PE & ED Treatment Selector
Super Avana is a fixed‑dose combination tablet that contains dapoxetine (a short‑acting SSRI) and avanafil (a fast‑acting PDE5 inhibitor). It targets two common male sexual concerns at once: premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The product was launched in 2022 and quickly gained attention in Australia for its convenience‑first approach.
Why a Combined Pill Matters
Most men who experience both PE and ED end up taking two separate prescriptions - one for each condition. That means two pills, two dosing schedules, and two sets of potential drug interactions. Super Avana promises to streamline therapy by delivering both active ingredients in a single tablet taken about an hour before sexual activity.
How the Ingredients Work
Understanding the pharmacology helps decide if a combo makes sense.
- Dapoxetine is a short‑acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for premature ejaculation. It reaches peak plasma levels in 1-2hours and clears in roughly 5hours, which limits mood‑related side effects common to longer‑acting SSRIs.
- Avanafil is a phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) inhibitor that promotes penile blood flow. Onset can be as quick as 15minutes, and its half‑life (~5hours) keeps the window of effectiveness relatively short, reducing lingering headache or flushing.
The two agents act on independent pathways - serotonin modulation for ejaculatory control and nitric‑oxide‑mediated vasodilation for erection - which is why they can safely coexist in one tablet.
Alternative Options on the Market
If you’re not ready for a combo pill, plenty of single‑agent alternatives exist.
- Sildenafil is a widely used PDE5 inhibitor (Viagra) with an onset of 30-60minutes and duration up to 5hours.
- Tadalafil is a long‑acting PDE5 inhibitor (Cialis) offering up to 36hours of coverage, often called the “weekend pill”.
- Vardenafil is a mid‑duration PDE5 inhibitor (Levitra) with a 30‑minute onset and 4‑hour window.
- Paroxetine is a long‑acting SSRI sometimes prescribed off‑label for premature ejaculation, requiring daily dosing.
- Sertraline is another SSRI used off‑label for PE, with a similar daily regimen to paroxetine.
- Lidocaine spray is a topical anesthetic (e.g., TEMPE) applied to the penis to delay ejaculation without systemic effects.
These alternatives can be combined (e.g., sildenafil+dapoxetine) but require separate prescriptions and timing calculations.
Side‑Effect Profiles at a Glance
Product | Active(s) | Indication(s) | Onset | Duration | Typical Side‑effects | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Super Avana | Dapoxetine30mg + Avanafil100mg | PE & ED | 15‑30min | 4‑6hrs | Headache, nausea, dizziness, mild flushing | $45 per tablet |
Sildenafil | Sildenafil50‑100mg | ED | 30‑60min | 4‑5hrs | Headache, dyspepsia, visual tint | $30 per tablet |
Tadalafil | Tadalafil10‑20mg | ED | 30‑45min | Up to 36hrs | Back pain, muscle aches, flushing | $35 per tablet |
Vardenafil | Vardenafil10‑20mg | ED | 30‑60min | 4‑5hrs | Headache, rhinitis, flushing | $32 per tablet |
Dapoxetine | Dapoxetine30‑60mg | PE | 1‑2hrs | 5‑6hrs | Nausea, insomnia, dizziness | $25 per tablet |
Paroxetine (off‑label) | Paroxetine20mg daily | PE (off‑label) | 1‑2hrs (steady‑state) | 24hrs (daily) | Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, fatigue | $15 per month |
Lidocaine spray | Lidocaine5‑10mg per actuation | PE (topical) | 5‑10min | 30‑45min | Local numbness, irritation | $20 per 10‑spray pack |

Pros and Cons of a One‑Stop Combination
Advantages
- Convenience: One pill replaces two, reducing pharmacy trips.
- Co‑ordinated timing: Both agents peak around the same time, simplifying planning.
- Potential cost savings: While per‑tablet price is higher, bundling may avoid separate co‑payments.
Drawbacks
- Lack of dose flexibility: Fixed ratio (30mg/100mg) may not suit everyone; some need a higher PDE5 dose or a lower SSRI dose.
- Higher side‑effect load: Combining two mechanisms can amplify headache or dizziness in sensitive users.
- Insurance coverage: Some Australian PBS schemes list the components separately, making reimbursement trickier.
Practical Considerations Before Choosing
- Assess the severity of each condition. If PE is mild but ED is pronounced, a stronger PDE5 dose (like tadalafil) might be preferable.
- Check for contraindications. Both dapoxetine and avanafil share warnings with nitrates and certain antihypertensives.
- Evaluate lifestyle. Men who prefer spontaneity benefit from avanafil’s rapid onset; those who like a “weekend pill” may lean to tadalafil.
- Discuss cost with your pharmacist. Bulk purchasing of separate agents can sometimes undercut the combo price.
- Trial period. Some clinicians suggest a 4‑week trial of Super Avana to gauge tolerance before committing long‑term.
Decision Guide: Which Route Fits You?
Use the flow below to narrow down options:
- If you experience both PE and ED and want minimal pill burden → Super Avana.
- If PE is the dominant issue and you’re comfortable taking a daily SSRI → Paroxetine or Sertraline (daily).
- If you need maximum erection coverage (e.g., weekend trips) → Tadalafil (daily low dose or as‑needed 20mg).
- If you’re sensitive to systemic side‑effects and prefer a topical approach → Lidocaine spray.
- If you already take a PDE5 inhibitor and just need occasional PE relief → add Dapoxetine on an as‑needed basis.
Related Concepts and Further Reading
Understanding the broader landscape helps you have an informed conversation with your prescriber.
- PDE5 inhibitors - the drug class that includes avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. They differ mainly in onset and duration.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - primarily used for depression but repurposed for PE due to their effect on serotonergic pathways.
- Topical anesthetics - non‑systemic alternatives for ejaculation control, useful when oral agents cause intolerable side‑effects.
- Drug‑drug interactions - nitrates, alpha‑blockers, and certain antihypertensives can cause dangerous hypotension with PDE5 inhibitors.
- Insurance & PBS listings - knowing what’s covered can affect out‑of‑pocket cost.
Next logical topics to explore: "How to safely combine PDE5 inhibitors with SSRIs," "Managing side‑effects of avanafil," and "Daily vs on‑demand dosing for tadalafil."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Super Avana with nitrates?
No. Both dapoxetine and avanafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when combined with nitrate medicines used for angina. Always tell your doctor about any heart medication.
Is the fixed dose of 30mg dapoxetine enough for severe premature ejaculation?
For many men, 30mg works well, but some clinicians start at 60mg for severe cases. Because Super Avana is fixed‑dose, you’d need a separate dapoxetine prescription if you require the higher amount.
How quickly does Super Avana take effect?
Avanafil peaks in 15‑30minutes, while dapoxetine reaches peak levels in about 2hours. Most users feel ready for intercourse within 30‑45minutes after taking the tablet.
What are the most common side‑effects compared to taking the drugs separately?
The side‑effect profile is essentially a sum of both agents: mild headache, flushing, nausea, and occasional dizziness. Some men report that the combined pill feels a bit heavier on the stomach, likely due to the higher total tablet mass.
Is Super Avana covered by the Australian PBS?
As of late 2024, the PBS lists dapoxetine and avanafil separately but not the combined product. Many pharmacies bill it as a private prescription, so you’ll likely pay the full out‑of‑pocket price unless you have private health cover that includes it.