Avanafil Is a Fast-Acting Prescription Medication for Erectile Dysfunction

Avanafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Sold under the brand name Stendra, it belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors — the same class as Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra). What sets Avanafil apart is its fast onset of action: it can start working in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Whether your doctor just mentioned Avanafil as an option or you're researching it on your own, this guide covers everything you need to know — from how it works to how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Avanafil?

Here are the key facts:

• Generic name: Avanafil
• Brand name: Stendra (U.S.), Spedra (Europe)
• Drug class: PDE5 inhibitor
• Manufacturer: Originally developed by Vivus LLC. Brand rights are now held by Petros Pharmaceuticals. Generic Avanafil became available in 2024 from manufacturers including Hetero Labs and Camber Pharmaceuticals.
• FDA approval: Avanafil was approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
• Controlled substance: No — Avanafil is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule.

What Is Avanafil Used For?

Avanafil is FDA-approved for one indication: erectile dysfunction. ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It's one of the most common men's health conditions, affecting an estimated 30 million men in the United States.

Avanafil works by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It does not increase sexual desire, and it will not cause an erection without physical stimulation. For a detailed explanation of how the medication works in your body, see our guide on how Avanafil works.

There is limited research into potential off-label uses, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and Raynaud's phenomenon, but these are not FDA-approved indications.

How Is Avanafil Taken?

Avanafil comes as an oral tablet in three strengths:

• 50 mg
• 100 mg (recommended starting dose)
• 200 mg

Dosing Instructions

• Take Avanafil approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity.
• It can be taken with or without food. Heavy, high-fat meals may slightly delay how quickly it starts working, but they don't significantly reduce its effectiveness.
• Do not take more than one dose per day.
• The recommended starting dose is 100 mg. Your doctor may adjust this up to 200 mg or down to 50 mg based on how well it works and whether you experience side effects.

How Quickly Does It Work?

Avanafil is one of the fastest-acting PDE5 inhibitors available. Some men report effects within 15 minutes, though 30 minutes is the standard recommendation. This is faster than Sildenafil (typically 30 to 60 minutes) and significantly faster than Tadalafil (which can take 1 to 2 hours for full effect, though it lasts much longer).

How Long Does It Last?

The effects of Avanafil typically last about 6 hours. This is shorter than Tadalafil's 36-hour window but comparable to Sildenafil and Vardenafil.

Who Should Not Take Avanafil?

Avanafil is not safe for everyone. The following people should not take it:

• Anyone taking nitrates — This includes Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Mononitrate, Isosorbide Dinitrate, and recreational "poppers" (amyl nitrite). Combining Avanafil with nitrates can cause a dangerous, potentially fatal drop in blood pressure.
• Anyone taking Riociguat (Adempas) — This medication for pulmonary hypertension interacts dangerously with PDE5 inhibitors.
• Anyone taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors — Medications like Ketoconazole, Ritonavir, Itraconazole, and Clarithromycin prevent your body from properly metabolizing Avanafil, leading to dangerously high drug levels.
• Anyone with a known allergy to Avanafil or any ingredients in the tablet.
• People with severe liver disease (Child-Pugh C).
• People with severe kidney disease (CrCl below 30 mL/min).

For a complete list of drug interactions, see our guide on Avanafil drug interactions.

Avanafil is not indicated for use in women or children.

How Much Does Avanafil Cost?

Cost is one of the biggest factors patients consider when choosing an ED medication. Here's what Avanafil costs in 2026:

Brand-Name Stendra

Without insurance, Stendra costs approximately $400 to $700 for 6 to 10 tablets. This is significantly more expensive than generic Sildenafil or Tadalafil.

Generic Avanafil

Generic Avanafil became available in late 2024, which brought prices down substantially. With a discount card (like GoodRx or SingleCare), generic Avanafil typically costs $97 to $230 for 10 tablets. Without a discount card, the retail price can reach around $1,485 for 30 tablets.

Insurance Coverage

Most Medicare Part D plans and many commercial insurance plans do not cover Stendra. When coverage exists, insurers often require:

• Prior authorization — Your doctor needs to get approval from the insurer before the prescription is covered.
• Step therapy — You may need to try a cheaper PDE5 inhibitor like Sildenafil or Tadalafil first.
• Quantity limits — Usually 6 to 12 tablets per month.

Ways to Save

There are several ways to reduce your Avanafil costs:

• Discount cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and other free coupon programs can dramatically lower the price of generic Avanafil.
• Manufacturer savings — Petros Pharmaceuticals has offered copay cards for eligible commercially insured patients. Check stendra.com for current offers.
• Patient assistance programs — If you're uninsured or underinsured, programs through RxAssist and NeedyMeds may help.
• Mail-order pharmacies — Online pharmacies like Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon Pharmacy often offer competitive prices.

For a detailed breakdown of savings options, read our guide on how to save money on Avanafil.

How Does Avanafil Compare to Other ED Medications?

Here's a quick comparison of the four main PDE5 inhibitors:

• Sildenafil (Viagra) — The most widely used. Generic is very affordable (as low as $3 to $10 per tablet). Takes 30 to 60 minutes to work, lasts 4 to 6 hours.
• Tadalafil (Cialis) — Longest-lasting (up to 36 hours). Available as a daily low-dose option. Generic is affordable. Takes 1 to 2 hours for full effect.
• Vardenafil (Levitra) — Similar profile to Sildenafil. Generic available. Takes about 60 minutes to work.
• Avanafil (Stendra) — Fastest onset (15 to 30 minutes). Fewer food interactions. Lasts about 6 hours. More expensive than the others, even as generic.

If Avanafil isn't the right fit — whether due to cost, availability, or side effects — check out our guide on alternatives to Avanafil.

Final Thoughts

Avanafil is a fast-acting, effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Its quick onset makes it a good choice for men who want flexibility and don't want to plan far ahead. The availability of generic Avanafil since 2024 has made it more accessible, though it remains pricier than generic Sildenafil or Tadalafil.

If you're interested in trying Avanafil, talk to your doctor about whether it's appropriate for your health profile. Then use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with it in stock near you.