Avana (Avanafil)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Collins, MPharm, AHPRA Registered Pharmacist — Updated January 2026

What Is Avana — and How Does It Relate to Spedra in Australia?

Avanafil is the active ingredient in both brand Spedra (Menarini Group, TGA-registered in Australia) and generic Avana (Sunrise Remedies). Both contain identical Avanafil at the same dosage — the difference is the manufacturer, brand name, and price.

Spedra is one of the few TGA-registered branded ED medications available in Australia. Generic Avanafil (Avana) contains the same active molecule at the same dosage. The price difference exists because generic manufacturers do not bear Menarini's research, development, and TGA registration costs.

Avana vs Viagra vs Cialis vs Levitra — The Complete Comparison

Choose Avana (Avanafil) if: you want the absolute fastest onset of all four ED drug classes, you have experienced visual blue tinge with Sildenafil, you take antiarrhythmic medications and want the PDE5 inhibitor with the lowest cardiac risk profile, you have tried other PDE5 inhibitors with suboptimal results, or you want the newest-generation medication with the most favourable selectivity profile.

Note on cost: Avana is priced higher than Sildenafil and Tadalafil generics due to Avanafil's newer patent landscape and lower generic production volume globally. For cost-sensitive Australian men comfortable with Sildenafil or Tadalafil, those remain excellent lower-cost options.

How Does Avana Work — The Science Behind 15-Minute Onset

Avanafil works through the same fundamental PDE5 inhibition mechanism as all ED medications — but its molecular structure gives it distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages.

During sexual arousal, nitric oxide (NO) is released in penile tissue, stimulating production of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). cGMP relaxes the smooth muscle of blood vessels in the corpus cavernosum, allowing increased blood flow and producing a firm erection. PDE5 breaks down cGMP — shortening the erection window. Avanafil competitively inhibits PDE5, preserving cGMP levels and enabling sustained erection during sexual stimulation.

Why Avanafil reaches therapeutic levels faster: Avanafil reaches maximum serum concentration in approximately 30 to 45 minutes — faster than Sildenafil (60 minutes) and significantly faster than Tadalafil (120 minutes). More importantly, therapeutic concentrations sufficient to produce an erection are reached in many men within 15 minutes. In a dedicated randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Hellstrom et al., Journal of Urology, 2015) specifically investigating efficacy at 15 minutes after dosing, Avanafil 100 mg and 200 mg demonstrated statistically significant improvements in erectile function versus placebo — making it the only PDE5 inhibitor with published clinical evidence of efficacy at the 15-minute time point.

Why Avanafil causes the fewest visual side effects: Sildenafil has moderate cross-reactivity with PDE6 — the enzyme in retinal photoreceptors responsible for visual signal transduction. This causes the blue tinge and visual disturbances seen with Sildenafil. Avanafil has approximately 100-fold greater selectivity for PDE5 over PDE6 compared to Sildenafil. This is why visual colour disturbances are not a reported side effect of Avanafil — making it the preferred choice for Australian men who have experienced visual side effects with Sildenafil.

Why Avanafil has the safest cardiac profile: Vardenafil prolongs the QT interval more than other PDE5 inhibitors — requiring caution in men taking antiarrhythmic medications. Avanafil has a more favourable QT-interval profile than Vardenafil. Additionally, Avanafil is more selective for PDE5 over PDE11 (expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle) than Tadalafil — which may explain why back pain and muscle aches are less common with Avanafil than with Tadalafil.

Critical: Avana works only with sexual stimulation. Without arousal, no erection occurs regardless of dose. It is not an aphrodisiac and does not increase sexual desire. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Clinical Evidence — Avanafil's Track Record

Avanafil was approved by the US FDA in April 2012 and by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in June 2013. Menarini Group holds the licence for Spedra (Avanafil) in Australia and New Zealand, where it carries TGA registration as a Schedule 4 prescription medicine.

Key clinical studies:

• 15-minute onset (Hellstrom et al., Journal of Urology, 2015): Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrating statistically significant efficacy of Avanafil 100 mg and 200 mg at 15 minutes after dosing. No other PDE5 inhibitor has published clinical evidence of efficacy at this early time point.
• Diabetes population (Goldstein et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2012): Multicentre, randomised, double-blind study in men with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Avanafil demonstrated significant improvements in erectile function versus placebo in this challenging population — validating it as an effective option for Australian men with diabetic ED.
• General ED efficacy (Goldstein et al., 2012): Phase III trial demonstrating that 77% of men on Avanafil 200 mg reported improved erections versus 25% on placebo — a large and statistically robust treatment effect.
• Post-prostatectomy ED (Mulhall et al.): Clinical studies demonstrating Avanafil efficacy in men who have undergone nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy — relevant for Australian men treated for prostate cancer.

About Sunrise Remedies — The Manufacturer of Avana

Avana is manufactured by Sunrise Remedies Pvt Ltd — an Indian pharmaceutical company specialising in ED medications and men's health products. Sunrise Remedies holds GMP certification and produces a range of PDE5 inhibitor products exported to international markets including Europe and Australia.

