What is Stendra?
Stendra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It contains the active ingredient avanafil and works by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection.
Like Viagra, Stendra can cause side effects such as headache, flushing, and nasal congestion. Patients should carefully read the prescribing information before taking this medication.
Stendra has a shorter half-life than Viagra, which means it may not last as long in the body. However, clinical data shows that Stendra can be effective within 15 minutes of administration for some patients.
The recommended starting dose of Stendra is 100 mg taken approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity. Patients should not take more than one dose per day and should consult their healthcare provider if they experience any vision changes or sudden loss of vision (NAION).
It is important to note that both Stendra and Viagra require a prescription from a healthcare provider. The cost of Stendra is generally higher than Viagra but can vary depending on factors such as dosage and insurance coverage.
In clinical trials, Stendra was shown to be effective in improving erectile function compared to placebo when taken as needed up to once daily for up to 12 weeks. An extension trial showed that patients who continued treatment with Stendra experienced sustained improvement in erectile function for up to one year.
Patients should monitor themselves for any changes in vision or hearing while taking this medication and seek medical attention if necessary. Additionally, patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or those taking nitrates should consult their healthcare provider before taking Stendra.
Stendra is available in tablet form and comes in doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. It should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Understanding How Stendra (Avanafil) Works
Metabolism of Avanafil
Avanafil, the active ingredient in Stendra, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. However, avanafil is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver. This means that concomitant use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with avanafil can reduce its clearance and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Patients taking other medications that are CYP3A4 inhibitors or substrates should avoid coadministration with Stendra or use an alternate drug. Some drugs that may interact with avanafil include ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, and grapefruit juice. These drugs can increase the levels of avanafil in the body and lead to adverse effects such as hypotension (low blood pressure), syncope (fainting), and priapism (prolonged erection).
Monitoring for Adverse Effects
Patients taking concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors should be monitored closely for adverse effects and may require a lower dose of avanafil. In one study, coadministration of 200 mg ketoconazole twice daily with a single 200 mg dose of avanafil resulted in a 13-fold increase in exposure to avanafil compared to when it was administered alone. This highlights the importance of monitoring patients who are taking these medications together.
Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates
Avanafil may also interact with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates, such as alfuzosin and tamsulosin. These medications are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and can cause hypotension when taken together with avanafil. Caution should be exercised when using these medications together.
Recommended Dosages for Stendra (Avanafil)
Stendra, also known as avanafil, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is available in tablet form and works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection. However, it is important for patients to carefully review the prescribing information before taking Stendra to understand its potential side effects and how to properly administer the medication.
What is the Recommended Dose for Stendra?
The recommended starting dose of Stendra is 100 mg taken orally approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity. The dose may be increased or decreased based on individual response and tolerability, but should not exceed a maximum single oral dose of 200 mg. Patients should not take more than one dose per day.
How Much Does Stendra (Avanafil) Cost?
The cost of Stendra can vary depending on factors such as dosage strength, quantity prescribed, and insurance coverage. However, according to GoodRx, the average retail price for six tablets of Stendra 100 mg is around $380.
How Much Stendra Should I Take?
Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosing and administration of Stendra. It is important not to exceed the recommended maximum single oral dose of 200 mg per day.
How To Take Avanafil (Stendra)?
Stendra should be taken orally approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity with or without food. Patients should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication as it may increase plasma concentrations of avanafil.
What Milligram Does Stendra Come In?
Stendra comes in several milligram strengths including 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets. The recommended starting dose is typically 100 mg taken orally approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity.
Potential Side Effects
While rare, patients taking Stendra should be aware of potential vision changes or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and should monitor for nasal congestion or other changes while taking the medication. The significance of these potential side effects is currently unknown.
Dose Reduction in Patients with Moderate Hepatic Impairment
Patients with moderate hepatic impairment should start with a lower dose of Stendra, such as 50 mg taken orally approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity. The maximum recommended single oral dose for patients with moderate hepatic impairment is 100 mg per day.
Nitrate Administration
Stendra should not be taken concurrently with nitrates as it may cause a significant decrease in blood pressure. Patients who are taking nitrates for chest pain or heart problems should not take Stendra.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Stendra (Avanafil)
Possible Side Effects of Stendra
Take Avanafil with caution. Although it is generally safe and well-tolerated, like any medication, it may cause side effects. It is important to be aware of the risks and warnings associated with taking this medication.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects of Stendra include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, back pain, and stomach upset. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate in severity and resolve on their own within a few hours. If they persist or worsen over time, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Certain Side Effects
In some cases, Stendra can cause more serious side effects such as sudden vision loss or hearing impairment. If you experience any changes in vision or hearing while taking this medication, seek medical attention immediately.
