What is Spedra?

Spedra contains the active ingredient avanafil and is used to effectively treat erectile dysfunction. It has a quick onset of action in comparison to other treatment options available and many men find that it works effectively just 15 minutes after taking the pill. It is one of the most recent drugs to be released for use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

What is the difference between Viagra and Spedra?

Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil whereas Spedra contains avanafil. They are two completely different drugs, although they have a similar effect on the body. They both work by increasing blood flow to the penis for an erection to occur, are equally effective and last a comparable amount of time. However, Spedra is absorbed more quickly and hence begins to work faster.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction involves difficulty for men in getting and keeping an erection adequate for sexual activities. It is also sometimes known as impotence.

Normally when you are sexually aroused your brain receives sensory messages - what you feel and see - and reacts by changing hormone levels and relaxing certain muscles around blood vessels in the penis. This allows more blood to flow through the enlarged vessels to allow an erection to occur.

The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is cardiovascular disease because the blood vessels are particularly important in the final step of getting an erection. However, as it is such a complex process, there are many possible causes. For example, psychological causes like stress and anxiety can affect the brain's response to arousal and cause erectile problems.

It is important to seek treatment early as sexual performance problems can cause further anxiety and set a pattern of failure. Treatment can help to remove the physical barriers and allow you to address the issues with your partner or therapist in the meantime.

How does Spedra work?

The active ingredient in Spedra, avanafil, is a type of drug called a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor, like the majority of drugs available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Spedra stops a particular enzyme in the body from working properly, preventing it from keeping the muscles surrounding the blood vessels in the penis tight. As a result, the blood vessels can widen and allow more blood to pass through and an erection to occur.

Regardless of the cause of erectile dysfunction, Spedra can work effectively as it affects the very last step of the erection process. However, as it works specifically on the physical side of things, it won't help to increase sexual desire.

How do you take Spedra?

You should take 1 tablet whole with a glass of water 30 minutes to 1 hour before planning to have sex. Whilst some men find it is effective within 15 minutes, waiting this time will allow your body more time to experience the effects of the drug.

You can take Spedra with or without food as desired, although if you take it with or soon after a large meal it may take slightly longer to work.

What dose should you take?

Spedra comes in three doses: 50, 100 and 200 mg. For people beginning treatment with Spedra, it is recommended to begin with the standard dose of 100mg. If this is effective for you and you do not experience any other problems, continue with this dose.

However, if you experience side effects that bother you, you may prefer to try decreasing the dose to 50 mg. This helps many men to decrease unwanted effects whilst maintaining the desired effect.

On the other hand, some men find that the standard dose is not powerful enough to give the results they desire. If after trying the standard dose on 4 separate occasions and you are not happy with the outcome, you may try increasing the dose to 200 mg. If this is still not effective and you have tried on 8 separate occasions, you should see your doctor for information on other treatment options for you.

Are there side effects?

All medications have an effect on the body and can also produce unwanted side effects. The most common side effects for Spedra are:

• Headache
• Facial flushing
• Back pain
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Blurry vision
• Nasal congestion

If you notice these side effects and they bother you, you may be able to eliminate them by trying the lower dose of Spedra. If you still experience these effects, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

Common Side Effects

• pain in your back/muscles/head
• migraines
• getting flushed/going red
• indigestion
• feeling and or being sick
• getting a blocked or runny nose
• vision disturbances

Patient Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment. Patient information can be found here.

Alternatives to Spedra

Counselling

For many men suffering from erectile dysfunction the primary cause may be related to psychological issues and not physical ones.

In these cases, counselling can prove to be a very effective form of treatment. Talking with a mental health professional will help to address issues of stress, anxiety or depression, which can all contribute to erectile dysfunction. For further information contact your GP.

Other ED Medications

We offer a range of ED medications.