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.

How long does Spedra take to work?

Spedra usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes to work. If you have been prescribed 50mg, take your dose about 30 minutes before sex. If you have been prescribed 100mg or 200mg, take it 15 to 30 minutes before sex.

How long does Spedra last?

Spedra usually lasts around 4 hours after taking it, but this can vary from person to person.

How often can you take Spedra?

You should never take Spedra more than once a day. If you take certain medications, such as erythromycin, fosamprenavir, amprenavir, diltiazem, aprepitant, verapamil, or fluconazole, you should not take more than one 100mg dose in 2 days. Your doctor will let you know how often you can take Spedra.

What does Spedra look like?

Spedra is an oval-shaped pale yellow tablet. The dose is written on each tablet as either ‘50’, ‘100’, or ‘200’.

Is Spedra better than Viagra?

Spedra and Viagra are just as effective as each other, and there isn’t a “better” version. The treatment that will be better is the treatment that is most suited to your needs. This is because both treatments are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and work in the same way.

However, you may prefer Spedra if you want a treatment that starts working quickly or Viagra if you want a more reliable treatment. Spedra can also be more likely to cause side effects, so if you experience these, Viagra may be the better treatment for you.

When treating your ED, there are many different options to consider, and by learning the benefits of each, you can build a clear picture of which treatment is best for you.

Does Spedra work with alcohol?

You can drink alcohol whilst taking Spedra, but it is not recommended. Drinking alcohol whilst taking Spedra may lower your blood pressure and increase your heart rate. This could cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Alcohol can also affect your ability to get and maintain an erection, so drinking while taking Spedra may make it seem less effective.

Should Spedra be taken with or without food?

Spedra can be taken with or without food. If you take Spedra with a meal, it may take longer to work. If you get any uncommon side effects, such as indigestion, you may want to eat a small meal before taking Spedra.

Can I take Spedra daily?

You can take Spedra once every 24 hours, but Spedra is not meant for daily use. If you need to use Spedra every day, speak to your doctor. There are other erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments available that are more suitable for everyday use, such as Cialis Daily.

Can you take 200mg of Spedra?

You can take up to 200mg of Spedra, but only if you have been prescribed it. Your doctor can increase your dose if they think 100mg of Spedra is not working for you. Never take more than your prescribed dose.

What if Spedra doesn’t work for me?

If Spedra doesn’t work for you the first time you’ve taken it, try it again. Your doctor will recommend trying your ED medication up to 8 times to see if it works for you before changing to an alternative. This is because your body may need time to get used to the medication. To get the most out of Spedra, you can try:

• not putting too much pressure on yourself - this can make it harder to get and maintain an erection
• taking it at the correct time - 15 to 30 minutes before sex
• avoiding alcohol - this can increase side effects and make it harder to get an erection
• not eating a big meal before taking it - this can delay the effects of Spedra
• Foreplay - you still need to be sexually aroused for Spedra to work

If Spedra still isn’t working, speak to your doctor. They may want to increase your dose or try another treatment.

Can I get Spedra on the NHS?

Yes, Spedra is available on the NHS as an ED treatment. You will need to make an appointment with your GP, who may carry out some tests to find out more about your symptoms and rule out any underlying health conditions.

Can you buy Spedra over the counter?

No, Spedra is only available on prescription. This is to make sure Spedra is safe and suitable for you to take. A doctor will review your health and needs to make sure Spedra is the right treatment for you before prescribing it.

Viagra Connect is the only over the counter ED treatment. It contains 50mg of the active ingredient sildenafil. Your pharmacist will ask you a few questions to make sure Viagra Connect is the right choice for you.