Viagra vs Spedra: UK Comparison Guide | Cured Pharmacy

Clinically Proven UK Registered Pharmacy

Viagra vs Spedra: Comparing ED Treatment Options

UK-registered clinical team
Confidential and secure
No GP visit needed
Fast and discreet delivery
Start Your Free Consultation

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

Ednew 20% off for new customers
Genuine Products
UK-licensed only
Fast Delivery
Next-day available
Expert Advice
UK pharmacists
Man using Cured Pharmacy online consultation for erectile dysfunction treatment
From £0.45 Starting dose — clinically approved
LIVE PRICING

Our Pricing

Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.

Sildenafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Sildenafil

From £0.45

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Tadalafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Tadalafil

From £9.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Sildenafil Eropid - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Sildenafil Eropid

From £8.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Tadalafil (Teva) - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Tadalafil (Teva)

From £9.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg

From £11.49

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Viagra Connect 50mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Viagra Connect 50mg

From £11.49

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment

Viagra vs Spedra: Comparing ED Treatment Options

When evaluating a viagra vs spedra uk comparison, understanding the clinical differences between sildenafil (Viagra) and avanafil (Spedra) helps you make an informed choice about erectile dysfunction treatment. Both medications are PDE5 inhibitors licensed by the MHRA, but they differ significantly in onset time, duration, and side effect profiles [1]. At Cured Pharmacy, our UK prescribers assess your individual needs to recommend the most suitable option, with sildenafil available from £0.45 and transparent pricing shown before your free consultation.

How Viagra and Spedra Work for Erectile Dysfunction

Both Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and Spedra (avanafil) belong to the PDE5 inhibitor class, working by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis [1]. When sexual stimulation occurs, these medications enhance the natural release of nitric oxide, allowing smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum and facilitating erection sufficient for intercourse.

The key difference lies in their pharmacokinetic profiles. Avanafil was specifically engineered as a second-generation PDE5 inhibitor with greater selectivity for the PDE5 enzyme over other phosphodiesterase subtypes, potentially reducing off-target effects [2]. This structural refinement translates to measurable clinical advantages in onset speed and side effect frequency, though both medications demonstrate robust efficacy in clinical trials.

Onset Time: Which Works Faster?

Spedra demonstrates the fastest onset time among licensed PDE5 inhibitors in the UK, with clinical effect observed as early as 15 minutes after administration in some patients [2]. In the pivotal phase 3 trials, approximately 60% of men achieved successful intercourse within 20 minutes of taking avanafil 100mg, making it particularly suitable for spontaneous sexual activity without extensive planning.

Viagra typically requires 30-60 minutes to reach therapeutic effect, with peak plasma concentration occurring around 60 minutes post-dose [1]. While this longer onset window remains acceptable for most patients who plan intimate activity in advance, those seeking greater spontaneity often prefer Spedra's rapid action profile. Both medications require sexual stimulation to work — neither produces automatic erections.

Duration of Action Compared

Sildenafil maintains therapeutic levels for approximately 4-5 hours, providing a reliable window for sexual activity [1]. Avanafil has a slightly shorter duration of around 4-6 hours, though individual variation exists based on age, metabolism, and concurrent medications [2]. Neither medication should be taken more than once in a 24-hour period, regardless of duration.

Efficacy: Clinical Trial Data for Viagra vs Spedra

Sildenafil has been extensively studied since its UK approval in 1998, with over two decades of real-world evidence supporting its efficacy across diverse patient populations. Clinical trials consistently show that 60-85% of men with erectile dysfunction experience improved erections sufficient for intercourse when taking sildenafil 50-100mg, with response rates varying by underlying cause [1][3].

Avanafil demonstrates comparable efficacy in head-to-head studies. The TA-301 trial showed that 57.6% of men on avanafil 100mg achieved successful intercourse attempts versus 29.5% on placebo, with the 200mg dose increasing success rates to 61.9% [2]. Importantly, avanafil maintained efficacy in men with diabetes and other comorbidities that typically predict poorer treatment response, suggesting broad clinical utility.

Response in Difficult-to-Treat Populations

Both medications show reduced but meaningful efficacy in men with diabetes mellitus, where vascular and neurological complications complicate ED treatment. Sildenafil produces approximately 50-60% success rates in diabetic populations, whilst avanafil demonstrates similar outcomes [2][3]. Your UK prescriber will consider underlying health conditions when recommending between these options, as individual response varies.

Feature Viagra (Sildenafil) Spedra (Avanafil)
Active Ingredient Sildenafil citrate Avanafil
Onset Time 30-60 minutes 15-30 minutes
Duration of Action 4-5 hours 4-6 hours
Food Interaction Delayed by high-fat meals Minimal food interaction
Common Side Effects Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, visual changes Headache, flushing, nasal congestion (fewer visual effects)
Available Doses 25mg, 50mg, 100mg 50mg, 100mg, 200mg
Generic Available Yes No (branded only)
Starting Price at Cured Pharmacy From £0.45 Subject to consultation

Side Effect Profiles: Safety Considerations

The most common side effects shared by both medications include headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and dyspepsia, occurring in 10-15% of patients [1][2]. These effects result from PDE5 inhibition in non-genital tissues and typically resolve within a few hours as drug levels decline. Avanafil's greater enzyme selectivity may translate to slightly lower incidence of visual disturbances compared to sildenafil, though both are generally well-tolerated.

Serious adverse events are rare with both medications but include priapism (erection lasting over 4 hours), sudden vision loss, and cardiovascular events in susceptible individuals [3]. Neither medication should be used alongside nitrate medications for angina, as the combination can cause dangerous blood pressure drops. Your online consultation at Cured Pharmacy screens for these contraindications before any prescription is issued by our UK clinical team.

