Spedra

Spedra is a medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is when you find it difficult to get and keep an erection during sex.

The active ingredient in Spedra is avanafil which can help you get and keep an erection. Spedra only works if you’re sexually stimulated so you have to be in the mood for sex for it help you get an erection.

Remember that Spedra will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can avoid STIs by practising safe sex, including using condoms. If you want more information, talk to a doctor or go to a sexual health clinic for advice.

To take Spedra:

• swallow one tablet with water 15 to 30 minutes before having sex
• do not take more than one tablet each day
• you can take Spedra with or without food

Avoid drinking alcohol or grapefruit juice whilst taking Spedra, as these can reduce how effective it is.

You will usually be started on a dose of 100 mg. For some people, this dose will be enough to manage their erectile dysfunction. If you find that your starting dose is not effective enough, speak to your doctor and you may be prescribed a higher dose of 200 mg.

If you take too much Spedra, get in touch with your doctor straight away.

Spedra contains avanafil which blocks a chemical in your body so you can get and keep an erection. This chemical is known as a phosphodiesterase type 5.

ED can be caused by the blood vessels in your penis not allowing enough blood flow in to maintain an erection.

PDE5 inhibitors work by relaxing your blood vessels and allowing more blood flow into your penis. This makes it easier for you to get and keep an erection when having sex.

Spedra is effective at helping you to get and keep an erection, but only with sexual stimulation. If you eat a high fat meal before taking Spedra, it may be less effective at helping you get an erection.

Common side effects of Spedra include:

• flushing
• headache
• nasal congestion

Uncommon side effects of Spedra include:

• dizziness
• tiredness
• back pain
• breathlessness
• fast heartbeat
• heart palpitations
• indigestion
• nausea
• vomiting
• sinus congestion

For a full list of the side effects of Spedra, please read the patient information leaflet.

If you experience any side effects when taking Spedra, please get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.

You can take Spedra if you’re an adult man with ED.

Do not take Spedra if you:

• are a woman
• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• are taking certain other medications including nitrates and riociguat
• have a serious heart problem
• have had a stroke or heart attack in the past 6 months
• have low blood pressure
• have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have angina (chest pain)
• have a serious liver or kidney problem
• have non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
• have a family history of eye problems

Speak to a doctor before taking Spedra if you have or have ever had:

• heart troubles
• priapism
• a condition that affects the shape of your penis
• a bleeding disorder
• peptic ulcers

For more information, you can read the patient information leaflet. If you’re not sure whether you can take Spedra, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Certain other medications can affect how Spedra works. Tell your doctor about any other medication that you’re taking, or have recently taken, before taking Spedra.

Do not take Spedra if you’re taking or have recently taken:

• nitrate medications, such as amyl nitrite
• some HIV medications such as ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir or atazanavir
• antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole
• certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin or telithromycin
• other medications for erectile dysfunction (ED)

Speak to your doctor before taking Spedra if you’re taking or have recently taken:

• alpha blockers
• antibiotics such as erythromycin
• epilepsy medications such as phenobarbital, primidone or carbamazepine
• medications for arrhythmia such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone or sotalol
• riociguat

For more information, please read the patient information leaflet.

If possible, you should try and avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking Spedra. Alcohol can interfere with Spedra and make it less effective. Alcohol can also make it more difficult to maintain an erection, contributing to ED.

If you do not think Spedra is right for you, there are alternative erectile dysfunction treatments including:

• Viagra
• Cialis
• Levitra
• Sildenafil
• Tadalafil

Some ED medications may be more effective for some people than for others.

Speak to your doctor if you’d like to try an alternative treatment and they can give you advice on the right one for you.