Sunrise Remedies produces Avana (Avanafil) in the same 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg dosages as brand Spedra — to the same pharmaceutical quality standards required for international pharmaceutical export. The Avana brand is Sunrise Remedies' Avanafil product, sold internationally as an affordable generic equivalent to Spedra.

Dosage Guide — Avana in Australia

Dosage options:

• 50 mg — lowest available dose. Recommended starting dose for men over 65, those with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, or men taking medications that may increase Avanafil blood levels (certain CYP3A4 inhibitors). Also appropriate for men who find 100 mg too strong.
• 100 mg — standard recommended starting dose for most Australian men. Take approximately 15 to 30 minutes before planned sexual activity.
• 200 mg — maximum recommended dose. Use only if 100 mg is insufficient. The 200 mg dose produced the strongest onset-at-15-minutes results in clinical trials.

When to take: Take 15 to 30 minutes before planned sexual activity — this is significantly faster than any other ED medication. Sexual stimulation is required for the medication to work.

With or without food: Avanafil absorption is minimally affected by food — including moderate-fat meals. Unlike Sildenafil, you can take Avana after a standard meal without significantly impacting onset. A very high-fat meal may modestly slow absorption but the clinical impact is minimal.

Maximum frequency: No more than once per 24 hours.

First-time users: Start with 100 mg. Allow at least 6 to 8 attempts before concluding the medication is not effective — initial performance anxiety is very common and does not indicate the medication is failing.

Price Comparison — Avana vs Spedra Brand vs Other ED Medications in Australia

For Australian men who specifically need the fastest-acting ED medication — or who have experienced unsatisfactory results or visual side effects with other PDE5 inhibitors — Avana represents significant savings versus brand Spedra while maintaining the same active ingredient. The cost premium over Sildenafil reflects Avanafil's newer molecule and the smaller global generic production volume.

Legal Status in Australia — TGA Schedule 4 and Personal Importation

TGA status: Avanafil is a Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substance in Australia. Brand Spedra (Menarini) is TGA-registered and available at Australian chemists on prescription. The Avana brand by Sunrise Remedies is not individually listed on Australia's Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

TGA Personal Importation Scheme: The TGA Personal Importation Scheme permits Australian residents to import up to a 3-month personal supply of most medications for personal use from international sources. For Avanafil products including Avana, personal-use quantities from reputable international sources are generally permitted under this scheme. Australian Border Force may inspect incoming parcels — enforcement against personal-use quantities is rare.

Our recommendation: Consult an Australian GP, urologist, or AHPRA-registered pharmacist before taking Avanafil for the first time — particularly if you take heart medications, blood pressure drugs, nitrates, alpha-blockers, or antiarrhythmic medications. Australian telehealth services including Eucalyptus (Pilot), Kin Health, InstantScripts, and HotDoc offer same-day ED consultations.

Drug Interactions — What Australian Men Must Know

Avanafil interacts with several medication groups. Always inform your Australian GP or pharmacist about all medications you take before starting Avana.

Absolute contraindications — never combine:

• Nitrate medications (nitroglycerin/GTN spray, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate) — used for angina and heart disease. The combination causes severe, potentially life-threatening hypotension. Absolute contraindication — no safe dose of Avanafil for men taking nitrates in any form.
• Poppers (amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite) — recreational drugs with nitrate action widely used in Australia. Same dangerous blood pressure drop as cardiac nitrates. Absolute contraindication.
• Riociguat (Adempas) — used for pulmonary hypertension. Severe hypotension. Absolute contraindication.
• Other PDE5 inhibitors (Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil) — never take two ED medications simultaneously or within 24 hours.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors — ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, nefazodone: These medications significantly inhibit the metabolism of Avanafil, leading to substantially elevated blood levels. Avanafil is contraindicated in combination with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors — more so than other PDE5 inhibitors. This is an important and specific Avanafil interaction that Australian men must be aware of.

Use with caution — inform your doctor:

• Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin/Flomax, doxazosin/Cardura) — used for BPH or hypertension. The combination can cause significant blood pressure drop. Start Avanafil at 50 mg under medical supervision if taking an alpha-blocker.
• Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, amprenavir) — can increase Avanafil levels. Maximum 50 mg per dose recommended with these medications.
• Antihypertensive medications — additive blood pressure lowering effect possible. Monitor blood pressure when starting Avana.
• Alcohol — one to two standard Australian drinks are tolerable for most healthy men. Larger amounts increase blood pressure drop risk and can independently impair erection quality.
• Grapefruit juice — can moderately increase Avanafil blood levels. Best avoided on the day of use.

Side Effects of Avana (Avanafil)

Common side effects (affect 1 in 10 users):

• Headaches
• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Back pain — less common than with Tadalafil
• Dizziness

Avana does NOT cause: visual colour disturbances or blue tinge — this is specific to Sildenafil's lower PDE6 selectivity. Avanafil's superior PDE5/PDE6 selectivity ratio means visual side effects are not a reported feature of this medication.

