Avana (Avanafil)

Avana is Sunrise Remedies's avanafil tablet, in a strip of 4 tablets. Avanafil is a fast-acting PDE5 inhibitor sold as Stendra and Spedra, used for erectile dysfunction.

Avanafil is prescribed for erectile dysfunction, meaning a man cannot get or keep an erection firm enough for intercourse.

Avanafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme that breaks down cyclic GMP in the penis, so with sexual stimulation blood flows in more easily and the erection is maintained. It is absorbed quickly, with an effect in about 15 to 30 minutes, and is largely unaffected by food.

The usual starting dose is 100 mg taken about 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity, with the dose raised to 200 mg or lowered to 50 mg depending on response and tolerance. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Follow your prescription and the pack leaflet.

• Headache and flushing.
• Indigestion or heartburn.
• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Dizziness and, less often, low blood pressure.
• Back pain and muscle aches (most often with tadalafil).
• Temporary changes in colour vision or blurred sight (most often with sildenafil and vardenafil).
• An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) is rare and needs emergency care.
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing is rare and needs immediate medical attention.

Never take it with nitrate medicines (glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide) or riociguat, because the combined drop in blood pressure can be dangerous. It is not for men whose heart is too weak for sexual activity, after a recent stroke or heart attack, or with severe low blood pressure. Tell your doctor about alpha-blockers, other blood pressure tablets, severe liver or kidney disease, sickle cell disease, retinitis pigmentosa and any penile shape problem. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, ketoconazole, clarithromycin) and grapefruit raise the level, so the dose is lowered. These medicines work only with sexual stimulation and do not raise desire. Not for women or children unless prescribed for another condition.