Spedra Tablets

Erectile Dysfunction Doctor Service

The Spedra tablet is an efficient treatment, which is indicated to treat erectile dysfunction for adult men.

Spedra contains the active substance avanafil. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Spedra is a treatment for adult men suffering from erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence). This is when you cannot get, or keep a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity.

Spedra works by increasing blood flow into the erectile tissue of the penis, helping it stay hard and erect when you get sexually excited. Spedra does not have an impact on libido, only your ability to get and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. Spedra does not cure your condition.

• Take one tablet about 30 minutes before sex
• The effects of Spedra can sometimes be noticed as soon as after 15 minutes, and last 4-6 hours

Taking Spedra most men will notice a firmer and longer-lasting erection. If Spedra doesn’t work for you the first time around, it could nevertheless be more effective next time. Doctors often advise trying all erectile dysfunction medicines eight times before giving up. If the treatment does not work, ask our doctors (or your own GP), whether it would be appropriate to increase the dose. Spedra will only work when you are sexually stimulated.

At least one in ten men has trouble getting or keeping an erection at some time. There may be physical or psychological causes, or a mixture of both. Whatever the cause is, due to muscle and blood vessel changes not enough blood stays in the penis to make it hard and keep it hard.

Although Spedra can be taken with food, this may slow down the time it takes for it to work. Never take more than a 200mg tablet within 24 hours.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is something that most men will experience at some point in their lives. While this can be a short-term condition caused by things like alcohol, stress, or tiredness, some men will experience erectile dysfunction over a longer period of time. This can be due to a physical or emotional cause.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Small blood vessels supply the penis, and when a man is sexually aroused, an increase in blood flow into the penis causes the penis to stiffen. Erectile dysfunction can happen if these vessels are blocked in any way. Because the vessels are so thin, blockages can occur easily.

Things like smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and lack of exercise can all have an effect on these blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction symptoms could also be down to emotional or psychological causes, such as anxiety or depression. Sometimes erectile dysfunction may be a side effect of being on certain medication.

Health issues can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Circulation problems can mean blood struggles to reach the penis and problems like hormonal imbalances, groin injuries, or low mood have also been known to have an effect on a man’s ability to achieve an erection.

If you’ve regularly been experiencing erectile dysfunction, please speak to a pharmacist or your GP.

What Is Spedra?

Spedra is a drug used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.

How Does Spedra Work?

Spedra is a class of drug (like Cialis / Viagra) known as a PDE-5 inhibitor. When sexually stimulated, it helps maintain a relaxed muscle state and increase the flow of blood to the penis which helps facilitate an erection.

What Is The Dosage of Spedra?

Usually, when starting to take Spedra, your doctor will recommend starting on a 100mg dose. This means you will take a 100mg tablet, around 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. The maximum dose is one DOSE in a 24 hour period (up to 200mg as a single dose).

What Is The Difference Between Spedra and Viagra?

The main difference between Spedra and Viagra is that Spedra starts to work quicker than Viagra.

Can I Take Spedra At The Same Time As Other Erectile Dysfunction Medication?

No. Spedra, and other ED medications such as Cialis, Levitra or Viagra, all work in the same way. This means that taking them together can result in overdose, and side effects.

Will Spedra Always Work?

Unfortunately not. Spedra has been shown to work in around 83% of cases. Drinking before taking Spedra can also impact its effectiveness.

Can I drink while taking Spedra?

Alcohol can increase the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, so it is recommended to avoid drinking. There is no chemical interaction between Spedra and alcohol, however, the risk of side effects increases and the treatment may not be as effective, or ineffective

When should I take Spedra?

You should take Spedra around 15-30 minutes before sexual activity if taken on an empty stomach. If you have eaten, taking Spedra approximately 45-60 minutes before sexual activity is recommended.

Is Spedra legal in the UK?

Yes. Spedra is a legal drug in the UK which can be prescribed by a doctor.

Is it safe to buy Spedra online?

As long as you check that you are purchasing from a UK registered pharmacy, regulated by the MHRa and GPHC, it should be safe for you to buy Spedra online. You should also answer any associated assessments honestly, so doctors can make the best decision as to whether you can be safely prescribed the medication.

Can you buy Spedra over the counter in the UK?

No. Spedra is only available as a prescription medication in the UK.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

• Do not use it, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

The side effects reported in association with the use of Spedra are usually mild to moderate and of a short duration.

Stop taking Spedra and see a doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects – you may need urgent medical treatment:

• sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• an erection that will not go away (“priapism”). If you get an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, this must be treated as soon as possible or lasting damage can happen to your penis (including not being able to get erections).
• blurred vision.
• sudden decrease or loss of hearing (sometimes you may also feel dizzy or have ringing in your ears).

Stop taking Spedra and see a doctor straight away, if you notice any of the serious side effects above.