Serious Side Effects
Other serious side effects that may occur with Stendra include chest pain or discomfort, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting spells. These symptoms could indicate a heart attack or stroke and require immediate medical attention.
Unwanted Side Effects
Stendra may also cause unwanted side effects such as priapism (a prolonged erection lasting longer than four hours), which can damage the penis if left untreated. Seek emergency medical care if you experience an erection that lasts longer than four hours.
Precautions
If you have a history of cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking Stendra since it can lower blood pressure levels significantly leading to hypotensive effects. Also avoid using nitrates while taking avanafil since this combination can lead to significant adverse events including death.
Increased Risk
Men who take higher doses of avanafil (200 mg) are at increased risk for certain side effects compared to those who take lower doses (50-100 mg). Therefore men should start with the lowest effective dose possible.
Symptoms
Drug Interactions and Similar Drugs to Stendra (Avanafil)
Recommended Dose and Maximum Dose of Stendra
The recommended dose of Stendra (avanafil) is a single oral dose of 100 mg taken approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity. The maximum recommended dose of Stendra is 200 mg, and doses above this have not been studied in clinical trials. Total avanafil exposure increases proportionally with increasing doses of Stendra up to the maximum recommended dose.
Dose Reduction for Patients with Moderate Hepatic Impairment
Dose reduction to 50 mg is recommended for patients with moderate hepatic impairment, as plasma concentrations of avanafil may be increased in these patients. This recommendation is based on a pharmacokinetic study that showed an increase in Cmax and AUC by 2- and 3-fold, respectively, in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment compared to healthy subjects.
Drug Interactions
Co-administration of nitrates with Stendra is contraindicated due to the potential for a maximum decrease in blood pressure of 5 mmHg. Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or ritonavir should be avoided as they can increase avanafil exposure by more than 10-fold. Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin or diltiazem can also reduce avanafil clearance, but the effect is less pronounced than that observed with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Other Medications That May Affect Stendra
Other medications that may affect the metabolism of avanafil include sensitive CYP3A4 substrates such as simvastatin or lovastatin. Co-administration of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as fluconazole or verapamil may require dose adjustment based on individual patient response. Patients taking concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors should be monitored closely for adverse effects related to avanafil exposure.
Alternatives to Stendra
If a patient is taking a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate or a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, it may be necessary to use an alternate drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Other phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil can be used as alternatives to Stendra. However, it is important to note that these drugs also have potential drug interactions with other medications and should be used with caution in patients taking concomitant medications.
Ingredients in Stendra
The active ingredient in Stendra is avanafil. In addition to avanafil, the tablet contains croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.
Comparing Stendra (Avanafil) to Other Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Possible side effects of taking avanafil
Taking avanafil, like any other medication, may lead to possible side effects. Common side effects of taking 50 mg avanafil include headache, flushing, and nasal congestion. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few hours. However, certain side effects of avanafil may require medical attention, such as sudden vision loss or hearing loss. In rare cases, serious side effects associated with avanafil include chest pain and difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention.
Precautions when using avanafil
Precautions should be taken when using avanafil as it may increase the risk of hypotensive effects when combined with certain medications or alcohol. For example, alpha blockers used for high blood pressure can interact with avanafil and cause a drop in blood pressure that can be dangerous. Desipramine is another medication that can interact with avanafil and increase the risk of adverse events.
Significant adverse events associated with stendra
Significant adverse events and associated adverse events have been reported with the use of avanafil, and individuals should be aware of the potential risks before taking this medication. Priapism (a painful erection that lasts more than four hours) is a rare but serious side effect that can occur when taking PDE5 inhibitors like stendra. This condition requires immediate medical attention to avoid permanent damage to erectile tissue.
How is stendra different from other ED medications?
Stendra (avanafil) is a new medication for erectile dysfunction (ED) that works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Like other PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), stendra works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). By blocking PDE5, these medications allow the smooth muscles in the penis to relax and increase blood flow, resulting in an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Clinical trials on stendra
Clinical trials have shown that stendra is effective in treating ED and has a rapid onset of action, with some men experiencing results within 15 minutes of taking the medication. However, it is important to note that stendra may not be suitable for everyone, and individuals should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical history and any medications they are taking before starting treatment with this medication.
