How to Build an Online Cialis App: Key Features, Compliance and Development

The online pharmacy market is booming, and men’s health, especially sexual health, is a huge opportunity. 

Nearly half of Canadian men between the ages of 40 and 88 experience erectile dysfunction (ED).

This creates a massive demand for medications like Cialis, with the ED market expected to hit $4.8 billion by 2030 globally, growing at nearly 9% yearly.

Men are also turning to online platforms for healthcare, especially for private matters like ED. 

They prefer the convenience and discretion of virtual consultations over in-person visits. 

Success stories like Hims & Hers and Roman show the potential for direct-to-consumer platforms in men’s health.

With telemedicine now mainstream, launching an online Cialis platform makes sense. 

But success isn’t just about selling pills. It’s about creating a trusted, easy-to-use platform that offers convenience, transparency, and safe care. 

Let’s explore how to make that happen.

Understanding the Market: Why Cialis? Why Now?

Before building an online Cialis platform, it’s important to know what’s driving the demand. Here’s why now is the perfect time:

• Erectile Dysfunction is Common and Rising: Around 18% of men in the U.S. over 20 experience erectile dysfunction (ED), and the numbers go up with age. By 2025, about 300 million men worldwide are expected to face ED. The global market for ED medications, like Cialis, is projected to exceed $4.8 billion by 2030, growing at nearly 9% annually.
• Men Want Convenience and Privacy: Many men delay seeking treatment for ED due to stigma or embarrassment. Online platforms solve this by offering:
  • Convenience: Quick consultations and easy medication delivery.
  • Discretion: No need for uncomfortable in-person visits.
  • Flexibility: Platforms like Friday Plans let users manage subscriptions, adjust dosages, or cancel anytime.
• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Platforms are Thriving: Companies like Hims & Hers, Roman, and Bluechew have shown how successful online ED solutions can be. They provide simple, private, and accessible treatment options that resonate with men.
• Telemedicine is the New Normal: Virtual consultations have become widely accepted, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Including telemedicine in your platform is essential for offering safe and convenient access to Cialis prescriptions.

By understanding these trends, you can build a platform that meets men’s needs while tapping into a growing market.

Building Your On-Demand Cialis App: Key Considerations

Creating an online Cialis platform isn’t just about selling medication. It’s about designing a seamless, secure, and user-friendly experience. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Telemedicine Integration

Virtual consultations are essential for both convenience and compliance. Prescription medications like Cialis require a licensed professional’s approval.

• Easy to Use: Make scheduling appointments, filling out medical forms, and joining video consultations simple.
• Licensed Professionals: Clearly display the credentials of doctors or nurse practitioners to build trust.
• Data Privacy: Follow privacy regulations like PIPEDA/HIPAA to keep patient data secure.

Examples of Success:

• Hims & Hers: Offers video consultations for ED and other health issues.
• Friday Plans: Provides free online consultations with licensed U.S. doctors.
• Maple: A Canadian platform offering ED prescriptions through telehealth.

2. eCommerce Features

Patients should be able to consult, purchase, and manage prescriptions all in one place.

• Safe Payments: Use secure gateways for hassle-free transactions.
• Privacy Matters: Offer discreet packaging and reliable delivery.
• Subscriptions: Allow users to adjust, pause, or cancel subscriptions easily.
• Competitive Prices: Offer transparent and attractive pricing, like discounts for larger orders.

3. Privacy and Security

Protecting sensitive patient information is non-negotiable.

• Data Encryption: Secure all data during transfer and storage.
• Secure Channels: Use PIPEDA/HIPAA-compliant messaging for patient-doctor communication.
• Discreet Delivery: Ship products in unmarked packaging to protect user privacy.

4. User Experience

A sleek, simple interface keeps users coming back.

• Mobile-Friendly: Most users will use their smartphones, so design for mobile first.
• Clear Language: Avoid jargon in instructions and questionnaires.
• Personalized Features: Recommend products based on a user’s history and preferences.
• Customer Support: Offer responsive support via chat, email, or phone.

Development Options for an App to Buy Cialis Online: Choose Wisely

When building your online Cialis platform, you’ll face two main development choices: SaaS platforms and custom app development. Here’s what you need to know about each:

1. SaaS Platforms

SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms offer pre-built telemedicine solutions. They come with features like virtual consultations, scheduling, and electronic prescriptions.

• Quick Setup: They’re easy to get started with and require little technical knowledge.
• Limited Customization: You’re stuck with the features and designs the platform provides. This can be a problem if you want unique branding or additional features.
• Ongoing Costs: SaaS platforms usually charge subscription fees, and if you add eCommerce with third-party services like Shopify, there are extra costs. For example, Shopify’s monthly fees range from $29 to $299, plus transaction fees, which could eat into your profits.