Other side effects include:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• flushing
• headache
• nasal congestion

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• feeling dizzy
• feeling sleepy or very tired
• sinus congestion
• back pain
• hot flush
• feeling out of breath when you exert yourself
• heartbeat changes seen on a heart tracing (ECG)
• increased heart beat
• feeling your heartbeat in your chest (palpitations)
• indigestion, feeling or being sick to your stomach
• blurry vision
• raised liver enzymes

For a full list of side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, our Rightdose pharmacists or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Patient Information Leaflet Spedra Tablets

Spedra should not be given to individuals under the age of 18.

What you need to know before you take Spedra

Do not take Spedra:

• If certain serious eye problems run in your family (such as retinitis pigmentosa).
• If you have a serious liver or kidney problem
• If you have low blood pressure or high blood pressure not controlled by medicines
• If you have a serious cardiac problem
• If you are taking medicines for HIV or AIDS such as ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir or atazanavir
• If you are allergic to avanafil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 
• If you are taking “nitrate” medicines for chest pain (angina), such as amyl nitrite or glyceryl trinitrate. Spedra can increase the effects of these medicines and severely lower your blood pressure
• If you are taking medicines for fungal infections such as ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole or certain antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as clarithromycin or telithromycin
• If you have had a stroke or heart attack in the last 6 months
• If you have chest pain (angina) or you get chest pain during sexual intercourse
• If you have loss of vision in one eye due to not enough blood getting to your eye (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy [NAION])
• If you are taking riociguat. This medicine is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs secondary to blood clots). PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to increase the hypotensive effects of this medicine. If you are taking riociguat or are unsure, tell your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Do not take tadalafil when pregnant, unless it is strictly necessary and you have discussed this with your doctor.

Do not breastfeed while taking these tablets as it is not known if the medicine passes into human breast milk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Fertility

There was no effect on sperm movement or structure after single 200 mg oral doses of avanafil in healthy volunteers. The repeated oral administration of avanafil 100 mg over a period of 26 weeks to healthy volunteers and adult males with mild erectile dysfunction were not associated with any untoward effects on sperm concentration, count, motility, or morphology.

Driving and using machines

Spedra can make you feel dizzy or affect your vision. If this happens, do not drive, cycle, use tools or machines.

How to store Spedra

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Do not store above 25°C.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Before using any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Whichever erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment you are prescribed, always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

• For the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
• Spedra tablets are for oral use in men only.

Directions:

• The recommended dose is a 100 mg tablet, as needed.
• Spedra can be taken with or without food; if taken with food, it may take longer to work.
• You should take Spedra about 30 minutes (50 mg) or approximately 15 to 30 minutes (100 mg and 200 mg) before you have sexual intercourse.
• Do not take Spedra more than once a day.

Spedra will only work when you are sexually stimulated.

You could have been given the dose of one 200 mg tablet if your doctor has decided that the 100 mg dose was too weak for you, or the dose of one 50 mg tablet if your doctor has decided that the 100 mg tablet was too strong for you. Dose adjustments can also be required if Spedra is used together with certain other medicines.

Spedra with drink and alcohol

• Grapefruit juice can increase exposure to the medicine and should be avoided within 24 hours prior to
  taking Spedra.
• Drinking alcohol at the same time as taking Spedra may increase your heart rate and lower your blood
  pressure. You may feel dizzy (especially when standing), have a headache or feel your heart beating in
  your chest (palpitations). Drinking alcohol may also decrease your ability to get an erection.

Warnings and Precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Spedra:

• If you have a physical condition that affects the shape of your penis (such as angulation, Peyronie’s disease or cavernosal fibrosis)
• If you have heart trouble. It may be risky for you to have sexual intercourse
• If you suffer from priapism, that is a persistent erection lasting 4 hours or more. This can happen in men with conditions like sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma or leukaemia.
• If you have any bleeding disorder or active peptic ulceration.

Problems with your sight or hearing

Some men taking medicines like Spedra have had problems with their sight and hearing. It is not known if these problems are related directly to Spedra, other diseases that you may have or a combination of factors.

Spedra should not be taken by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Other medicines and Spedra

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This is because Spedra can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some other  medicines can affect the way Spedra works.

In particular, tell your doctor and do not take Spedra if you are taking “nitrate” medicines for chest pain (angina) such as amyl nitrite or glyceryl trinitrate. Spedra has been shown to increase the effects of these medicines and severely lower your blood pressure.

Also do not take Spedra if you are taking medicines for HIV or AIDS such as ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir or atazanavir or if you are taking medicines for fungal infections such as ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole or certain antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as clarithromycin or telithromycin.

Ingredients:

The active substance is avanafil. Each tablet contains 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg of avanafil.

The other ingredients are: mannitol, fumaric acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose low substituted, calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate and ferric oxide yellow (E172).

What Spedra looks like and contents of the pack

Spedra is a pale yellow oval tablet, marked “50”, “100” or “200” on one side.