Avana (Avanafil)

Introduction

Avana is a prescription medication whose active ingredient is avanafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is supplied as oral tablets in three strengths-50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. The drug belongs to the same therapeutic class as sildenafil and tadalafil and is primarily indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Avana is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies and is marketed worldwide under the brand name Stendra among others. In addition to its approved use for ED, clinicians occasionally discuss off-label applications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, but these are not endorsed by regulatory agencies.

What is Avana?

Avana is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound avanafil. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Avana was developed by Vivus, Inc. and received FDA approval in 2012. It is classified as a selective PDE5 inhibitor, designed to increase blood flow to the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. The medication is supplied in tablet form for oral administration.

How Avana Works

Avanafil inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5, which normally degrades cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle of the penis. By preventing cGMP breakdown, avanafil enhances the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, leading to smooth-muscle relaxation and vasodilation. The resulting increase in blood flow facilitates erection when sexual arousal is present.

Key pharmacokinetic points:

• Onset: Clinical trials show erectile response as early as 15 minutes after ingestion, faster than many older PDE5 inhibitors.
• Duration: Efficacy is maintained for up to 6 hours, allowing flexibility in sexual activity timing.
• Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4, with a terminal half-life of approximately 5-7 hours. Renal excretion accounts for the remainder.

These properties make avanafil attractive for patients who desire rapid onset and a shorter window of action.

Conditions Treated with Avana

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Avana is approved to improve erectile function in men with the condition. The drug’s rapid onset and favorable side-effect profile contribute to its effectiveness. Clinical trials demonstrated statistically significant improvements in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores compared with placebo.

The medication is not approved for any other indications in the United States, European Union, or most other jurisdictions.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Avana

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Small pilot studies have explored avanafil’s vasodilatory effect on pulmonary vasculature. Although the mechanism is biologically plausible, robust phase-III data are lacking, and regulatory bodies have not approved avanafil for PAH.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms: A limited number of observational reports suggest that PDE5 inhibition might improve urinary flow, but evidence is insufficient for formal recommendation.

These uses remain experimental. Patients should discuss any off-label consideration with a qualified healthcare professional, and treatment should only be undertaken under direct medical supervision.

Is Avana the Right Medication for You?

Avana is suitable for adult men who experience occasional or consistent difficulty achieving a satisfactory erection and who have no contraindications to PDE5 inhibition. Ideal candidates include:

• Men with mild to moderate cardiovascular risk who are not taking nitrates.
• Individuals who value rapid onset (15-30 minutes) and a relatively short duration of action.

Contraindications include:

• Concurrent use of any nitrate medication (e.g., nitroglycerin).
• Known hypersensitivity to avanafil or any tablet excipients.
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension or recent myocardial infarction.

Patients with ≥ moderate to severe cardiovascular disease, significant hypotension, or a history of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy should avoid avanafil unless a physician explicitly determines safety.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion or discharge
• Back pain or muscle aches
• Dizziness

These events are usually mild to moderate and tend to resolve without medical intervention.

Rare

• Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, changes in color perception)
• Priapism (prolonged erection lasting > 4 hours)

Patients experiencing visual changes should discontinue use and seek prompt evaluation.

Serious

• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart disease.
• Sudden, unexplained hearing loss.
• Severe hypotension when combined with nitrates or potent alpha-blockers.

Any serious adverse reaction warrants immediate medical attention.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate): additive vasodilation → life-threatening hypotension.
• alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, terazosin): may cause marked blood pressure drops; dose titration and monitoring are required.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin): increase avanafil plasma concentrations → higher risk of side effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 and modestly raise avanafil levels; patients are advised to limit intake.
• Alcohol does not directly alter metabolism but may exacerbate vasodilatory effects, leading to dizziness or hypotension.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Starting Dose: 100 mg taken with water approximately 15-30 minutes before sexual activity.
• Adjustments: Depending on efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be reduced to 50 mg or increased to a maximum of 200 mg. No more than one tablet should be taken within a 24-hour period.
• Missed Dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as sexual activity is anticipated, provided at least 4 hours have passed since the previous dose. Do not double-dose to compensate.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include severe headache, hypotension, or fainting. Seek urgent medical care; supportive measures such as intravenous fluids and blood pressure monitoring are standard.

