Spedra (Avanafil) Tablets

What is Spedra and How Does It Work?

Spedra is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. Its active substance, avanafil, belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Think of the blood vessels in your penis like a network of roads leading to a central destination. For an erection to occur, these roads need to be wide open to allow maximum blood flow.

During sexual stimulation, the body naturally releases chemicals that signal these blood vessels to relax and widen (vasodilation). However, an enzyme called PDE5 can act like a traffic controller, breaking down these signals and causing the blood vessels to constrict again, limiting blood flow and making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

Spedra works by effectively blocking the PDE5 enzyme. This allows the natural signals for vasodilation to persist for longer, facilitating a greater and sustained flow of blood into the penis. This results in a firmer erection that is sufficient for sexual activity. It is crucial to understand that Spedra is not an aphrodisiac and will not cause an erection without sexual arousal. It simply enhances your body's natural physiological response to stimulation.

Crucial Considerations Before Taking Spedra

Your safety is paramount. Before considering Spedra, a thorough consultation with a healthcare professional is non-negotiable. This ensures the treatment is suitable for you and does not pose any health risks.

Who Should Not Take Spedra (Contraindications)

Do not take Spedra if any of the following apply to you:

• Allergy: You are allergic to avanafil or any of the other ingredients listed in Spedra.
• Nitrate Medication: You are taking any form of nitrate drugs or nitric oxide donors for chest pain (angina), such as glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, or amyl nitrite ("poppers"). The combination can cause a severe and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Certain HIV/AIDS Medications: You are taking medicines like ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, or atazanavir.
• Certain Antifungals/Antibiotics: You are taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, or telithromycin.
• Riociguat: You are taking the pulmonary hypertension medicine riociguat.
• Severe Cardiovascular Problems: You have unstable angina, have had a heart attack or stroke in the last 6 months, have severe heart failure, or have very low blood pressure.
• Hereditary Eye Diseases: You have a history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or hereditary retinal disorders like retinitis pigmentosa.

Warnings and Precautions for Spedra

Talk to your doctor before taking Spedra if you have:

• Heart Problems: Your doctor needs to assess if your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity.
• Priapism Risk: You have a condition that predisposes you to priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours), such as sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, or multiple myeloma.
• Anatomical Penile Conditions: You have Peyronie's disease, angulation, or cavernosal fibrosis.
• Bleeding Disorders: Or active stomach ulcers.
• Liver or Kidney Problems: Severe hepatic or renal impairment may require dose adjustment.

A Detailed Spedra Dosage Guide

Always take Spedra exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust the dose without consulting them first.

1. Standard Starting Dose: The recommended dose is one 100 mg tablet, taken as needed, approximately 15 to 30 minutes before you plan to have sexual intercourse.
2. Dose Adjustment: Your doctor may adjust this dose based on efficacy and tolerance.
   • If the 100mg dose is not effective, they may increase it to 200 mg.
   • If you experience side effects, they may decrease it to 50 mg.
3. Frequency: Do not take Spedra more than once in any 24-hour period.
4. Administration: Spedra can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with a high-fat meal may delay its onset of action.
5. With Certain Medicines: If you are taking moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, verapamil, diltiazem, fluconazole), the recommended dose is 100 mg, and you should wait at least 2 days between doses.

Potential Side Effects of Spedra

Like all medicines, Spedra can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. It's important to be aware of them so you can identify and respond appropriately.

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention)

• Priapism: An erection lasting more than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent tissue damage and impotence if not treated immediately.
• Sudden Vision Loss: A sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes (NAION).
• Sudden Hearing Loss: Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and dizziness.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
• Heart Attack or Stroke: Symptoms include chest pain, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, sudden numbness or weakness, and confusion.

Other Side Effects

Common (May affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Headache
• Flushing (redness and warmth in the face, neck, or chest)
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)

Uncommon (May affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Dizziness
• Indigestion or nausea
• Back pain
• Insomnia
• Blurred vision
• Increased heart rate or palpitations

Rare (May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• Various other side effects as listed in the PIL, including muscle aches, dry mouth, and rash.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed here. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme.

Spedra and Other Medicine Interactions

It is vital to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Key interactions include:

• Nitrates: Absolute contraindication (as detailed above).
• Alpha-Blockers: Used for prostate problems or high blood pressure. Concomitant use can lower blood pressure significantly. A doctor will advise on separation of doses or avoidance.
• Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medicines like ketoconazole, ritonavir, and clarithromycin can significantly increase the level of Spedra in your blood, increasing the risk of side effects. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
• Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medicines like erythromycin, diltiazem, and fluconazole require a reduced Spedra dose (max 100mg every 48 hours).
• Riociguat: Used for pulmonary hypertension. The combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and is contraindicated.

Common Misconceptions About Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

• Myth: ED treatments like Spedra increase libido.
  Fact: They do not affect sex drive. They only assist the physical process of achieving an erection when you are already sexually aroused.
• Myth: Taking a higher dose will give you a better erection.
  Fact: Taking more than prescribed greatly increases the risk of severe side effects without improving efficacy. Always stick to your prescribed dose.
• Myth: You can use a friend's prescription.
  Fact: This is dangerous and illegal. A prescription is based on an individual's specific health profile. What is safe for one person can be life-threatening for another.

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