2. Custom App Development

Custom app development means building a platform from scratch, tailored to your specific needs.

• Full Control: You can design your platform exactly how you want, with custom features and branding.
• Higher Upfront Cost: It requires a bigger investment at the start, but it gives you complete flexibility and long-term value.
• Seamless Integration: You can integrate eCommerce directly into your platform, creating a smooth user experience.

Hims & Hers used custom app development to build a platform that blends telemedicine, eCommerce, and personalized care. This strategy helped them grow their user base by 80% and put them on the path to profitability.

With custom development, you own the platform and can scale and adjust it as your business grows, avoiding subscription fees and getting the exact features you need. It’s a long-term investment with substantial ROI.

Legal Considerations: Stay Compliant

When entering the online Cialis market, it's essential to follow legal guidelines. Compliance is not optional—it’s critical for protecting your business and ensuring its long-term success.

Licensing and Regulations

Healthcare and pharmaceutical regulations differ by country and region. Before you launch your platform, make sure you understand and comply with the rules in your target market.

• Licenses and Permits: Obtain all necessary licenses to sell prescription medication online.
• Prescription Requirements: Ensure your platform follows proper prescription protocols.
• Quality Control: Maintain strict standards for sourcing and dispensing medications.

In the United States, selling Cialis online must comply with FDA regulations. The FDA oversees the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of prescription drugs. Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines, lawsuits, or even a platform shutdown. In 2022, the FDA issued warning letters to several online pharmacies for illegally selling unapproved drugs, including ED medications.

Data Privacy

Protecting patient information is a top priority. Implement robust security measures like data encryption and secure communication channels to prevent breaches.

• Transparency: Be clear with users about how you collect, use, and store their data.
• Compliance with Regulations: Follow regulations like HIPAA (in the U.S.) and PIPEDA (in Canada) to ensure patient data is secure.

In 2020, a U.S. healthcare provider faced a $6.85 million penalty for violating HIPAA after a data breach affected over 6,800 individuals. It’s a reminder that failing to protect patient data can result in costly penalties and damage to your reputation.

Essential Partners You Need to Build a Successful Online Cialis Platform

Building a successful online Cialis platform is no small feat. It involves expertise in healthcare, technology, and compliance. Partnering with the right professionals can make the process smoother and help your platform succeed. Here’s who you should collaborate with:

1. Healthcare Professionals

You need physicians, urologists, and pharmacists to ensure your platform meets the highest medical standards. They can help you:

• Develop accurate medical content.
• Review treatment protocols.
• Ensure ethical healthcare services.

2. App Developers

Choose experienced app developers who understand healthcare regulations and data privacy. They’ll bring your platform to life, integrating features like telemedicine and eCommerce seamlessly.

• Ensure the app is secure and user-friendly.
• Look for developers with knowledge of healthcare security standards like HIPAA or PIPEDA.

3. Legal & Compliance Experts

Navigating healthcare regulations and data privacy laws is tricky but essential. Legal experts will guide you through licensing requirements, help you stay compliant with regulations like HIPAA and PIPEDA, and ensure your platform is legally sound.

How We Can Help You Build a Successful Online Cialis Platform

We at SyS Creations are your go-to partner for building a secure, compliant, and user-friendly online Cialis platform. With a solid track record in developing healthcare apps, including telemedicine and pharmaceutical sales platforms, we can turn your vision into a reality. Here's how they can support your success:

• Custom Patient Experience: SyS Creations works with you to design a personalized experience for users. From customized intake forms to prescription management and subscription models, they ensure everything is seamless and tailored to your needs.

• Flexible, Expert Care: Access a network of licensed healthcare professionals across the country. This allows you to offer telehealth consultations without high setup costs or minimum volume requirements.

• Integrated Pharmacy Network: Our tech team can integrate your platform with a network of LegitScript-compliant pharmacies or your own pharmacy network, ensuring smooth prescription fulfillment.

• Effortless Compliance: They handle country-specific data storage and streamline LegitScript approval, ensuring your platform meets all necessary regulations.

• Actionable Analytics and Marketing Tools: With real-time analytics, SyS Creations helps you track user engagement and make data-driven decisions to enhance your platform and marketing strategies.

By contacting SyS Creations, you get more than just technical support. 

Our team of business analysts, developers, and compliance experts ensures that your platform is not only functional but also compliant, user-friendly, and profitable. 

Explore the screenshots of a DTC ED platform app we recently developed for one of our clients.