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Erectile Dysfunction
March 23, 2025
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Spedra (Avanafil) 101: How it Works, Effectiveness And Side Effects

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Articles featured on Noah are for purely informational and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. To understand what works best for you, we recommending consulting a licensed doctor.

Spedra (Avanafil) is one of the newest and fastest-acting erectile dysfunction medications out there. Like Viagra and Cialis, it’s a PDE5 inhibitor, which means it works by boosting blood flow where it matters most. But here’s the kicker—it kicks in faster and comes with fewer side effects than older ED meds.

How Spedra Works

Getting hard is all about good circulation. Spedra helps relax the blood vessels in your penis, making it easier to get and stay hard when you’re aroused. Developed in the 2000s and FDA-approved in 2012, Spedra is a more refined, second-generation ED treatment—meaning it works faster, more efficiently, and with fewer downsides compared to older meds like Sildenafil (Viagra), which has been around since the 1990s.

Why Choose Spedra?

  • Fastest-acting ED pill – works in 15 to 30 minutes (so you’re ready when the moment strikes).
  • Fewer side effects – compared to Viagra and other older ED treatments.
  • Lasts up to 6 hours – enough time for multiple rounds, if that’s on the agenda.
  • No need for strict planning – just take it when needed (maximum once a day).

Dosing & Timing

Spedra comes in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg doses. Your doctor will recommend the best one for you, but all doses should be taken about 15 to 30 minutes before sex. Just one pill is enough to keep you covered for up to 6 hours.

Got questions about side effects? Keep reading—we’ll break it all down next.

How Effective is Spedra (Avanafil)?

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Even though Spedra is one of the newer ED medications, research already confirms that it works—and works well.

A 2014 clinical review by Wang et al. analysed five studies with 2,225 patients, all testing Avanafil (the active ingredient in Spedra). Across all doses (50mg to 200mg), the results showed that Spedra significantly improved erectile function, as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function score—a standard test used to assess ED.

Higher Dose = Better Performance?

  • The 200mg dose had the strongest results for erection quality.
  • Unlike other ED medications, the risk of side effects didn’t spike significantly at higher doses.

What This Means for You

If you’re looking for a clinically proven ED treatment that’s fast, effective, and well-tolerated, Spedra is a solid choice. Studies show that it helps men across all ages regain confidence in the bedroom—without the planning stress of older meds.

Side Effects of Spedra (Avanafil): What to Expect

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One of the biggest advantages of Spedra? Fewer side effects. Compared to older ED meds like Sildenafil and Cialis, Spedra is designed to be more targeted, meaning it works fast with less of the unwanted stuff. That said, like any medication, it’s not entirely side-effect-free.

Here’s what you might experience:

1. Headaches (Most Common)

  • About 10.5% of men on the 200mg dose reported headaches in FDA trials.
  • This happens because Spedra increases blood flow—which affects more than just one part of your body.
  • The good news? These headaches tend to be mild and fade quickly as the medication wears off.

2. Facial Flushing

  • Experienced by 3.2% to 4.3% of men, depending on the dose.
  • If your face suddenly feels warm and a little red, blame it on boosted circulation.
  • Like headaches, this fades as Spedra leaves your system.

3. Nasal Congestion

  • Reported by 1.8% to 2.9% of users.
  • Since Spedra relaxes blood vessels, it can also affect your nasal passages, leading to temporary stuffiness.

4. Cold-Like Symptoms

  • About 0.9% to 3.4% of men experience mild cold symptoms, like a stuffy nose.
  • Don’t worry—you’re not actually sick. It’s just your body adjusting to the medication.

5. Mild Back Pain

  • Affects 1.1% to 3.2% of users.
  • Likely caused by increased blood flow and muscle relaxation.

Why Spedra Has Fewer Side Effects Than Older ED Meds

When comparing Spedra to older options like Sildenafil (Viagra), the numbers speak for themselves:

  • Headaches: Only 10.5% of Spedra users reported headaches, compared to 28% of Sildenafil users at the highest dose.
  • Flushing: Just 4.3% on Spedra, versus 18% on Sildenafil.

That’s less than half the side effect rate, making Spedra a solid choice for men who want fast results with fewer drawbacks.

A Heads-Up on Drug Interactions

Like other PDE5 inhibitors, Spedra doesn’t mix well with certain medications, including:

  • Nitrates (for heart disease or high blood pressure)
  • Alpha-blockers (often used for prostate issues)
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (certain antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV meds)

Make sure to check with a doctor before taking Spedra if you’re on any of these.

Is Spedra Right for You?

As the newest FDA-approved ED medication, Spedra is a strong option if you want:

Faster action (15-30 minutes)

Fewer side effects than Sildenafil or Cialis

A reliable treatment that still lasts up to 6 hours

Want to see if Spedra is the right fit? Take noah’s online evaluation and get expert advice from licensed doctorsno awkward clinic visits needed.

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*In a 56-week trial with 3,731 non-diabetic overweight (BMI ≥27) or obese (BMI ≥30) participants, those who finished (1,812 patients) lost an average of 9.2% body weight with Saxenda, alongside diet and exercise.
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Articles featured on Noah are for purely informational and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. To understand what works best for you, we recommending consulting a licensed doctor.
Written by our Editorial Team
Last updated
23/3/2025
disclaimer

Articles featured on Noah are for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a healthcare provider, click here.