Quick summary: Spedra is the brand name for avanafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor used on-demand for erectile dysfunction; in the United States, it is prescription only and typically not covered by insurance as a lifestyle medication, with dosages of 50/100/200 mg adjusted based on effectiveness and tolerance. Our approach to presenting this information follows the spirit of shared decision-making in modern US healthcare: clear explanations, collaborative choices, and personalized treatment paths; you’ll find practical guidance (duration of action, pricing, legal purchasing, comparisons) to discuss calmly with your healthcare provider.
What is Spedra?
Spedra is the brand name for avanafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor used on-demand to treat erectile dysfunction in adults. In the United States, it requires a valid prescription and is typically not covered by insurance as it’s considered a lifestyle medication rather than medically necessary treatment.
- For whom: adults diagnosed with erectile dysfunction; treatment appropriateness should be discussed case-by-case with your healthcare provider (medical history, current medications, goals and preferences).
- How it works: by inhibiting PDE-5, avanafil facilitates penile vasodilation induced by sexual stimulation; it only works with arousal.
- When to take it: as needed, before sexual activity, following the recommended dosage (50, 100 or 200 mg) and minimum interval between doses.
- What to avoid / major contraindications: nitrates (risk of severe hypotension), use caution with certain alpha-blockers without medical advice; use caution with unstable cardiovascular conditions.
- Food & alcohol: food impact is generally minimal to moderate; limit alcohol which can reduce sexual performance and increase hypotension risk.
- Realistic expectations: onset of effect typically 15–30 minutes after taking, lasting several hours with individual variability; the goal is a satisfactory success rate with acceptable tolerability.
Practical advice: start with the lowest effective dose recommended by your healthcare provider, evaluate effectiveness and tolerability over several attempts, then adjust if necessary (do not change dosage without medical advice).
Dosages: 50, 100, 200 mg
General principle: Spedra is used as needed before sexual activity. The strategy is to start low, evaluate effectiveness and tolerability over several attempts, then adjust with your healthcare provider. Respect the minimum interval between doses and do not exceed the maximum recommended dose within 24 hours.
| Dose | Target profile | Timing | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | Cautious start, sensitive patients, multiple medications | ≈ 30 min before | ↑ to 100 mg if response insufficient and good tolerability |
| 100 mg | Most common dose for adults | ≈ 30 min before | ↓ to 50 mg if bothersome side effects, ↑ to 200 mg if partial effectiveness |
| 200 mg | After unsuccessful trials of lower doses | ≈ 15–30 min before | Increased monitoring for side effects (headaches, flushing, hypotension) |
Spedra 100 mg
Most patients start or stabilize at 100 mg. Take approximately 30 minutes before planned activity. If the effect is satisfactory and tolerability is good, maintain this dose. If effectiveness is partial despite several attempts, discuss increasing to 200 mg with your provider. If bothersome side effects occur (headaches, flushing, dizziness), a reduction to 50 mg or adjustment of taking conditions may be sufficient.
Spedra 200 mg
Recommended after relative failure of 100 mg, the 200 mg dose may provide additional effectiveness at the cost of sometimes more delicate tolerability. Take 15–30 minutes before activity, avoiding alcohol. Stop use if significant symptoms appear (dizziness, chest pain, unusual visual disturbances) and consult your doctor. This dose is not automatic and must be personalized.
Spedra 50 mg
Useful for a gentle start (advanced age, comorbidities, potential interactions) or when side effects occur at 100 mg. If response is insufficient but tolerability is acceptable, increasing to 100 mg may be considered. For some patients, 50 mg is sufficient in favorable contexts (adequate stimulation, well-controlled anxiety, proper timing).
Duration of action & onset time
Key point: Spedra typically works within 15–30 minutes after taking, with effectiveness lasting several hours; response varies by dose, context (meals, alcohol), and individual characteristics.
| Dose | Onset time (approx.) | Duration of action (range) |
|---|---|---|
| 50–100 mg | 15–30 min | Several hours (individual response) |
| 200 mg | 15–30 min | Several hours (may seem more “robust” in responders) |
Factors influencing response: a high-fat meal may delay peak effect; alcohol can increase dizziness and reduce performance; sufficient sexual stimulation is essential; stress and lack of sleep can diminish perceived effectiveness. Comorbidities (cardio-metabolic conditions), certain concurrent medications, and age also affect variability.
Pricing & packaging (boxes)
Key point upfront: Spedra is typically not covered by insurance in the US; price depends on dosage (50/100/200 mg), number of tablets (box of 8 or 12), and the pharmacy (location, pricing policies).
