section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet  
1. What ADCIRCA is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take ADCIRCA 
3. How to take ADCIRCA 
4. Possible side effects 
5 How to store ADCIRCA 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What ADCIRCA is and what it is used for 
 
ADCIRCA contains the active substance tadalafil. 
ADCIRCA is a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults. 
 
It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors which work by 
helping the blood vessels around your lungs relax, improving the flow of blood into your lungs.  The 
result of this is an improved ability to do physical activity. 
  
 
2. What you need to know before you take ADCIRCA 
 
Do not take ADCIRCA if you: 
- are allergic to tadalafil or any of the other ingredients (see section 6). 
- are taking any form of nitrates such as amyl nitrite, used in the treatment of chest pain. 

ADCIRCA has been shown to increase the effects of these medicines. If you are taking any 
form of nitrate or are unsure tell your doctor. 

- have ever had loss of vision – a condition described as “stroke of the eye” (non-arteritic anterior 
ischemic optic neuropathy - NAION). 

- have had a heart attack in the last 3 months.  
- have low blood pressure.  
- are taking riociguat. This drug is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (i.e., high blood 

pressure in the lungs) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (i.e., high blood 
pressure in the lungs secondary to blood clots).  PDE5 inhibitors, such as ADCIRCA, have been 
shown to increase the hypotensive effects of this medicine.  If you are taking riociguat or are 
unsure tell your doctor. 

 
Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor before taking ADCIRCA. 
Before taking the tablets, tell your doctor if you have: 
 
- any heart problems other than your pulmonary hypertension 
- problems with your blood pressure 



 25 

- any hereditary eye disease 
- an abnormality of red blood cells (sickle cell anaemia) 
- cancer of the bone marrow (multiple myeloma) 
- cancer of the blood cells (leukaemia) 
- any deformation of your penis, or unwanted or persistent erections lasting more than 4 hours 
- a serious liver problem 
- a serious kidney problem. 
 
If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, contact your doctor immediately. 
 
Decreased or sudden hearing loss has been noted in some patients taking tadalafil. Although it is not 
known if the event is directly related to tadalafil, if you experience decreased or sudden hearing loss, 
contact your doctor immediately. 
 
Children and adolescents 
ADCIRCA is not indicated for use by children and adolescents under the age of 18. 
 
Other medicines and ADCIRCA 
Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. 
Do NOT take these tablets if you are already taking nitrates. 
 
Some medicines may be affected by ADCIRCA or they may affect how well ADCIRCA will work. 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking: 
- bosentan (another treatment for pulmonary aterial hypertension) 
- nitrates (for chest pain) 
- alpha blockers used to treat high blood pressure or prostate problems. 
- riociguat. 
- rifampicin (to treat bacterial infections) 
- ketoconazole tablets (to treat fungal infections) 
- ritonavir (for HIV treatment) 
- tablets for erectile dysfunction (PDE5 inhibitors). 
 
ADCIRCA with alcohol 
Drinking alcohol may temporarily lower your blood pressure. If you have taken or are planning to take 
ADCIRCA, avoid excessive drinking (over 5 units of alcohol), since this may increase the risk of 
dizziness when standing up.  
 
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility 
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask 
your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Do not take ADCIRCA when pregnant, unless it is 
strictly necessary and you have discussed this with your doctor. 
 
Do not breastfeed while taking these tablets as it is not known if the medicine passes into human 
breast milk.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine while pregnant or 
breastfeeding. 
 
When dogs were treated there was reduced sperm development in the testes.  A reduction in sperm 
was seen in some men. These effects are unlikely to lead to a lack of fertility. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Dizziness has been reported. Check carefully how you react to the medicines before driving or using 
any machinery. 
 
ADCIRCA contains lactose 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor 
before taking this medicinal product. 
 



 26 

ADCIRCA contains sodium  
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
‘sodium-free’. 
 
 
3. How to take ADCIRCA 
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist 
if you are not sure.  
 
ADCIRCA is supplied as a 20 mg tablet. The usual dose is two 20 mg tablets taken once a day.  You 
should take both tablets at the same time, one after the other. If you have a mild or moderate liver or 
kidney problem, your doctor may advise you to take only one 20 mg tablet per day. 
 
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.  The tablets can be taken with or without food. 
 
If you take more ADCIRCA than you should  
If you or anyone else takes more tablets than they should, tell your doctor or go to a hospital 
immediately, taking the medicine or pack with you. You may experience any of the side effects 
described in section 4. 
 
If you forget to take ADCIRCA 
Take your dose as soon as you remember if it is within 8 hours of when you should have taken your 
dose. Do NOT take a double dose to make up for the one that you have forgotten. 
 
If you stop taking ADCIRCA 
Do not stop taking your tablets, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.  
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These 
effects are normally mild to moderate in nature. 
 
If you experience any of the following side effects stop using the medicine and seek medical help 
immediately: 
- allergic reactions including skin rashes (frequency common). 

- chest pain - do not use nitrates, but seek immediate medical assistance (frequency common). 

- priapism, a prolonged and possibly painful erection after taking ADCIRCA (frequency 
uncommon). If you have such an erection, which lasts continuously for more than 4 hours you 
should contact a doctor immediately. 

- sudden loss of vision (rarely reported). 

