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About Spedra

Spedra (avanafil) was licensed in 2013 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Spedra is known as a PDE5 inhibitor and works in a similar way to Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil), which are also PDE5 inhibitors.

How to take Spedra

Tablets should be swallowed whole. If taken on an empty stomach Spedra is likely to be most active after 15 to 30 minutes, and is likely to remain active for a period 4 or more hours.

If taken on a full stomach, absorption is likely to be delayed up to 1.5 hours or more.

As with most erectile dysfunction treatment, Spedra supports natural erections. Sexual stimulation and normal foreplay are required for treatment to work. Without it, the effects of a tablet simply wear off over a few hours.

Dose

The usual starting dose is 100mg, with subsequent doses being adjusted depending on the success of treatment. The maximum dose is 200mg a day, the minimum single dose is 50mg.

No dose reduction is required for age, although study information is not available for men over 70 years.

Spedra tablets should not be taken within 24 hours of other erectile dysfunction medication.

Spedra dosage

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Consulting a doctor

All men taking treatment for erectile dysfunction should inform their GPs. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and these should be tested for. Men who are experiencing emotional distress, depression or relationship difficulties should see their GPs for support and advice.

Effectiveness of Spedra

Studies show approximately 50% of men taking Spedra report success, with higher doses producing better results. In the general population with ED, the mean percentage of attempts resulting in successful intercourse was approximately 47%, 58%, and 59% for the 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg avanafil groups, respectively, compared to approximately 28% for placebo.

Fertility

Spedra is for men only, and should not be taken by women. Currently there is no data on sperm quality for men taking Spedra for erectile dysfunction, although no effects on sperm were found in healthy volunteers who took a single dose of Spedra. No significant effects on fertility have been found in men taking other similar medications (PDE5 inhibitors).

Side effects of Spedra

As with any medication, side effects are possible, although these rarely require cessation of treatment. The commonest side effects are headache, flushing, nasal and sinus congestion and back pain. A full list of Spedra side effects can be found in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet included in packs of Spedra tablets.

If men notice any of the following serious side effects, they need urgent medical treatment:

• an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you get an erection that lasts more than 2 hours, this must be treated as soon as possible or lasting damage can happen to your penis (including not being able to get erections).
• blurred vision.
• sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• sudden decrease or loss of hearing (sometimes you may also feel dizzy or have ringing in your ears).

Cautions when taking Spedra

Coexisting medical conditions

Spedra is suitable for most men, but not all. Men who have a weak heart, recent stroke or reduced exercise tolerance should not take Spedra. Other medical conditions are listed in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.

Checks for suitability are carried out during the online consultation at Dr Fox.

Interacting medications

Some prescription and non-prescription drugs interact with Spedra. Nitrates, used to treat angina (heart pain) and heart failure, increase the likelihood of low blood pressure. Some men use short acting inhaled nitrates, known as poppers, as a stimulant, and risk significant low blood pressure.

Other interacting medications could increase or decrease the effectiveness of Spedra. These interacting drugs are listed in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet and are checked for in online consultation.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Spedra has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. As dizziness and altered vision were reported in clinical trials with avanafil, patients should be aware of how they react to Spedra before driving or using machines.

Alternative treatment

Cialis (tadalafil), Viagra (sildenafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) are alternative tablet treatments for erectile dysfunction and are also available to buy in various strengths and pack sizes after completing the same medical consultation.

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