Price reference guide (to be confirmed with your pharmacy)
| Presentation | Box | Price reference* |
|---|---|---|
| Spedra 50 mg | 20 tablets | $110.00 |
| Spedra 100 mg | 20 tablets | $165.00 |
| Spedra 100 mg | 12 tablets | $110.00 |
| Spedra 200 mg | 20 tablets | $235.00 |
| Spedra 200 mg | 12 tablets | $147.00 |
*Prices vary by pharmacy and supply; always confirm pricing before purchase.
How to get reliable pricing quickly
- Call the pharmacy and specify dosage and box size (8 or 12 tablets) for an immediate quote.
- Send your prescription (paper or electronic) so they can confirm availability and pricing.
- If the pharmacy offers special ordering, ask about delivery time and price before confirming.
Important: without insurance coverage, payment is full out-of-pocket; many health insurance plans and Medicare do not cover ED medications, check your specific coverage.
Buying Avanafil online, “without prescription” & legality
Key point: In the United States, Spedra (avanafil) requires a prescription; purchasing “without prescription” is not legal. Online, use only licensed US pharmacies displaying the VIPPS seal or state pharmacy board verification and connected to a physical pharmacy location.
- What’s legal: purchase at physical pharmacy or through a licensed US online pharmacy with a valid prescription; verify VIPPS seal, state license number, physical address, and reachable phone number.
- Avoid completely: websites selling without prescription, abnormally low prices, no physical address or responsible pharmacist; risks include counterfeit products, incorrect dosing, and lack of traceability.
- Smart practice: ask for price, delivery time, and product source before payment; keep copies of your prescription and order confirmation.
- Privacy & security: prioritize sites with https, clear terms of service, and a return policy compliant with US law.
Warning: purchasing “without prescription” exposes you to non-compliant products and serious adverse effects (overdose, dangerous interactions); in case of concerning symptoms (chest pain, severe dizziness), contact emergency services (911).
Spedra and prostate health: what you need to know
Among men with prostate symptoms (BPH – benign prostatic hyperplasia), erectile dysfunction is common and may warrant comprehensive management. Spedra (avanafil) may be considered after medical evaluation, particularly cardiovascular assessment, as PDE-5 inhibitors cause vasodilation and can lower blood pressure. The expected benefit primarily addresses erectile function; Spedra itself is not a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. A detailed discussion with your healthcare provider is necessary to coordinate prostate treatments and ED management, and to determine optimal timing of administration.
- Discuss with your doctor if you have: cardiac history, episodes of fainting, orthostatic hypotension, treatments for prostate or high blood pressure, recent urological surgery.
- Practical tips: rise slowly from sitting/lying positions, maintain adequate hydration, avoid alcohol on trial days, note dizziness or palpitations and inform your doctor.
- When to seek immediate care: persistent dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain, fainting, unusual bleeding or urological pain.
Key takeaway: the choice of dose (50/100/200 mg) and timing must be personalized based on urological treatments and your blood pressure profile; do not modify your prostate medications without medical advice.
Spedra or Viagra? Spedra or Cialis?
Key insight: the choice depends primarily on speed of onset, duration, tolerability, and your lifestyle (meals, alcohol, frequency of sexual activity). Discuss with your healthcare provider to align dosage and timing with your specific context (cardiovascular health, medications, expectations).
| Criteria | Spedra (avanafil) | Viagra (sildenafil) | Cialis (tadalafil) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset time | Fast (~15–30 min) | ~30–60 min | ~30 min |
| Duration of action | Several hours | Several hours | Long (up to 24–36 hours) |
| Effect of high-fat meals | Minimal to moderate | Reduces effect / delays onset | Minimal |
| Usage pattern | As needed | As needed | As needed or daily (low dose) |
| Ideal profile | Seeking speed | Historical standard | Seeking flexibility/long duration |
- If you prioritize speed: Spedra is often preferred for faster onset.
- If you want a long “window”: Cialis (tadalafil) offers the most extended duration.
- Sensitivity to high-fat meals: sildenafil (Viagra) is most affected; adjust meal timing accordingly.
- Cost & tolerability: compare based on your minimum effective dose and experienced side effects; the best option is the one you tolerate well and use consistently with success.
Safety reminder: do not combine any of these medications with nitrates; use caution with alpha-blockers and cardiovascular conditions. Medical guidance determines the final choice and dosage.
Generic avanafil: current availability
As of this guide’s update, avanafil is primarily marketed in the United States as the brand name Spedra; generic avanafil availability may evolve over time. For current information, check the FDA Orange Book or ask your pharmacist to search by generic name: avanafil.
- What is a generic drug? same active ingredient, same dosage strength and bioequivalence to the brand reference; a prescription is still required and precautions remain identical.
- Why might generics be delayed? patent protections, market strategies, FDA approvals, and actual availability at pharmacies.
- How to check quickly? ask your pharmacy to search for “avanafil” (not just “Spedra”) to see if any generic versions are actually available for dispensing.
Relecture médicale :DrMarion Plaze
Psychiatre, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences