Avana comes as a pill to take by mouth. For men taking the 100 mg or 200 mg doses, It is usually taken with or without food as needed, about 15 minutes before sexual activity. For men taking the 50 mg dose, It is usually taken with or without food as needed, about 30 minutes before sexual activity. Do not take Avana more often than once in 24 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take Avana exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of and may increase or decrease your dose depending on how you respond to the medication. Tell your doctor if Avana is not working well or if you experience side effects.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Avana. Avoid drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages while you are taking Avana. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking it. This medication will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases–including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

The side effects from Avana are usually minor. The most commonly occurring side effects in patients taking include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and back pain. Uncommonly, Avana may cause serious side effects like an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, vision loss, hearing loss, or tinnitus. If you have any of these side effects after taking Avana, get medical attention as soon as possible.