Stendra

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Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024. by Dr Daniel Atkinson Clinical Reviewer Registered with GMC (No. 4624794) Next review due on Aug 21, 2027.
Daniel

Last updated on Sep 19, 2025.

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What side effects does Stendra cause?

It’s far from definite that you’ll experience any Stendra side effects; in fact most men are able to use it with little or no issues at all. Side effects are categorised by frequency, from common (up to 1 in 100 users) to rare (affecting up to 1 in 1,000 users).

Knowing what side effects are more likely to present can help you manage them if they do occur.

  • Common side effects

  • Uncommon side effects

  • Rare side effects

The most common Stendra side effects occur in up to 1 in 10 of patients. For the most part, symptoms are mild and short-lived. They also often fade after using the medication a few times, as the body becomes used to the medication’s effects.

The most common Stendra side effects are:

  • Headaches
  • Flushing
  • A blocked nose

If symptoms persist or are more severe than normal, speak with your prescribing clinician, who might be able to adjust the dosage.

The following side effects are uncommon, occurring in up to 1 in 100 patients:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Sleepiness
  • Blocked sinuses
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Hot flashes
  • Breathlessness
  • Back pain
  • Changes in your heart’s rhythm
  • Increased liver enzymes

The following side effects occur in less than 1 in 1,000 patients, so while they’re possible and you should be aware of them, it’s very unlikely you’ll experience them:

  • Flu or flu like symptoms
  • Blocked and runny nose
  • Gout
  • Hay fever
  • Upper respiratory issues
  • Rashes
  • Diarrhea
  • Penile disorders
  • Nosebleeds
  • Fever
  • Weight gain
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain in the side of the chest
  • Spontaneous erections without stimulation
  • Swollen ankles
  • Abnormal blood test results
  • Abnormal levels of creatine
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Spasms
  • Frequent urination
  • Insomnia
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Feeling odd
  • Fidgeting
  • Chest pain
  • Aches and pains of the muscles
  • Genital itching
  • Weakness
  • High blood pressure
  • Colored urine
  • Kidney issues
  • PSA (prostate test) abnormalities

What should I do if I get blurred vision after taking Stendra?

While most of the symptoms listed above present as mild and should subside quickly, Stendra and blurred vision will need immediate medical attention. If your vision decreases or you lose vision in one or both eyes, you need to see a doctor straight away.

For more information about serious side effects, refer to the packaging that comes with your medication. It lists all the side effects you might experience as well as what to do when they present.

Can Stendra cause long term side effects?

For the most part, Stendra (avanafil) side effects tend to be short-lived and even stop altogether when you’ve taken it a few times. Unless the severity of these side effects is causing concern, then you should be able to carry on taking the medication as directed.

If side effects persist, you should report these to your prescribing clinician so that they can discuss other options with you, including lowering the dosage or trying another treatment.

Symptoms that last a prolonged amount of time tend to be rarer and more serious in nature. If you experience these, speak to your prescribing clinician straight away or, if instructed by the package insert, seek immediate medical attention.

What should I do if I get side effects on Stendra?

No matter how insignificant you think the side effects are, you can always speak with your prescriber if you are experiencing issues while taking Stendra after a few uses.

In some cases, you’ll need to seek medical attention straight away. These are rare circumstances, but it’s important to know what they are, just in case. They include:

  • Priapism (an erection that won’t subside after four hours)
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of hearing that sometimes presents in dizziness
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

In the case of priapism, after four hours it can lead to serious damage to the penis and result in you no longer being able to get an erection. If you suspect priapism is occurring, getting immediate medical attention is key.

Can I reduce my risk of side effects on Stendra?

The most important way to avoid side effects on Stendra is to take the medication as instructed. Not only will this help you to get the most out of the treatment but it minimizes any issues you might experience.

You should also avoid drinking grapefruit juice during use as it can increase the effects of the medication and make it much more likely you’ll experience side effects when taking Stendra.

Alcohol is also best avoided when using avanafil, as it can interact in a way that lowers blood pressure and causes dizziness. Alcohol is also a major cause of erectile dysfunction, so intake should be kept to a minimum if you want to get the best results from treatment.

05

Stendra warnings: what you need to know

Your prescribing clinician will be able to assess the risks of taking Stendra before offering the treatment. But they can only do this once you’ve given them all the relevant information about any medical conditions you have or are prone to, as well as any medications you are taking or have recently taken.

Some conditions will make use of Stendra unsuitable or even dangerous. The same can be said for other medications you’re taking. In some cases, reducing the dosage will be enough to minimize the risks involved.

Can taking Stendra with other drugs cause interactions?

Some medications interact with Stendra in a way that can cause some side effects or even pose a serious health risk. Avanafil interactions with nitrates can lead to severely low blood pressure and pose a serious health risk. This includes medications for hypertension and recreational drugs like amyl nitrite (also known as ‘poppers’).

HIV treatments will also make use of Stendra unsuitable, including:

  • Ritonavir
  • Indinavir
  • Saquinavir
  • Nelfinavir
  • Atazanavir

Some anti-fungal treatments should also be avoided when using Stendra, including:

  • Ketoconazole
  • Itraconazole
  • Voriconazole

Some antibiotics, including clarithromycin or telithromycin.

There are some treatments where Stendra might be unsuitable or will need a lower dosage to minimise the risk of interactions. These include:

  • Alpha-blockers
  • Arrhythmia medications
  • Some epilepsy treatments like carbamazepine
  • Some mood stabilisers
  • Amprenavir
  • Aprepitant
  • Diltiazem
  • Fluconazole
  • Fosamprenavir
  • Verapamil
  • Riociguat

I have a medical condition. Can I still use Stendra?

Just like medications can with Stendra, there are also some medical conditions that don’t mix well with Stendra and some where its use will need to be monitored. This could indicate an initial starting dosage of 50mg and seeing if you get the desired effects from the treatment without the possible side effects.

Among the conditions that will need to be monitored if Stendra is prescribed are any kind of heart condition, proneness to priapism (unstimulated erections that last for hours), active peptic ulcers and any condition that affects the shape of your penis.

Who shouldn’t use Stendra?

There are some conditions that mean Stendra is unsuitable for you to use. Be sure to tell your prescribing clinician about any medical conditions. This allows them to make a detailed assessment before they prescribe treatment.

The most common health conditions that contraindicate the use of Stendra are:

  • Severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Symptomatic low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Unstable angina, or angina that occurs during sex
  • Severe kidney (renal) impairment
  • Heart or liver problems
  • Serious eye conditions
  • Allergies to any of its ingredients
  • Recent heart attack or stroke (typically within the last 6 months)

These can present a serious health risk and will likely mean a different treatment will need to be considered.

What if my health changes when I’m taking Stendra?

If you notice any changes to your health while using Stendra or have been diagnosed with a new condition, whether it’s related to erectile dysfunction or not, you should speak to your prescribing clinician.

A different erectile dysfunction medication or an adjustment to your dosage might be recommended. If you have any issues with your condition or the treatment, you can flag it with our experts through your account.

Find out more about Stendra and if it’s right for you.

If you think Stendra could help your ED, then find out more about our Stendra subscription options. Our experts are here to offer advice on the best treatment for you and you get to choose how much and how often we send it to your door.

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How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

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