What Is Spedra?
Spedra is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men.
It contains the active ingredient avanafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, commonly known as a PDE5 inhibitor.
The European Commission granted Spedra an EU-wide marketing authorisation in June 2013, and its authorisation remains active.
Spedra is available in:
- 50mg tablets
- 100mg tablets
- 200mg tablets
It is designed to support the natural erectile response during sexual stimulation.
Spedra does not create sexual desire or cause an erection automatically.
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What Is the Active Ingredient in Spedra?
The active ingredient in Spedra is avanafil.
Avanafil belongs to the same broad PDE5 inhibitor class as:
- sildenafil;
- tadalafil; and
- vardenafil.
These medicines all support erectile function by acting on the PDE5/cGMP pathway, but they differ in areas such as:
- onset;
- duration;
- dose strengths;
- interaction profiles; and
- individual response.
How Does Spedra Work?
During sexual stimulation, the body produces a chemical messenger called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP causes smooth muscle in erectile tissue to relax, allowing increased blood flow into the penis.
The PDE5 enzyme normally breaks down cGMP.
Avanafil inhibits PDE5.
By reducing cGMP breakdown, Spedra helps enhance the natural erectile response during sexual stimulation.
Spedra does not:
- automatically cause an erection;
- increase sexual desire;
- act as an aphrodisiac;
- directly raise testosterone; or
- work without sexual stimulation.
Who May Be Suitable for Spedra?
Spedra is indicated for adult men with erectile dysfunction.
Suitability depends on individual factors including:
- cardiovascular health;
- current medicines;
- blood pressure;
- liver function;
- kidney function;
- previous ED treatments;
- eye conditions; and
- other medical history.
A proper consultation is important before treatment because PDE5 inhibitors are not suitable for everyone.
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How Do You Take Spedra?
The usual recommended Spedra dose is:
100mg taken approximately 15–30 minutes before sexual activity.
Depending on effectiveness and tolerability, the dose may be adjusted.
Available strengths include:
- 50mg
- 100mg
- 200mg
Patients should not take more than one dose per day.
Always follow the dose prescribed for you.
What Spedra Strength Should I Take?
The appropriate strength depends on individual response, side effects, other medicines and medical history.
Spedra 50mg
This is the lowest available strength and may be used where a lower dose is considered more appropriate.
Spedra 100mg
100mg is the usual recommended starting dose for many men.
Spedra 200mg
200mg is the higher available strength and may be considered where the lower dose has not been sufficiently effective and the higher dose is medically appropriate.
A higher strength is not automatically better and may increase the likelihood of side effects.
How Long Before Sex Should I Take Spedra?
Spedra is generally taken around 15–30 minutes before sexual activity.
This relatively short recommended lead time is one of the reasons avanafil is often positioned as a fast-onset PDE5 inhibitor.
However, individual response varies.
Do not interpret the 15–30 minute recommendation as a guarantee that every person will respond within exactly that timeframe.
Does Food Affect Spedra?
Yes.
Spedra may be taken with or without food, but EMA information notes that food can delay the onset of action.
If you take Spedra after a substantial meal, it may therefore take longer to work.
Does Spedra Work Without Sexual Stimulation?
No.
Sexual stimulation is required for Spedra to be effective.
Avanafil supports the natural physiological response to sexual arousal rather than producing an erection automatically.
How Effective Is Spedra?
Spedra has been studied in more than 3,400 men with erectile dysfunction across major clinical trials.
The studies included:
- men from the general ED population;
- men with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction; and
- men who developed erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery.
EMA reports that Spedra performed better than placebo across the main measures of erectile function.
In one major study, successful intercourse attempts increased from around 13% before treatment to around 57% with 100mg or 200mg Spedra, compared with about 27% with placebo.
These are group-level clinical trial results and do not guarantee individual success.
What If Spedra Does Not Work?
A single unsuccessful attempt does not necessarily mean avanafil is ineffective.
Possible factors include:
- insufficient sexual stimulation;
- incorrect timing;
- food;
- alcohol;
- anxiety;
- unsuitable dose;
- another medicine; or
- an underlying cause of ED.
