A topic that many men have, but are a little hesitant to talk about in society, is erectile dysfunction (ED). The impact of this condition on marriage and family life, self-confidence and mental health is not insignificant. So today we are talking about one treatment for this, a drug called Avanafil. If this has been prescribed to you by a doctor, it is very important to be fully informed about it.
What is Avanafil?
Simply put, Avanafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). In some countries, it is known by the brand name Stendra.
This medicine works by dilating the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis, increasing blood flow to that area. This helps the penis become erect and maintain its erectness during sexual stimulation. But remember, this is not a medicine that increases sexual desire . Taking this medicine alone without sexual stimulation will not cause erection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Okay, now this is the most important part . Avanafil is not a one-size-fits-all drug. If you have certain health conditions, using this drug can be dangerous. Therefore, you should definitely talk to your doctor about the following things, without hiding anything .
| Health condition/problem | What you should say |
|---|---|
| Penis problems | If you have a history of penis deformities, Peyronie's disease, or prolonged painful erection (priapism). |
| Heart disease | Any type of heart disease, chest pain (angina), history of heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or other heart problem. |
| Blood pressure | If you have high or low blood pressure. |
| Eye problems | Vision problems, especially rare hereditary eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. |
| Blood-related diseases | A history of bleeding disorders or blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have liver disease, kidney disease, a history of stomach bleeding, or have had a stroke. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Avanafil or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
This medicine is for men only and is not for use in women.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a pill that you take by mouth. Take it with a glass of water. The most important thing is to take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed, and only in the dose prescribed.
- When to take: Generally, it is recommended to take this between 15 and 30 minutes before sex.
- How often to take: Do not take more than once a day. It is dangerous to take more than the doctor tells you to.
- For children: This medicine is not for children.
Attention: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Never share this medicine with others, thinking that your friend also has the same problem. Everyone's health conditions are different.
Other medicines that should not be taken with this medicine
Another very important thing is this. Avanafil can interact with some other medications. This can cause serious side effects , such as dangerously low blood pressure . Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other diseases, vitamins, traditional medicines, supplements ).
| NEVER take with these medicines |
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| These can also react - ask the doctor |
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Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Vision changes: If you notice any changes in your vision while taking the medication, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes is an emergency.
- Prolonged erection (Priapism): If the penis remains erect for more than 4 hours or if it becomes painful, it is a serious condition. It needs to be treated immediately , or permanent damage may occur. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse: If you experience nausea, dizziness, or pain in your chest or arms while taking the medication and having sex, stop and call your doctor immediately.
- Alcohol: Do not drink too much alcohol while taking this medication (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey). Doing so may cause headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure.
- Protection against sexually transmitted diseases: This medicine does not protect you or your partner from HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases. You must use additional protection methods (e.g., condoms) to prevent this.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Avanafil can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention |
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| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) |
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Take-Home Message
- Avanafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you take, especially if you are taking medications for heart disease, blood pressure problems, or nitrates.
- If you experience anything like painful erections lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), sudden vision loss, or chest pain , go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Use additional protection methods.
- Never share this medicine with others. It could be dangerous to their lives.
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