Rare but serious — seek immediate attention at your nearest Australian emergency department:

• Priapism — painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. Requires immediate hospital treatment. Call 000 or go to your nearest ED immediately.
• Sudden vision loss — stop Avana immediately and seek urgent medical attention.
• Sudden hearing loss or tinnitus — stop immediately and seek medical attention.
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, tongue, throat — difficulty breathing).
• Chest pain during or after sexual activity — stop immediately and call 000.

Who Should Not Take Avana

Avanafil is contraindicated in men who:

• Take nitrate medications or nitric oxide donors in any form
• Take riociguat (Adempas)
• Take strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, nefazodone)
• Have severe cardiovascular disease or recent heart attack or stroke (within 3 months)
• Have unstable angina
• Have severe hepatic impairment
• Have hereditary degenerative retinal disorders (retinitis pigmentosa)
• Have uncontrolled hypotension or hypertension
• Have a history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
• Are women or children — Avanafil for ED is indicated for adult males only

Where to Buy Avana (Avanafil / Spedra Generic) in Australia

Brand Spedra (Avanafil by Menarini) is available at Australian chemists on prescription at AU$35–60 per pill. Generic Avana (Avanafil by Sunrise Remedies) is not available at Australian chemists but can be purchased through the TGA Personal Importation Scheme from reputable international online pharmacies.

At redstonerx-au.com you can order Avana (Avanafil) in dosages 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg starting from A$4.77 per pill — with discreet delivery to all Australian states and territories in 4 to 9 business days. All orders are shipped in plain, unmarked packaging with no reference to the contents or sender. A tracking number is provided with every order.

Delivery to All Australian States and Territories

RedstoneRX ships discreetly to all Australian states and territories. Standard delivery: 4–9 business days.

New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast) — Victoria (Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo) — Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville) — Western Australia (Perth, Fremantle, Mandurah, Bunbury) — South Australia (Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla) — Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, Devonport) — Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) — Northern Territory (Darwin, Alice Springs).

Frequently Asked Questions — Avana (Avanafil) in Australia

Is Avana the same as Spedra in Australia? Therapeutically identical — both contain Avanafil at the same dosage. Spedra is the brand name by Menarini Group, TGA-registered in Australia. Avana is the generic equivalent by Sunrise Remedies. The mechanism of action, 15-minute onset, duration, efficacy, and side effect profile are identical. Avana is purchased through the TGA Personal Importation Scheme as it is not individually ARTG-registered under the Avana brand name.

How fast does Avana work in Australia? Avana (Avanafil) is the fastest-acting ED medication available — onset in as little as 15 minutes for many men, compared to 15–30 minutes for Vardenafil, and 30–60 minutes for Sildenafil and Tadalafil. A dedicated clinical study (Hellstrom et al., 2015) specifically demonstrated statistically significant efficacy at the 15-minute time point — making Avanafil unique among all PDE5 inhibitors.

Is Avanafil better than Viagra in Australia? For specific situations — yes. Avanafil (Avana) has faster onset (15 min vs 30–60 min for Sildenafil), causes no visual colour disturbances (blue tinge), and has a safer cardiac selectivity profile. It costs more than Sildenafil generic. For first-time users on a budget, Viagra Generic (Sildenafil) remains the standard recommendation. For men who have experienced visual side effects with Sildenafil or who need the fastest possible onset — Avanafil is the superior choice.

Is Spedra / Avanafil available in Australia without prescription? Brand Spedra requires a prescription at Australian chemists. The TGA Personal Importation Scheme allows Australian residents to import up to a 3-month personal supply of Avanafil from international online pharmacies without an Australian prescription. This is generally permitted under Australian law for personal use quantities.

What is the difference between Avana 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg? 100 mg is the standard recommended starting dose for most Australian men. 50 mg is recommended for men over 65 or those taking medications that affect Avanafil metabolism. 200 mg is the maximum dose — use only if 100 mg is insufficient. Clinical trials demonstrated the strongest 15-minute onset results with the 200 mg dose.

Can I take Avana with food in Australia? Yes — unlike Sildenafil (Viagra) which is significantly delayed by high-fat meals, Avanafil absorption is minimally affected by standard meals. You can take Avana after a dinner or restaurant meal and expect onset within 15 to 30 minutes.

Why does Avana not cause blue tinge like Viagra? Sildenafil cross-reacts with PDE6 — the enzyme in retinal photoreceptors. This is why some men see a blue tinge with Viagra. Avanafil has approximately 100-fold greater selectivity for PDE5 over PDE6 than Sildenafil, eliminating this visual side effect. Australian men who have experienced visual disturbances with Sildenafil should consider Avanafil as an alternative.

How long does Avana last in Australia? 4 to 6 hours — the same as Sildenafil and Vardenafil. For longer duration, Tadalafil (Cialis Generic) with up to 36 hours is the appropriate choice.

How long does delivery of Avana to Australia take? Standard delivery to all Australian states and territories takes 4 to 9 business days. Express shipping is also available. All orders are delivered in plain, unmarked packaging with a tracking number.

Will Avana be stopped at Australian customs? Shipments from international sources carry a risk of inspection by Australian Border Force. Under the TGA Personal Importation Scheme, personal-use quantities (up to 3 months' supply) are generally permitted. All shipments from RedstoneRX are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no reference to the contents. A tracking number is included with every order.