Avarante vs Viagra
- How Avarante and Viagra differ in onset, duration, and dosing
- Whether Avarante is better than Viagra and for whom
- How their side effect profiles compare
- Availability and price in the UK
- Who should avoid Avarante
- What is Avarante?
- How does Avarante work?
- Avarante vs Viagra: Key differences
- Is Avarante better than Viagra?
- Duration: How long does Avarante last compared to Viagra?
- Dosing: Avarante vs Viagra
- Availability and price of Avarante in the UK
- Who should avoid Avarante?
- How do you get Avarante in the UK?
- Frequently asked questions
What is Avarante?
Avarante is a branded prescription medicine containing avanafil, manufactured by Menarini. It was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is licensed in the UK by the MHRA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Avanafil is a third-generation PDE5 inhibitor, developed after sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), with a more selective mechanism designed to produce a faster onset with a potentially more favourable side effect profile.
As of April 2026, Avarante is available in the UK on private prescription. Generic avanafil is not currently widely available in the UK; Avarante remains primarily a branded product. This has implications for cost, discussed below.
How does Avarante work?
Avarante works by inhibiting PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down cyclic GMP (a chemical messenger that relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow) in the penile arteries. This is the same mechanism as Viagra. By blocking PDE5, Avarante allows cyclic GMP to accumulate, enhancing the effect of nitric oxide in the presence of sexual stimulation and producing vasodilation and an erection.
The key pharmacological advantage of avanafil over sildenafil (Viagra) is its higher selectivity for PDE5 over other PDE enzymes, particularly PDE6 (found in the retina) and PDE11 (found in muscle tissue). This selectivity is thought to contribute to a lower incidence of certain side effects, particularly visual disturbances and muscle aches, compared to older PDE5 inhibitors.
Avarante vs Viagra: Key differences
| Viagra (sildenafil) | Avarante (avanafil) | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Sildenafil | Avanafil |
| Generation | First-generation PDE5 inhibitor | Third-generation PDE5 inhibitor |
| Onset of action | 30–60 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Duration of effect | 4–6 hours | Approximately 6 hours |
| Standard doses | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg | 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg |
| Food interaction | High-fat meals delay absorption; take on an empty stomach or after a light meal | Minimal food interaction |
| Daily use option | No | No |
| Generic available in UK | Yes (widely) | No (branded only as of April 2026) |
| Typical UK private price | From approx. £1–£4 per tablet (generic) | From approx. £8–£15 per tablet |
| MHRA licensed for ED | Yes | Yes |
Prices based on UK private prescription data, April 2026.
Is Avarante better than Viagra?
Neither medicine is clinically superior to the other. Avarante's faster onset is its most notable practical advantage, but Viagra has a significantly larger evidence base, is available in generic form at considerably lower cost, and is more widely prescribed and studied.
Avarante may be the better choice for men who:
- Find Viagra's 30-60 minute wait inconvenient or disruptive to spontaneity
- Have experienced visual disturbances or other side effects with sildenafil and want to try a more selective PDE5 inhibitor
- Are not primarily driven by cost
Viagra (or generic sildenafil) is likely to remain the more practical choice for most men given its lower cost, wide availability, and extensive clinical track record. Avarante is a legitimate and effective alternative, but its advantages are most meaningful for a specific subset of patients rather than as a universal improvement on sildenafil.
Good to know
Avarante is less studied than sildenafil in long-term and real-world data. Its clinical evidence base, while robust enough for MHRA approval, is smaller than that of Viagra, which has been in use since 1998.
Duration: How long does Avarante last compared to Viagra?
Both medicines have a similar duration of effect: Avarante is active for approximately six hours, comparable to Viagra's four to six hours. Neither offers the extended 36-hour window of tadalafil (Cialis). For men who prioritise duration over onset speed, tadalafil remains the most distinctive option in the PDE5 inhibitor class.
Side effect comparison: Avarante vs Viagra
| Side effect | Viagra (sildenafil) | Avarante (avanafil) |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | Very common | Common |
| Facial flushing | Very common | Common |
| Nasal congestion | Common | Common |
| Indigestion | Common | Common |
| Visual disturbances | Common | Less common (Avanafil's higher PDE5 selectivity reduces this risk) |
| Back pain and muscle aches | Not typically reported | Uncommon |
| Dizziness | Common | Common |
The most clinically relevant side effect difference is the lower incidence of visual disturbances with avanafil, attributed to its greater selectivity for PDE5 over PDE6. For men who have experienced visual side effects with Viagra (sildenafil), avanafil may be worth discussing with a prescriber.
