Aug 18, 2026 21:00:00

Influencers and online clinics are promoting erectile dysfunction medication as a 'miracle cure for longevity' that has effects on the cardiovascular system and brain.

In recent years, the '

longevity industry ,' targeting people who want to live longer, has been thriving. Influencers promote medicines and foods said to be good for health, and online clinics issue prescriptions for drugs that are said to promote longevity. Amidst this trend, some influencers and online clinics are reportedly promoting tadalafil (Cialis), an erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment drug, as a longevity drug, as reported by the international media outlet NPR, which included expert opinions.

Some people are taking Cialis for more than sex : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2026/08/17/nx-s1-5928263/cialis-viagra-tadalafil-longevity-heart-health

Cialis is a common medication prescribed in Japan for erectile dysfunction (ED), and is also used for conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and urinary disorders caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The main difference between Cialis and sildenafil (Viagra) is that Cialis's effects carry over into the next day.

Several large-scale studies published in recent years have reported that men taking Cialis not only have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, but in some cases are also less likely to develop dementia. However, these studies are observational and, while they can investigate associations between Cialis and mortality, they cannot prove a causal relationship such as 'taking Cialis lowers mortality.'

These research findings have garnered attention in online discussions about longevity. Influencers such as Stanford neuroscientist and podcaster Andrew Huberman and tech mogul Brian Johnson, who is pursuing immortality, have already proposed the idea of taking Cialis for purposes other than sexual activity.

There are also female supporters, with Christie Sawicky, a longevity influencer and PhD holder in molecular oncology, commenting, 'Cialis seems harmless. In fact, it may even improve blood flow, which could have a positive effect on the brain and heart.'

In fact, Sawicky says he started taking Cialis a year ago through an online clinic he used to get a prescription for GLP-1 receptor agonists , which are used for weight loss. Because there is a history of heart disease in Sawicky's family, he feels that Cialis is a quick way to maintain cardiovascular health, and he says he has also noticed effects such as improved results from his gym workouts.

Cialis and Viagra work by inhibiting the breakdown of signaling molecules, which relaxes

the smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow. This effect is said to act not only on specific areas but throughout the entire body, which may be related to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

A study conducted by Dr. Robert Kroner and colleagues at the University of Southern California found that more than 8,000 subjects who took Cialis had a 55% lower mortality rate from cardiovascular disease and a 44% lower mortality rate from all causes compared to a control group.

Kroner stated, 'This (reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by taking Cialis) is an area that needs serious discussion. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, and while there are drugs that may be effective, there is still much more to learn.'

Another study that examined the effects of Cialis and Viagra on more than 500,000 people showed that those who took Cialis had a 32% lower risk of dementia. Dr. Dietrich Süle of the University of Texas Medical Branch, who led the study, commented, 'I was particularly intrigued by the part about dementia.'

Researchers like Kroner and Suere emphasize that these results are based on observational studies and should be interpreted cautiously. Other factors may be involved in the low mortality rate among men seeking ED medication, and the effects on women have not been sufficiently studied. Kroner adds, 'Cialis is not a drug that cardiologists routinely recommend, but these drugs are generally very safe.'

Most of the existing marketing for Cialis comes from online clinics like the one Sawicky uses. The online clinic Sawicky promotes, AgelessRx, sells prescriptions for low-dose Cialis aimed at longevity for $70 a month (approximately 11,200 yen).

Dr. Jenelle Decker, medical director at AgelessRx, argues that there is enough data to justify offering this service to both men and women over 40. 'When it comes to longevity, you have to guess a lot of things because if you wait until symptoms appear, it's too late,' Decker says.

However, some experts are concerned about using Cialis off-label without detailed human data. Dr. Steve Nissen, chief academic officer of the Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Thoracic Institute, said, 'Just because there is no evidence of harm does not mean that it is harmless. It is very difficult to justify its use when there is no data from randomized controlled trials.'

Discussions about Cialis and cardiovascular health and mortality have extended beyond online forums, and in June 2026, they were also discussed at the Princeton Consensus Panel, a panel of experts focusing on ED and cardiovascular health. Although no formal recommendations were made, the Princeton Consensus Panel reportedly reached a consensus that 'low-dose Cialis is appropriate for some men at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to the accumulation of arterial plaque.'

Dr. Martin Minor, co-chair of the Princeton Consensus Panel, acknowledged that some members were hesitant to support the widespread use of Cialis. He added, 'Because of the large disparity in life expectancy in this country (America), I believe men need all the support we can offer.'