Introduction
Stendra helps men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s a newer drug that works faster and may cause fewer side effects than similar medications. This guide covers how Stendra works, its benefits, proper use, side effects, and key facts patients should know.
What is Stendra?
The FDA approved Stendra (avanafil) in 2012 to treat erectile dysfunction. It belongs to a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, which also includes Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.
Quick Facts:
- Generic Name: Avanafil
- Brand Name: Stendra
- Type of Drug: PDE5 inhibitor
- FDA Approval: 2012
- Available Doses: 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets
How Stendra Works
Stendra helps create and maintain erections. When a man is aroused, his body releases nitric oxide in the penis. This triggers a substance called cGMP that relaxes muscles and increases blood flow. More blood flow leads to an erection.
An enzyme called PDE5 breaks down cGMP, which can stop erections. Stendra blocks this enzyme. This allows blood to flow into the penis when a man is sexually stimulated.
Stendra targets the PDE5 enzyme more precisely than other similar drugs. This may explain why it causes fewer side effects in some men.
Benefits Compared to Other ED Drugs
Studies show Stendra works well for many men with ED, including those with diabetes or who have had prostate surgery.
Works Faster
One major advantage of Stendra is how quickly it works:
- Stendra: Works in 15-30 minutes
- Viagra/Levitra: Takes 30-60 minutes
- Cialis: Takes 30-60 minutes (daily Cialis works continuously)
In clinical tests, about 70% of men taking 100 mg and 80% taking 200 mg had better erections. Only 35% improved with placebo.
How Long It Works
Stendra typically works for about 6 hours. This is:
- Longer than Viagra and Levitra (4-5 hours)
- Shorter than Cialis (up to 36 hours)
This “middle ground” duration gives more flexibility than Viagra but doesn’t last as long as Cialis.
How to Take Stendra
Stendra comes in three strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. Take it by mouth with water.
Dosing Tips:
- Starting Dose: Usually 100 mg taken 30 minutes before sex
- Adjusting Your Dose: Your doctor may change your dose based on how well it works
- How Often: Take at most once per day
- Food: You can take it with or without food
Unlike some ED drugs, fatty meals don’t greatly affect how Stendra works.
Possible Side Effects
All drugs can cause side effects. Stendra seems to cause fewer problems than similar drugs.
Common Side Effects:
- Headache (5-10% of men)
- Flushing/redness (3-5% of men)
- Stuffy nose
- Back pain
- Dizziness
Less Common Side Effects:
- Changes in vision
- Upset stomach
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects (Rare):
- Erection lasting over 4 hours
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden hearing loss
- Allergic reactions
- Heart problems in men with existing heart conditions
Studies show fewer men experience side effects with Stendra compared to other ED drugs. This may be because it targets the PDE5 enzyme more precisely.
Drug Interactions to Watch For
Some medications don’t mix well with Stendra.
Never Take With:
- Nitrates: Never take with chest pain drugs like nitroglycerin – this can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure
- Alpha-blockers: Use with caution; be on a stable dose before starting Stendra
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV drugs may require dose adjustments
Other Important Interactions:
- Alcohol: Up to 3 drinks seems safe, but avoid excessive drinking
- Grapefruit juice: May increase Stendra levels in your blood
- Other ED treatments: Don’t use together with other ED drugs
Special Situations
Age Factors:
- Older Adults (65+): No special dose changes needed, but may be more sensitive to side effects
- Under 18: Not for use in children or teens
Health Conditions:
- Heart Disease: Men with unstable chest pain, recent heart attack, certain irregular heartbeats, or heart failure should avoid Stendra
- Kidney Problems: Mild to moderate kidney issues usually don’t require dose changes
- Liver Problems: May need lower doses; not recommended for severe liver disease
- Penis Abnormalities: Men with Peyronie’s disease should use with caution
- Risk of Prolonged Erections: Men with sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia face higher risks
Cost and Insurance Coverage
As a brand-name drug with no generic version, Stendra costs more than generic alternatives.
Approximate Retail Prices (without insurance):
- Stendra 100 mg (10 tablets): $500-650
- Generic sildenafil 100 mg (10 tablets): $30-60
- Generic tadalafil 10 mg (10 tablets): $70-150
Many insurance plans don’t cover Stendra or require special approval. Coverage varies widely between insurance companies.
Ways to Save Money:
- Manufacturer discount cards
- Patient assistance programs
- Online pharmacy discounts
- Prescription discount cards
- Shop around at different pharmacies
What Experts Say
Dr. Irwin Goldstein, director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital, says: “Avanafil offers important benefits for men with erectile dysfunction. Its selectivity and quick action may help patients who get side effects from other ED drugs.”
Dr. Abraham Morgentaler from Harvard Medical School adds: “The best ED drug works quickly, works well, and has few side effects. Stendra fits this profile well. It’s especially good for men who want spontaneity or who get visual side effects from other drugs.”
Other Potential Uses
While the FDA approved Stendra only for erectile dysfunction, doctors sometimes prescribe it for other conditions:
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Other similar drugs help this condition
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Limited research exists for Stendra, but similar drugs show some benefit
- Enlarged Prostate Symptoms: Cialis is approved for this, but Stendra is not yet
Talk to your doctor before taking Stendra for any condition other than ED.
Research and Clinical Trials
Several major studies led to Stendra’s approval:
- TA-301 Study: Tested 646 men with ED. All three Stendra doses worked better than placebo.
- TA-302 Study: Studied 390 men with both ED and diabetes. Stendra worked well despite diabetes making ED harder to treat.
- TA-303 Study: Focused on 298 men after prostate removal surgery. Stendra helped restore erectile function.
- TA-314 Study: Showed about 36% of men could have successful sex within 15 minutes of taking Stendra 200 mg.
Research continues to explore new uses and long-term safety.
Common Questions
How quickly does Stendra work?
Stendra can work in as little as 15 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest ED drugs. Most men should take it 30 minutes before sex.
Can I take Stendra with food?
Yes, you can take it with or without food. High-fat meals don’t affect Stendra as much as they do other ED drugs.
How does Stendra compare to Viagra?
Both work similarly, but Stendra works faster (15-30 minutes vs. 30-60 minutes). It may cause fewer vision-related side effects and works better with food.
Can I drink alcohol with Stendra?
Moderate drinking (up to 3 drinks) seems safe with Stendra. Avoid heavy drinking as it can increase side effects and worsen ED.
Is Stendra safe for men with heart problems?
Men with stable, controlled heart disease may take Stendra. Those with unstable chest pain, recent heart attack, severe heart failure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid it. Always ask your heart doctor first.
Can women take Stendra?
No, Stendra is not approved for women and hasn’t been well-studied in females.
How long does Stendra stay in your system?
Stendra has a half-life of about 5 hours. This means it takes about 5 hours for your body to clear half of the drug. Effects typically last about 6 hours, but this varies by person.
Summary
Stendra offers good options for treating erectile dysfunction. It works quickly, lasts a moderate time, and may cause fewer side effects. These benefits make it a good choice, especially for men who get side effects from other ED drugs or who want spontaneity.
Talk with your doctor about whether Stendra is right for you. They can evaluate your health, check for drug interactions, and help with specific needs. While more expensive than generic options, Stendra may offer benefits worth the cost for some men.
ED affects many men and can hurt quality of life and relationships. With proper medical guidance, drugs like Stendra can help restore sexual function and confidence.