Practical precautions

• Avana may be taken with or without food; a high-fat meal can delay onset by up to 30 minutes.
• Alcohol consumption should be moderate; excessive intake may increase dizziness.
• Operating heavy machinery or driving is discouraged until the individual knows how avanafil affects them, especially after the first dose.

FAQ

• Can I store Avana in a humid climate? Avana tablets should be kept in a dry place at room temperature (20-25 °C). Excess humidity can degrade the tablet coating and reduce potency.

• What does the tablet imprint look like for the 100 mg strength? The 100 mg tablet typically bears the imprint “AV 100” on one side and a blue color matrix, though appearance may vary by manufacturer.

• Is it safe to take Avana if I have mild asthma? Mild, well-controlled asthma is not a contraindication, but patients should avoid taking the medication with oral or inhaled β-agonists that might cause cardiovascular stress. Consultation with a physician is recommended.

• Will avanafil show up on a standard drug test? Avanafil is not a controlled substance and is not included in routine employment drug-screening panels. However, specialized testing can detect it if specifically requested.

• How does avanafil compare with sildenafil regarding cardiovascular safety? Both drugs share a class-related risk profile, but avanafil’s shorter half-life may result in a slightly reduced duration of systemic vasodilation, potentially offering marginally less impact on blood pressure in susceptible patients.

• Can I travel internationally with Avana tablets in my hand luggage? Yes, provided you carry a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter and keep the medication in its original labeled container. Some countries require a declaration, so verify local regulations before departure.

• Is there a gluten-free formulation of Avana? Most generic avanafil tablets contain inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose and lactose. Patients with celiac disease should request a verified gluten-free product from a licensed pharmacy-broker.

• What should I do if I experience a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours? This condition, known as priapism, is a medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency care; delayed treatment can cause permanent tissue damage.

• Does avanafil interact with herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba? Ginkgo biloba has mild antiplatelet activity and may theoretically increase bleeding risk when combined with vasodilators, but clinical evidence is limited. Discuss supplement use with a healthcare professional.

• Why is the 50 mg dose sometimes recommended for older adults? Older patients often have reduced hepatic metabolism and may be more sensitive to vasodilatory effects. Starting at 50 mg allows clinicians to assess tolerability while minimizing hypotension risk.

Glossary

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

A class of drugs that block the PDE5 enzyme, preventing breakdown of cGMP and promoting vasodilation in penile tissue.

cGMP (Cyclic guanosine monophosphate)

A second messenger that mediates smooth-muscle relaxation; increased levels lead to the erection process.

Priapism

A prolonged, often painful erection lasting more than four hours, unrelated to sexual stimulation, requiring urgent medical intervention.

Half-life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %; avanafil’s half-life is about 5-7 hours.

Buying Avana from Our Online Pharmacy

Avana can be obtained conveniently through our online pharmacy. We source the medication directly from licensed, audited manufacturers, which allows us to offer a price close to the original production cost. Each batch undergoes strict quality verification, ensuring the tablets meet pharmaceutical standards for potency and purity.

Our delivery system is discreet and reliable: standard airmail typically arrives within three weeks, while express options deliver in 7 days or less, all packaged in unmarked, privacy-protecting envelopes. Because we act as a pharmacy-broker service, we can provide international medicines to patients who may encounter limited availability or high out-of-pocket costs at local pharmacies.

By choosing our service, patients benefit from a secure procurement channel, transparent pricing, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality throughout the ordering and fulfillment process.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Avana is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice. Treatment decisions, including any off-label applications, must be made under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy supplies Avana to individuals who may experience limited access via traditional pharmacy channels or who seek affordable generic alternatives. Always consult a qualified practitioner before initiating, altering, or discontinuing any medication.