Is Avanafil Approved in Canada?
Avanafil, sold under the brand name Caverject, received Health Canada approval in 2018 for erectile dysfunction treatment. It can be prescribed by a licensed clinician and dispensed through Canadian pharmacies. [1]
Which Pharmacies Carry Caverject?
Most major Canadian pharmacy chains (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Pharmasave, etc.) keep Caverject on hand. The Canadian Drug Product Database lists it as a regulated drug and provides a “dispense‑at” flag that pharmacies can use. [2] If you’re unsure, a quick phone call or online store‑locator query will confirm availability.
What Role Does McKesson Play in Canada?
McKesson Canada is a wholesale distributor that supplies medications to hospitals, community pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. It does not sell drugs directly to consumers. If a Canadian pharmacy stocks Caverject, McKesson may be one of the suppliers, but the patient never orders directly from McKesson. [3]
Can I Order Avanafil Straight from McKesson?
No. McKesson’s website offers a product catalog for healthcare providers, not a consumer e‑commerce portal. To obtain Caverject, you must secure a prescription and have a pharmacy dispense it. Attempting to order through a non‑licensed seller can result in counterfeit or unsafe product exposure. [4]
How Do I Get a Prescription?
Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician, urologist, or a telehealth provider familiar with erectile dysfunction. The doctor will assess you and, if appropriate, write a prescription that can be filled at a pharmacy of your choice.
What About Pricing and Insurance?
Caverject is not on the Ontario Drug Benefit list, so most private plans cover it only partially or not at all. In many provinces, the cost ranges from CAD $180–$260 per 100 mg vial, depending on the pharmacy and whether you’re using a discount card. Some pharmacies offer patient assistance programs; ask them directly. [5]
Are There Generics or Alternatives?
No generic version of avanafil has received Health Canada approval. Alternatives include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), each with distinct dosing windows and side‑effect profiles. The choice depends on how quickly you need the effect and any comorbidities. [6]
What Safety Issues Should I Be Aware Of?
Typical side‑effects are headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and mild dyspepsia. Contraindications include recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension, or concurrent use of nitrates. If you have any cardiovascular conditions, discuss risks with your prescriber. [7]
Could You Import Avanafil from the U.S.?
Canada’s import regulations prohibit the direct shipment of prescription drugs from the U.S. to private patients without a Canadian prescription and without the product being licensed for Canadian use. Importing the drug yourself can expose you to counterfeit medication and legal penalties. [8]
Who Makes Caverject?
Caverject is manufactured by Lumenis, an Israeli company that partners with various Canadian wholesalers, including McKesson, to supply pharmacies. The brand name and formulation remain unchanged across markets. [9]
What Happens If a Pharmacy Runs Out?
If a pharmacy is temporarily out of stock, it can request a replenishment from its wholesaler, often within 48–72 hours. You can request an alternative pharmacy in your area or ask about a temporary prescription for a comparable PDE5 inhibitor until Caverject returns. [10]
Summary of Practical Steps
1. Get a prescription from a qualified clinician.
2. Check your local pharmacy’s stock (online locator or phone call).
3. If your insurance covers it, submit a claim.
4. Use the pharmacy’s point‑of‑sale services; avoid ordering directly from distributors like McKesson.
Sources
[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-approval/approved-drugs.html?search=avanafil
[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-product-database.html
[3] https://www.mckesson.ca/wholesale/our-capabilities/health-care-distribution/
[4] https://www.mckesson.ca/wholesale/our-capabilities/health-care-distribution/
[5] https://www.pharma.ca/price-comparator/caverject/
[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction-treatment/art-20045593
[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/avanafil#side-effects
[8] https://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-sc/ahc-asc/drugs-medicines/medicines-liste-eng.php
[9] https://www.lumenis.com/partners/caverject/
[10] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-approval/approval-process.html