What is Spedra?
Spedra is also known under its generic name avanafil, it is a prescription-only treatment for erectile dysfunction, launched in the UK in March 2014.
Spedra is classed as a "PDE5 inhibitor". It comes as a pale yellow, oval tablet available in three strengths - Spedra 50mg, 100mg and 200mg in packets of four or eight tablets.
The Pharmacy2U Online Doctor Service offers a convenient and confidential consultation service for Spedra.
Effectiveness
Spedra has been shown to be effective in clinical trials involving over 1000 men. It was tested on all types of men with erectile dysfunction including men with erectile dysfunction caused by type 1 and type 2 diabetes and in men with erectile dysfunction following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Spedra was shown to be successful for all types of men at all strengths.
Of those men with ED, the mean percentage of attempts resulting in successful intercourse was approximately 47%, 58%, and 59% for the 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg avanafil groups, respectively, compared to approximately 28% for placebo (a treatment with no active ingredient).
In men with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the mean percentage of attempts resulting in successful intercourse was approximately 34% and 40% for the 100 mg and 200 mg avanafil groups, respectively, compared to approximately 21% for placebo. In men with ED following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, the mean percentage of attempts resulting in successful intercourse was approximately 23% and 26% for the 100 mg and 200 mg avanafil groups, respectively, compared to approximately 9% for placebo.
Side effects
Spedra can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects that are considered to be common (experienced by between 1% and 10% of men) include headaches, facial flushing and nasal congestion.
For a full list of potential side effects and other important information, please read the patient leaflet provided in the pack before starting any course of treatment. The leaflet can also be viewed online here.
How does Spedra work?
Spedra works by relaxing the blood vessels to the penis, allowing better blood flow. It takes between 15 to 30 minutes to work. Sexual stimulation is needed for Spedra to be effective.
How long does Spedra take to work?
Spedra has a very fast onset of action compared with other PDE5 inhibitors. It is absorbed quickly, reaching a maximum concentration in about 30–45 minutes. About two-thirds of the participants in trials were able to engage in sexual activity within 15 minutes..
Spedra works best on an empty stomach. Alcohol will limit Spedra's effectiveness. Avoid grapefruit juice for 24 hours prior to taking Spedra. Do not combine Spedra with other ED medicines.
How do you take Spedra?
The recommended dose is a 100 mg tablet, taken when you need it approximately 30 minutes to 1hr before sex. You should not take it more than once a day.
Tell your doctor if you think your dose is too strong or too weak. They may suggest you switch to a different dose of this medicine. Dose adjustments can also be required if Spedra is used together with certain other medicines. If you are taking a medicine such as erythromycin, amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, fluconazole, fosamprenavir or verapamil (‘moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors’) the recommended dose of Spedra is a 100 mg tablet, with an interval of at least two days between doses.
You should take Spedra about 30 minutes to 1 hours before you have sexual intercourse.
Grapefruit juice can increase exposure to the medicine and should be avoided within 24 hours prior to taking Spedra. Drinking alcohol at the same time as taking Spedra may increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. You may feel dizzy (especially when standing), have a headache or feel your heart beating in your chest (palpitations). Drinking alcohol may also decrease your ability to get an erection.
Who should use Spedra?
Spedra is a treatment for adult men suffering from erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence). This is when you cannot get, or keep a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity.
Spedra works by helping the blood vessels in your penis to relax. This increases the blood flow into your penis, helping it stay hard and erect when you get sexually excited. Spedra does not cure your condition.
It is important to note that Spedra only works if you are sexually stimulated. You and your partner will still need to use foreplay to get ready for sex – just as you would if you were not taking a medicine to help you.
Who should not use Spedra?
- if you have a serious cardiac problem
- if you have had a stroke or heart attack in the last 6 months
- if you have low blood pressure or high blood pressure not controlled by medicines
- if you have chest pain (angina) or you get chest pain during sexual intercourse
- if you have a serious liver or kidney problem
- if you have loss of vision in one eye due to not enough blood getting to your eye
- if certain serious eye problems run in your family (such as retinitis pigmentosa)
- if you are under the age of 18 years old
- if you are a women
Do not take Spedra if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to our doctors or pharmacists before taking Spedra.
Can I use Spedra with other medications?
You should not take any other erectile dysfunction treatments or tablets alongside Spedra or within 24 hours of taking it. If you find that your Spedra dose is not working effectively for you, you can up it to 200mg, or speak to your doctor to try a different ED medication.
You should also avoid using Spedra alongside the below medications:
- Nitrate medicines for heart conditions or chest pain such as amyl nitrate or glyceryl trinitrate
- Medicine for AIDS or HIV, such as indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, or nelfinavir
- Fungal infection medication such as itraconazole, voriconazole, or ketoconazole
- Some antibiotics such as clarithromycin or telithromycin
This is because Spedra can alter the effects of these medicines (and vice versa).
You should also inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any of the following medications and plan on using Spedra:
- Alpha-blockers for lowering the blood pressure or prostate problems
- Medications for treating arrhythmias, such as procainamide, quinidine, sotalol or amiodarone
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin
- Primidone, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine for epilepsy
- Riociguat Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as aprepitant, diltiazem, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, fluconazole, and verapamil (these may prevent Spedra from breaking down inside the body)
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of any medicines, prescribed, recreational or purchased over the counter, you are currently taking or intend to take; they will let you know if there is any risk to your health if you take Spedra alongside another type of medication.