The following side effects have been very commonly reported in patients taking ADCIRCA (may 
affect more than 1 in 10 people):  headache, flushing, nasal and sinus congestion (blocked nose), 
nausea, indigestion (including abdominal pain or discomfort), muscle aches, back pain and pain in the 
extremity (including limb discomfort) 
 
Other side effects have been reported: 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
- blurred vision, low blood pressure, nosebleed, vomiting, increased or abnormal uterine bleeding, 

swelling of the face, acid reflux,  migraine, irregular heartbeat and fainting. 
 



 27 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1in 100 people) 
- seizures, passing memory loss, hives, excessive sweating, penile bleeding, presence of blood in 

semen and/or urine, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, sudden cardiac death and ringing in the 
ears. 

 
PDE5 inhibitors are also used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Some side effects have 
been rarely reported: 
- Partial, temporary or permanent decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes and serious 

allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face or throat. Sudden decrease or loss of hearing 
has also been reported. 

 
Some side effects have been reported in men taking tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.  
These events were not seen in clinical studies for pulmonary arterial hypertension and therefore 
frequency is unknown: 
- swelling of the eyelids, eye pain, red eyes, heart attack and stroke. 

 
Most but not all of those men reporting fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke and 
sudden cardiac death had known heart problems before taking tadalafil. It is not possible to determine 
whether these events were related directly to tadalafil. 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store ADCIRCA 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister after ‘EXP’. The expiry 
date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Do not store above 30°C. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What ADCIRCA contains 
The active substance is tadalafil. Each tablet contains 20 mg of tadalafil. 
The other ingredients are: 
Tablet core: lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropylcellulose, microcrystalline 
cellulose, sodium laurilsulfate, magnesium stearate, see section 2 “ADCIRCA contains lactose”. 
Film-coat: lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow 
(E172), iron oxide red (E172), talc. 

What ADCIRCA looks like and contents of the pack 
ADCIRCA 20 mg comes as orange film-coated tablets. They are in the shape of almonds and have 
"4467" marked on one side.  
 
ADCIRCA 20 mg is available in blister packs containing 28 or 56 tablets. 
 



 28 

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Papendorpseweg 83, 3528 BJ Utrecht, The 
Netherlands 
 
Manufacturer: Lilly S.A., Avda. de la Industria 30, 28108 Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder. 
 
Belgique/België/Belgien 
Eli Lilly Benelux S.A./N.V. 
Tél/Tel: + 32-(0)2 548 84 84 

Lietuva 
Eli Lilly Lietuva 
Tel. +370 (5) 2649600 

България 
ТП "Ели Лили Недерланд" Б.В. - България 
тел.  + 359 2 491 41 40 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Eli Lilly Benelux S.A./N.V. 
Tél/Tel: + 32-(0)2 548 84 84  

Česká republika 
ELI LILLY ČR, s.r.o. 
Tel: + 420 234 664 111 

Magyarország 
Lilly Hungária Kft. 
Tel: + 36 1 328 5100 

Danmark 
Eli Lilly Danmark A/S 
Tlf: +45 45 26 60 00 

Malta 
Charles de Giorgio Ltd. 
Tel: + 356 25600 500 

Deutschland 
Lilly Deutschland GmbH 
Tel. + 49-(0) 6172 273 2222 

Nederland 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V. 
Tel: + 31-(0) 30 60 25 800 

Eesti 
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V. 
Tel: +372 6 817 280 

Norge 
Eli Lilly Norge A.S. 
Tlf: + 47 22 88 18 00 

Ελλάδα 
ΦΑΡΜΑΣΕΡΒ-ΛΙΛΛΥ Α.Ε.Β.Ε. 
Τηλ: +30 210 629 4600 

Österreich 
Eli Lilly Ges.m.b.H.  
Tel: + 43-(0) 1 711 780 

España 
Lilly S.A.  
Tel: + 34-91 663 50 00 

Polska 
Eli Lilly Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: +48 22 440 33 00 

France 
Lilly France 
Tél: +33-(0) 1 55 49 34 34 

Portugal 
Lilly Portugal Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda 
Tel: + 351-21-4126600 

Hrvatska 
Eli Lilly Hrvatska d.o.o. 
Tel: +385 1 2350 999 

România 
Eli Lilly România S.R.L. 
Tel: + 40 21 4023000 

Ireland 
Eli Lilly and Company (Ireland) Limited 
Tel: + 353-(0) 1 661 4377 

Slovenija 
Eli Lilly farmacevtska družba, d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 (0)1 580 00 10 

Ísland 
Icepharma hf. 
Sími: + 354 540 8000 

Slovenská republika 
Eli Lilly Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: + 421 220 663 111 

Italia 
Eli Lilly Italia S.p.A. 
Tel: + 39- 055 42571 

Suomi/Finland 
Oy Eli Lilly Finland Ab 
Puh/Tel: + 358-(0) 9 85 45 250 

Κύπρος 
Phadisco Ltd  
Τηλ: +357 22 715000 

Sverige 
Eli Lilly Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46-(0) 8 7378800 

 
 
 

 
 
 



 29 

Latvija 
Eli Lilly (Suisse) S.A Pārstāvniecība Latvijā 
Tel: +371 67364000 

United Kingdom 
Eli Lilly and Company Limited 
Tel: + 44-(0) 1256 315000 

 
This leaflet was last approved in 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu 
 
 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT  
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET