- Treatment for erectile dysfunction with Spedra®
- Access Spedra® following an online medical consultation
- What is Spedra®?
- What is the active substance in Spedra®?
- Who may be considered for treatment with Spedra®?
- What dosages are available?
- Can I change doses myself?
- How is Spedra® taken?
- What can affect the effect of Spedra®?
- When should Spedra® not be used?
- Warnings and precautions
- Interactions with other medicines, food and drink
- What side effects can occur?
- Spedra® active substance and excipients
- Patient information leaflet
Treatment for erectile dysfunction with Spedra®
Spedra® is a prescription-only medicine used in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
Spedra® contains avanafil, which belongs to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which may help some men achieve and maintain an erection. Spedra® does not cause an erection on its own; sexual stimulation is required.
Spedra® is known for its relatively rapid onset of action. The dose prescribed depends on individual health factors and must be determined by a clinician following a medical assessment.
Access Spedra® following an online medical consultation
Start the online consultation and complete a confidential medical questionnaire.
A UK-registered healthcare professional will review your information and determine whether treatment with Spedra® may be appropriate. If suitable, a prescription can be issued following clinical assessment.
Important information
DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered healthcare professionals. DoktorABC UK does not provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the prescribing clinician following an individual medical assessment.
What is Spedra®?
Spedra® is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It supports the natural erectile response by relaxing blood vessels in the penis and improving blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Spedra® contains the active substance avanafil and may start to work as early as around 15–30 minutes after taking the tablet. The effects may last for up to approximately six hours, although this varies between individuals.
What is the active substance in Spedra®?
The active substance in Spedra® is avanafil.
Avanafil inhibits the PDE-5 enzyme, which plays a role in regulating blood flow in the penis. By inhibiting this enzyme, avanafil may enhance the natural erectile response to sexual stimulation.
Who may be considered for treatment with Spedra®?
Spedra® may be considered for adult men (aged 18 and over) with erectile dysfunction following an individual medical assessment.
A clinician will assess factors such as:
- cardiovascular health and fitness for sexual activity
- current medicines, including nitrate medicines
- relevant medical history, including liver or kidney function and eye conditions
Treatment may not be suitable for everyone.
What dosages are available?
Spedra® is available in the following strengths:
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
- 200 mg
The usual recommended starting dose is 100 mg, taken approximately 15–30 minutes before sexual activity.
Dose adjustments may be made by the prescribing clinician depending on effectiveness and tolerability.
Can I change doses myself?
No. Dose adjustments should only be made in consultation with the prescribing clinician.
How is Spedra® taken?
Always take Spedra® exactly as prescribed and according to the patient information leaflet.
General guidance may include:
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- Take approximately 15–30 minutes before sexual activity
- Spedra® can be taken with or without food
- Do not take more than one tablet per day
- Sexual stimulation is required for Spedra® to work
Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects and may reduce erectile response.
What can affect the effect of Spedra®?
The effect of Spedra® can vary depending on individual factors and circumstances. Examples that may influence response include:
- Heavy alcohol consumption (may reduce erectile function and increase side effects)
- Underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
- Certain medicines that interact with avanafil
- Incorrect timing or dose (your clinician can advise)
When should Spedra® not be used?
Spedra® must not be used if you:
- are allergic to avanafil or any of its ingredients
- take nitrate medicines for chest pain (angina)
- use nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite, "poppers")
- take riociguat
- have had a recent heart attack or stroke
- have severe heart, liver or kidney disease
- have very low blood pressure
- have certain serious eye conditions
Spedra® is not suitable for women or for men under 18 years of age.
Always inform your clinician about your full medical history and current medicines before starting treatment.
Warnings and precautions
Speak to a clinician before using Spedra® if you:
- have heart problems or have been advised to avoid sexual activity
- have kidney or liver impairment
- have blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia or multiple myeloma
- have anatomical deformation of the penis or Peyronie's disease
- have a stomach ulcer or bleeding disorder
- notice changes in vision or hearing
Spedra® should not be used together with other treatments for erectile dysfunction unless specifically advised by a clinician.
Interactions with other medicines, food and drink
Some medicines may interact with Spedra®. Tell your clinician if you take:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- alpha blockers
- medicines for HIV
- antifungal medicines
- certain antibiotics
- other medicines for erectile dysfunction
Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects.
What side effects can occur?
Like all medicines, Spedra® can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
- headache
- dizziness
- flushing
- nasal congestion
- feeling warm
Less common side effects may include:
- fatigue
- shortness of breath on exertion
- indigestion
- increased heart rate
Serious side effects (seek urgent medical help):
- prolonged or painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
- sudden loss of vision or hearing
- severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips or throat, breathing difficulties)
Reporting side effects (UK)
Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Driving and operating machinery
Spedra® may cause dizziness in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
Storage information
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
- Store in the original packaging as directed in the patient information leaflet
- Dispose of unused medicines safely; ask a pharmacist if unsure
Spedra® active substance and excipients
Active substance:
- Avanafil (50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg per tablet)
Other ingredients:
Excipients vary by strength.
Full ingredient lists and marketing authorisation holder details are available in the UK patient information leaflet.
Patient information leaflet
The UK patient information leaflet for Spedra® is available via the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spedra® take to work?
Spedra® may start working as early as around 15–30 minutes after taking the tablet, although timing varies between individuals.
How long do the effects last?
The effects may last for up to approximately six hours, although this varies between individuals.
Does Spedra® work without sexual stimulation?
No. Sexual stimulation is required for Spedra® to be effective.
Can I take Spedra® more than once per day?
No. Spedra® should not be taken more than once per day.
What makes Spedra® different from other ED medicines?
Spedra® contains avanafil, which is known for its relatively rapid onset of action. It may start working in as little as 15–30 minutes in some individuals, making it one of the faster-acting PDE-5 inhibitors available.
Can Spedra® be taken with food?
Yes. Spedra® can be taken with or without food.
Leaflet info
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from the PDF-version from this website because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged or the medicine is from another brand.
