What Is Avanafil, How Do You Take It and Where Can You Buy It?

Avanafil is one of the newer active ingredients used to treat erectile dysfunction. Approved in the United States in 2012, it offers an alternative to sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil. It is best known for its relatively fast onset, making it an appealing option for men who do not want to plan too far ahead. Here is how it works, how it is taken and what you should know before buying it.

How does avanafil work?

Avanafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, the same class of medicine as sildenafil and tadalafil. PDE5 inhibitors are widely used as a first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction and work well for many men.

Erectile dysfunction specifically means having difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sex. It is different from low libido or problems with ejaculation. Many men with erectile dysfunction still have a normal sex drive, but the physical response needed for an erection does not happen reliably. The cause may be physical, psychological or a combination of both.

Before starting treatment, it is sensible to discuss your symptoms and medical history with a healthcare professional. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, so it should not always be treated as an isolated problem.

When combined with sexual stimulation, avanafil increases blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain an erection. It does not increase sexual desire and will not cause an erection without arousal.

How do you take avanafil?

Read the patient information leaflet before taking avanafil and check it again if the manufacturer or strength changes. Store the tablets according to the instructions on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from heat, moisture and children.

Avanafil is taken by mouth and can usually be taken with or without food. It is available in several strengths, commonly 50mg, 100mg and 200mg. Depending on the prescribed dose, it may be taken around 15–30 minutes before sexual activity. A heavy, high-fat meal may delay the onset.

Follow the dosing instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist or supplying service. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours, and do not combine avanafil with another erectile dysfunction medicine.

The right dose depends on your health, how you respond to treatment and any other medicines you take. Tell the healthcare professional assessing you about prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies.

Grapefruit can affect the way some medicines are processed, so check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Drinking a large amount of alcohol with Avana can increase dizziness, lower blood pressure and make it harder to achieve an erection. Keeping alcohol intake moderate is the safer choice.

If the treatment does not work, do not increase the dose by yourself. Timing, food, alcohol, sexual stimulation and anxiety can all influence the result. A clinician may suggest trying it again correctly, adjusting the dose or changing to a different active ingredient.

Avanafil side effects

Many people do not experience serious side effects. The more common ones include headache, flushing, a blocked nose, dizziness and indigestion. If these effects are severe, persistent or getting worse, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Sexual activity places extra strain on the heart. Stop and seek urgent medical help if you develop chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, nausea or pain spreading to the jaw or left arm during sex.

A painful erection or one lasting four hours or longer is a medical emergency. Stop using the medicine and seek immediate help, as delaying treatment can cause permanent damage.

Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if avanafil makes you dizzy or affects your vision. Wait until you know how the medicine affects you.

Who should not take avanafil?

Avanafil may not be suitable if you are allergic to the active ingredient or any of the tablet’s other ingredients; take nitrates or recreational nitrites; have a serious heart condition; have recently had a heart attack or stroke; have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure; experience angina during sex; have severe liver or kidney problems; have certain inherited eye conditions; have previously lost vision because of reduced blood flow to the optic nerve; have a penile deformity such as Peyronie’s disease; or have a bleeding disorder or active stomach ulcer. This is not a complete list, so a medical assessment is important.

Avanafil products

The best-known branded avanafil medicine in the UK and Europe is Spedra. In the United States, it is sold under the brand name Stendra. Generic versions containing the same active ingredient are also available in some markets.

Avana 100 is another avanafil-based product. You can read more about the similarities and differences between Avana and Spedra here.

If you have an allergy or intolerance, check the full ingredient list rather than relying only on the active ingredient. Excipients can differ between brands, strengths and manufacturers. Avana is commonly sold in packs of four tablets.

Where can you buy avanafil?

In the UK, avanafil is a prescription medicine. It may be supplied after an in-person or online medical assessment. Ordering through an established online service can offer privacy, fast delivery and clear access to product information.

Be cautious when ordering medicines online. Use a supplier that provides clear contact details, explains how treatment suitability is assessed and offers secure payment. Avoid websites that sell prescription medicines with no questions, no safety information or unusually low prices. You can view AlfaMedic’s range through our online pharmacy.

The price depends on the brand, strength and pack size. Generic products are usually less expensive than branded Spedra, and the cost per tablet may be lower in larger packs. Price should not be the only consideration: authenticity, correct storage, medical assessment and reliable customer service are equally important.