Food Interactions and Dosing Flexibility

Avanafil offers a distinct advantage in food tolerance. Unlike sildenafil, whose absorption is significantly delayed by high-fat meals, avanafil can be taken with or without food with minimal impact on onset time [2]. This flexibility proves valuable for men who prefer not to time medication around meals or who engage in spontaneous intimate encounters following dinner.

Sildenafil absorption is reduced by approximately 29% when taken with a high-fat meal, and onset time may extend beyond 90 minutes [1]. For optimal effect, sildenafil should ideally be taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal. Both medications are available in multiple dose strengths, allowing your prescriber to titrate treatment based on efficacy and tolerability — sildenafil comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets, whilst Spedra is available as 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg.

Adjusting Doses for Individual Response

Starting doses are typically sildenafil 50mg or avanafil 100mg, with adjustments made based on treatment response [1][2]. Men who experience adequate erections but troublesome side effects may benefit from dose reduction, whilst those with insufficient response may require the maximum licensed dose. Your UK prescriber reviews your response during follow-up consultations to optimise treatment outcomes.

Cost Comparison and Accessibility in the UK

Generic sildenafil represents the most cost-effective PDE5 inhibitor available in the UK, with prices at Cured Pharmacy starting from £0.45 per tablet following your free online consultation. This affordability makes sildenafil accessible for regular use without significant financial burden, particularly for men requiring ongoing treatment rather than occasional doses.

Spedra (avanafil) remains available only as a branded medication in the UK, as patent protection prevents generic manufacture until later this decade. Whilst more expensive than generic sildenafil, many patients find the faster onset time and food flexibility justify the additional cost for spontaneous intimate situations. All erectile dysfunction medications at Cured Pharmacy require clinical assessment by a UK prescriber, ensuring treatment safety regardless of which option you choose.

Which Treatment Offers Better Value?

Value depends on your individual priorities. Men seeking the lowest per-dose cost for regular use typically prefer generic sildenafil, whilst those prioritising rapid onset for spontaneous activity may find Spedra's premium worthwhile. Our superintendent pharmacist Tarun Kumar and the UK clinical team at Cured Pharmacy discuss these trade-offs during your consultation, recommending treatment based on your lifestyle, budget, and clinical needs rather than profit margins.

Scientific References

  1. Goldstein, I., et al. (1998). Oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 338(20), 1397-1404. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199805143382001
  2. Goldstein, I., et al. (2012). Avanafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study in men with diabetes mellitus. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87(9), 843-852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2012.06.016
  3. Eardley, I., et al. (2010). Pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(1 Pt 2), 524-540. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01627.x

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. All prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

How it Works?

Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.

1

Choose your treatment

Step 1: Choose your treatment from Cured Pharmacy

Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.

2

Answer quick questions

Step 2: Answer quick consultation questions

We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.

3

Get it delivered fast

Step 3: Fast discreet delivery to your door

Start Your Assessment For Erectile Dysfunction

Start your journey to better health today.

  • Reviewed by UK-based prescribers
  • Takes under 3 minutes
  • Discreet Packaging

Start Your Journey To Better Health Today

Once you complete a short online assessment you will be able to choose your preferred treatment from safe medically approved options tailored to you.

Start My Assessment

Returning Customer?

Log in to Your Account

Faq

Is Spedra stronger than Viagra?
Spedra and Viagra demonstrate comparable efficacy in clinical trials, with success rates of 57-62% for avanafil and 60-85% for sildenafil across studied populations. Spedra's advantage lies in faster onset rather than greater potency, making it more suitable for spontaneous activity rather than inherently more effective.
Can I switch from Viagra to Spedra?
Yes, switching between PDE5 inhibitors is common and safe under prescriber guidance. If sildenafil proves effective but you desire faster onset time or experience troublesome side effects, your UK prescriber can assess whether avanafil represents a suitable alternative during your consultation at Cured Pharmacy.
How quickly does Spedra work compared to Viagra?
Spedra can produce clinical effect as early as 15 minutes after administration, with approximately 60% of men achieving successful intercourse within 20 minutes. Viagra typically requires 30-60 minutes to reach therapeutic effect, making Spedra the faster-acting option for spontaneous intimate situations.
Which has fewer side effects: Viagra or Spedra?
Both medications share similar side effect profiles, including headache, flushing, and nasal congestion in 10-15% of users. Avanafil's greater enzyme selectivity may result in slightly fewer visual disturbances compared to sildenafil, though individual tolerance varies and both are generally well-tolerated.
Can I take Spedra with food?
Yes, avanafil can be taken with or without food with minimal impact on onset time or efficacy. This represents a key advantage over sildenafil, whose absorption is significantly delayed by high-fat meals and ideally should be taken on an empty stomach.
Is generic Spedra available in the UK?
No, avanafil remains under patent protection in the UK and is only available as branded Spedra. Generic versions are not expected until patent expiry later this decade, making sildenafil the more affordable option for cost-conscious patients.
Which lasts longer: Viagra or Spedra?
Both medications offer similar duration of action, with sildenafil maintaining therapeutic levels for approximately 4-5 hours and avanafil lasting 4-6 hours. Neither should be taken more than once in a 24-hour period regardless of duration.
Do I need a prescription for Viagra or Spedra in the UK?
Yes, both sildenafil and avanafil are prescription-only medications in the UK and require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Cured Pharmacy offers a free online consultation under 3 minutes, with same-day approval available subject to prescriber assessment and discreet delivery to your door.