Both medicines share the same absolute contraindication: they must never be taken with nitrate medications, as the combination can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
Warning!
If you experience chest pain, sudden vision loss, or a prolonged erection lasting more than four hours while taking either medicine, stop the medication and seek urgent medical attention immediately. Report suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
Dosing: Avarante vs Viagra
| Viagra (sildenafil) | Avarante (avanafil) | |
|---|---|---|
| Available doses | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg | 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg |
| Recommended starting dose | 50 mg | 100 mg |
| When to take | 30–60 minutes before sexual activity | 15–30 minutes before sexual activity |
| Lower dose available if side effects occur | Yes (25 mg) | Yes (50 mg) |
The different dose ranges reflect differences in molecular potency rather than a difference in clinical strength. A direct milligram comparison between the two medicines is not clinically meaningful.
Availability and price of Avarante in the UK
Avarante is available in the UK on private prescription. As of April 2026, it is not widely available on NHS prescription, and generic avanafil is not routinely stocked by UK pharmacies. This means Avarante is considerably more expensive than generic sildenafil.
For men for whom cost is a primary consideration, generic sildenafil remains significantly more accessible. For men for whom the faster onset or potentially improved tolerability justifies the cost difference, Avarante is a legitimate and MHRA-licensed option.
Who should avoid Avarante?
Avarante shares the same contraindications as other PDE5 inhibitors. It must not be used by men who:
- Take nitrate medications in any form (including glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, or nitrate-containing recreational drugs)
- Have severe cardiovascular disease or have been advised by a doctor to avoid sexual activity
- Have severe liver impairment
- Have had a recent stroke or heart attack
- Have low blood pressure (hypotension) or uncontrolled high blood pressure
Warning!
Do not take Avarante if you are taking nitrate medications. The combination can cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure that may be life-threatening. Always disclose all current medications to your prescriber before starting any ED treatment.
How do you get Avarante in the UK?
Avarante requires a prescription from a UK-registered prescriber. It is not available over the counter. Routes to access include:
Via your GP: Your GP can assess suitability and prescribe Avarante privately if clinically appropriate. NHS prescribing of avanafil is not routine, so a private prescription is likely.
Via a regulated online clinic: Private prescribing services staffed by UK-registered prescribers can assess suitability and issue a private prescription. DoktorABC connects UK patients with licensed prescribers who can advise on the most appropriate ED treatment for their health profile and lifestyle.
Always confirm that any online pharmacy is GPhC-registered before placing an order, by checking the GPhC register at pharmacyregulation.org.
Final thoughts
Avarante offers a meaningful advantage over Viagra for men who prioritise faster onset and potentially better tolerability in terms of visual side effects. For most men, however, generic sildenafil remains the more practical option given its significantly lower cost, wide availability, and extensive clinical track record. The right choice depends on your individual circumstances, health profile, and what matters most to you in a treatment. A conversation with your GP or a UK-registered prescriber is the most reliable way to reach that decision.
FAQ
What is Avarante?
Avarante is a branded ED treatment containing avanafil, a third-generation PDE5 inhibitor licensed by the MHRA. It works through the same mechanism as Viagra but has a faster onset of action, potentially taking effect in 15-30 minutes.
Is Avarante better than Viagra?
Neither is clinically superior. Avarante's faster onset is its most notable advantage. Viagra (and generic sildenafil) has a larger evidence base, is widely available in generic form, and is significantly cheaper for most patients.
How quickly does Avarante work compared to Viagra?
Avarante can take effect in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Viagra typically takes 30-60 minutes. This faster onset is Avarante's primary practical advantage.
Does Avarante have fewer side effects than Viagra?
Avarante's higher selectivity for PDE5 is associated with a lower incidence of visual disturbances and facial flushing compared to sildenafil. Overall side effect profiles are broadly similar; neither medicine is dramatically better tolerated than the other.
Is generic avanafil available in the UK?
Not widely, as of April 2026. Avarante remains primarily a branded product in the UK, which contributes to its higher cost compared to generic sildenafil.
Can I take Avarante with food?
Yes. Unlike Viagra, Avarante is not significantly affected by food and can be taken with or without a meal.
Do I need a prescription for Avarante in the UK?
Yes. Avarante is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and requires assessment by a UK-registered prescriber before it can be issued.
Where can I report a side effect from Avarante?
Via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk, through the Yellow Card app, or by asking your prescriber or pharmacist to report on your behalf.
The DoktorABC medical advisory board
Dr. Roland Ruiken
Medical advisor, Norway
Dr. Viktor Simunovic
Medical advisor, Croatia