Description
Indications
Stendra is a prescribed medication indicated for the management of erectile dysfunction (ED), which refers to the incapacity of men to attain or sustain an erection.
As a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, Stendra promotes erectile function by augmenting penile blood circulation in response to sexual stimulation.
Uses and Dosage
Before taking Stendra and with every prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for any inquiries or concerns.
The dosage of this medication may vary per individual based on medical condition, response to the treatment, and concurrent use of other medicines.
Stendra is typically taken as needed, regardless of food intake, with varying doses indicating a 15 or 30-minute intake before sexual activity.
Adhere closely to your doctor’s guidance regarding the timing before sexual activity for medication intake, and refrain from exceeding a once-daily dosage.
Notify your doctor promptly about any lack of efficacy or occurrence of side effects while using Stendra.
Side Effects
Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Stendra. Notify your doctor right away if any of them last or worsen.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling sensation)
- Cold symptoms:
- Runny or congested nose
- Sore throat
- Back pain
Serious Side Effects
- Changes in vision, abrupt vision loss
- Ringing in ears, sudden hearing loss
- Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs
- Shortness of breath, swelling in hands or feet
- Feeling light-headed, potential fainting
- A prolonged, painful erection lasting 4 hours or more
- Dizziness, nausea, or experience pain, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw during sexual activity
Stop taking Stendra and call your doctor immediately for medical help if any of the serious side effects above are experienced.
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Stendra may occur. Seek prompt medical attention in case of any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lip, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
Not all side effects of Stendra are included in this list. Inform your doctor if any unlisted effects are experienced.
Cautions
Before starting treatment with Stendra, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to avanafil and other medicines.
Consult your pharmacist for more information regarding Stendra, as it may contain inactive ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
To ensure Stendra is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of:
- Recent heart problems (e.g., heart attack, life-threatening irregular heartbeat in the last 6 months, angina, heart failure)
- Stroke in the previous 6 months
- Kidney disease requiring dialysis
- Liver disease
- High or low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Penis conditions like angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie’s disease
- History of painful/prolonged erection (priapism)
- Conditions that elevate priapism risk (e.g., sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
- Eye issues (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa, sudden decreased vision, NAION)
- Bleeding disorders
- Active stomach ulcers
Some products may interact with Stendra, including riociguat and vericiguat. To lower the risks of such drug interactions, inform all your healthcare providers of any current or recently started or stopped medications, including prescription/nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Concurrent usage of Stendra and nitrates can lead to a notable reduction in blood pressure, which may result in symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and infrequent cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. Avoid Stendra if taking any of the following:
- Specific medications for chest pain/angina (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide)
- Recreational drugs known as “poppers” containing amyl or butyl nitrite
When concurrently using alpha blocker medication (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin) for enlarged prostate/BPH or high blood pressure, there is a potential for excessive blood pressure decrease resulting in dizziness or fainting; your doctor might initiate Stendra treatment with a lower dose to mitigate this low blood pressure risk.
Stendra’s efficacy may be influenced by the presence of other medications in your system that affect its removal from the body. Examples of such medications include:
- Adagrasib
- Azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole and ketoconazole)
- Cobicistat
- Clarithromycin
- HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir and tipranavir)
- Nefazodone
- Ribociclib
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
Refrain from consuming grapefruit products, as grapefruit can potentially interact with Stendra, causing undesired effects.
Stendra does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). To mitigate infection risk, consistently employ an efficacious barrier method (latex or polyurethane condom/dental dams) during all sexual activity.
Stendra should only be used by men. The potential risks of using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding in women are unknown.