Do not take more than one dose in a day or exceed your prescribed strength.
If Spedra repeatedly does not work, seek professional advice.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Spedra?
The EMA’s authorisation information identifies common avanafil side effects including:
- headache;
- flushing;
- nasal or sinus congestion;
- indigestion; and
- back pain.
Other adverse effects are possible.
Always read the current patient leaflet supplied with your medicine.
What Serious Side Effects Should I Know About?
Serious reactions are uncommon but can occur.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms such as:
- chest pain;
- severe dizziness or fainting;
- sudden significant vision changes;
- sudden hearing problems;
- a prolonged or painful erection; or
- a severe allergic reaction.
Do not rely on an online product page when urgent medical care may be required.
Can Spedra Be Taken With Nitrates?
No.
Like other PDE5 inhibitors, Spedra should not be combined with nitrate medicines because of the risk of a dangerous reduction in blood pressure.
Avanafil is also contraindicated with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat because of the risk of symptomatic hypotension.
Always disclose all current medicines during your consultation.
Who Should Not Take Spedra?
Spedra is not suitable for everyone.
Potential reasons it may be inappropriate include:
- use of nitrate medicines;
- use of riociguat;
- certain serious cardiovascular conditions;
- significantly low blood pressure;
- severe liver disease;
- some eye conditions;
- certain recent cardiovascular events; or
- other contraindications in the current product information.
Suitability should be assessed individually.
Does Spedra Interact With Other Medicines?
Yes.
Avanafil can interact with medicines that affect:
- blood pressure;
- cardiovascular function; or
- the enzymes involved in avanafil metabolism.
Some medicines may require dose adjustment or make avanafil unsuitable.
Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter treatments and supplements you use.
Can I Drink Alcohol With Spedra?
Moderate alcohol consumption may not necessarily prevent Spedra from working.
However, excessive alcohol can:
- worsen erectile dysfunction;
- reduce sexual performance;
- increase dizziness; and
- contribute to blood-pressure effects.
Keeping alcohol moderate may improve both treatment reliability and tolerability.
Does Spedra Increase Sex Drive?
No.
Spedra helps support the physical erectile response.
It does not directly increase libido or sexual desire.
Does Spedra Increase Testosterone?
No.
Avanafil is not a testosterone treatment.
If low libido or symptoms of hormonal deficiency are present, a broader medical assessment may be appropriate.
Spedra vs Viagra
Spedra and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors but contain different active ingredients.
Spedra
Contains avanafil.
The usual recommended dose is 100mg taken around 15–30 minutes before sexual activity.
Viagra
Contains sildenafil.
The usual recommended starting dose is 50mg taken about one hour before sexual activity.
They differ in:
- timing;
- strengths;
- metabolism;
- interactions; and
- individual response.
Spedra vs Cialis
Spedra contains avanafil, while Cialis contains tadalafil.
Spedra
Generally used as an on-demand treatment with a relatively short lead time before sexual activity.
Cialis
Has a longer duration of action and can also be prescribed as a lower-dose once-daily treatment.
The appropriate choice depends on individual preferences, frequency of sexual activity and medical suitability.
Spedra vs Vardenafil
Spedra contains avanafil, while vardenafil is another PDE5 inhibitor.
Vardenafil is generally taken around 25–60 minutes before sexual activity, whereas Spedra is typically taken around 15–30 minutes beforehand.
Spedra vs Generic Sildenafil
Both are PDE5 inhibitors but use different active ingredients.
Spedra
- Avanafil
- 50mg, 100mg and 200mg strengths
- Usually taken 15–30 minutes before sexual activity
Generic Sildenafil
- Sildenafil
- Commonly available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths
- Usually taken about one hour before sexual activity
The most suitable treatment depends on individual response, medical history, interactions and personal preference.
Spedra vs ED Pump Treatment
A vacuum erection device such as the VaxAid Deluxe ED Pump Kit provides a non-drug approach.
It may be relevant for men who:
- cannot use PDE5 inhibitors;
- prefer a medication-free option;
- experience medication side effects; or
- do not achieve an adequate response to tablets.
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