Side Effects and Cost Comparison of Stendra vs Viagra
Difference Between Stendra and Viagra
Stendra (avanafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are two popular medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Both drugs belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), which work by increasing blood flow to the penis, leading to an erection. However, there are some differences between these two medications that patients should be aware of.
Onset of Action
One key difference between Stendra and Viagra is the onset of action. While both medications work similarly, Stendra has a faster onset of action than Viagra. Clinical trials have shown that Stendra can start working within 15 minutes after taking the medication, compared to about 30-60 minutes for Viagra.
Duration of Action
Another difference between these two medications is their duration of action. While both drugs can help men achieve an erection sufficient for sexual activity, Stendra’s effects typically last for about 6 hours, while Viagra’s effects may last up to 4-5 hours.
Side Effects
Like all medications, both Stendra and Viagra can cause side effects. Common side effects associated with PDE5 inhibitors include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and upset stomach. However, clinical studies have shown that avanafil may be less likely to cause certain side effects such as vision changes or back pain compared to sildenafil.
Cost Comparison
The prices vary depending on several factors such as dosage strength and quantity purchased. Generally speaking, brand-name versions of both drugs tend to be more expensive than their generic counterparts. According to GoodRx.com as of August 2021:
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The average retail price for six tablets (100mg) of brand-name Stendra is around $710.
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The average retail price for six tablets (100mg) of brand-name Viagra is around $380.
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The average retail price for six tablets (100mg) of generic Stendra is around $180.
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The average retail price for six tablets (100mg) of generic Viagra is around $80.
It’s worth noting that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on location and other factors. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the most cost-effective option for them.
Using Stendra or Viagra with Alcohol: What You Should Be Aware Of
Drinking alcohol while taking Stendra or Viagra can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and decreased vision. Patients should use caution when consuming alcohol while taking these medications and monitor closely for any adverse effects.
Patients need to be aware of the potential risks involved. Both medications work by relaxing blood vessels in the body, which can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Alcohol has similar effects on the body, so combining the two substances can be dangerous.
Patients who choose to drink alcohol while taking Stendra or Viagra may experience an increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and decreased vision. These symptoms are more likely to occur if a patient drinks large amounts of alcohol or has preexisting medical conditions that affect their ability to metabolize drugs.
Renal impairment may also increase the risk of side effects, so patients with this condition should be advised to use caution when drinking alcohol. This is because the liver and kidneys are responsible for breaking down drugs in the body, and impaired kidney function can lead to an accumulation of medication in the bloodstream.
It is important for patients to see warnings about contraindicated use of Stendra or Viagra with alcohol on the medication label. These warnings are included for a reason – they indicate that combining these substances can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Overdose and Missed Dose of Stendra: What Happens?
Fatal Consequences of Stendra Overdose
Sudden vision loss, severe hypotension, and syncope are some of the fatal consequences of Stendra overdose. If you take more than the prescribed dose, it can lead to low blood pressure and systemic exposure to increased levels of the drug. This can result in permanent loss of vision or other serious complications.
If you experience any symptoms following administration of Stendra, such as sudden vision loss or syncope, seek emergency medical help right away. These may be signs of a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
Close Medical Supervision is Necessary
Close medical supervision is necessary to prevent low blood pressure and systemic exposure to increased levels of the drug. This will help minimize the risk of potential side effects associated with an overdose.
In case you have overdosed on Stendra, your doctor may recommend inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to reduce absorption in your body. However, these measures should only be taken under medical supervision.
Missed Dose: What Happens?
If you miss a dose of Stendra, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
It is important to maintain consistency in taking medication at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Missing doses can affect treatment efficacy and increase the risk of developing resistance to medication.
Is Stendra Right for You?
In conclusion, Stendra (Avanafil) is a highly effective medication for treating erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, leading to a stronger and longer-lasting erection. The recommended dosage varies depending on individual needs and health conditions, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Stendra.
While Stendra has been shown to have fewer side effects compared to other ED medications like Viagra, it still poses some risks such as headaches, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Additionally, it may interact with other medications or supplements which can lead to serious complications.
When deciding whether Stendra is right for you, it’s important to consider your overall health and medical history. If you have any underlying health conditions or take certain medications that could interact with Stendra, it may not be the best option for you.
Ultimately, the decision to take Stendra should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can help determine if it’s safe and appropriate based on your individual needs and medical history.