Spedra (Avanafil) is a second generation FDA-approved oral medication prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is a PDE5 inhibitor, so it specifically takes action on the protein in your body (PDE5) that contributes to ED, similar to Sildenafil in its function and action.
Spedra (Avanafil) is a second generation FDA-approved oral medication prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is a PDE5 inhibitor, so it specifically takes action on the protein in your body (PDE5) that contributes to ED, similar to Sildenafil in its function and action. Spedra works to make getting and maintaining an erection easier, by improving blood flow to the erectile tissue in the penis.
Spedra was developed during the 2000s, and received FDA-approval in April 2012. This makes it the newest drug used to treat ED, in comparison to drugs like Sildenafil (Viagra) which have been prescribed for ED since the 1990s.
Avanafil is the active ingredient in Spedra, and due to the advanced formula, comes with less side effects than older ED medications. We’ll go into more detail of common side effects later in this article.
Spedra comes in varying doses, most commonly 50mg, 100mg and 200mg, all of which are to be taken orally 15 to 30 minutes prior to sexual activity, depending on the dose. The effects of Spedra last up to six hours after consuming the medication, and is taken at most once a day.
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Despite Spedra being a fairly new medication, studies have already been conducted that show its effectiveness in treating ED.
In a clinical review by Wang et al. (2014), five studies involving 2225 patients were reviewed to analyse Avanafil’s results. Researchers found that the medication, at all doses (50mg to 200mg), is highly effective at improving International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (a score used to assess erectile dysfunction).
According to results, Avanafil worked most effectively at the highest dosage of 200mg. Risk of side effects was not significantly increased in consumption of the largest dosage of Avanafil, unlike other ED medications.
In summary, Avanafil (the active ingredient in Spedra) is an effective treatment for ED, with studies proving it brings about measurable improvements in erection for men of all ages affected by ED.
Spedra causes few side effects, which are not commonly experienced by men using the medication. The side effects of Spedra are similar to other ED medications, such as Sildenafil and Cialis. These include:
Headaches are the most common side effect of Spedra. According to FDA trials, headaches were reported by 10.5% of users of the 200mg dose of Spedra. Headaches are caused by the medication affecting blood flow. They are usually brief and mild, along with other Spedra side effects, diminishing as the medication wears off.
Flushing affects 3.2% to 4.3% of men taking Spedra, depending on the dosage. Similarly with headaches, flushing results from the Spedra’s effects on blood flow and fades over several hours.
1.8% to 2.9% of men using Spedra experience some level of nasal congestion, caused by the medication’s blood vessel dilating effects, and fade as the medication exits your system.
Cold-like symptoms such as a stuffy nose, can be experienced by 0.9% to 3.4% of men who use Spedra. This is also temporary and will pass with time.
Mild back pain is another temporary side effect that affects 1.1% to 3.2% of men on Spedra.
Spedra is a second-generation ED medication, and as a result, has a lower rate of side effects than older drugs, like Sildenafil or Tadalafil. For example, the most commonly experienced side effect of Spedra and Sildenafil—headaches—is reported by only 10.5% of men using the highest dose of Spedra, as compared to 28% of men taking the highest dose of Sildenafil. Flushing is experienced by 4.3% of men taking the highest dose of Spedra, versus 18% of men using the highest dose of Sildenafil.
Spedra, like other PDE5 inhibitor ED medications, may interact with other medications, such as nitrates (for hypertension or cardiovascular conditions), alpha-blockers and CYP3A4 inhibitors. Make sure to consult a medical professional and inform them of all medications you are currently using before taking Spedra.
As the newest FDA-approved ED medication to enter the market, Spedra is one of the options you can consider if you’re suffering from ED, as it also has a lower chance of side effects than older ED medication such as Sildenafil and Cialis.
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Articles featured on Noah are for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a healthcare provider, click here.
Wang, H., Yuan, J., Hu, X., Tao, K., Liu, J., & Hu, D. (2014). The effectiveness and safety of avanafil for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Current medical research and opinion, 30(8), 1565–1571. (Link)
