Ro Sparks Review: What You Should Know Before Buying

Ro Sparks is a compounded medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Sold by the telehealth company Ro, the medication contains sildenafil (generic Viagra^®) and tadalafil (generic Cialis^®), which are two of the most popular medications approved for treating ED.

One unique aspect of Ro Sparks is that the medication is sublingual. This means it’s placed under the tongue and dissolves in around 10 minutes.

In this guide, we’ll review how Ro Sparks works, its efficacy for treating ED, the pros and cons of taking a sublingual medication containing two active ingredients, and more.

We’ll also discuss alternative treatment options for ED to help you decide what medication might be best for you.

Here’s a quick look at Ro Sparks:

• What? Ro Sparks is a compounded medication containing sildenafil and tadalafil. It is formulated as a sublingual lozenge that dissolves under the tongue in about 10 minutes.

• Why? The fast-acting treatment for erectile dysfunction is designed to help you get an erection within around 15 minutes on average and stay active for up to 36 hours.

• How? Sildenafil and tadalafil belong to a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors, or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. These medications widen blood vessels to promote blood flow to the penis, which is an important component of getting an erection.

• How much? Monthly plans range from $48 for four doses to $120 for 10 doses.

Ro Sparks is a prescription medication for erectile dysfunction sold on the telehealth platform Ro.co. Customers can access Ro Sparks only if they’re deemed eligible for treatment after a free online consultation with a healthcare provider.

The 2-in-1 medication contains 55 milligrams (mg) of sildenafil (generic Viagra) and 22 mg of tadalafil (generic Cialis), which are commonly prescribed to help men achieve and maintain erections.

As a sublingual formulation, Ro Sparks is held under the tongue and takes about 10 minutes to dissolve. Sublingual medications may enter the bloodstream faster than pills you swallow, meaning you may feel effects more quickly.

However, some may find it challenging to wait the full 10 minutes for a sublingual medication to dissolve completely. While the tablet is dissolving, you also have to refrain from eating or drinking.

Ro Sparks contains:

• Sildenafil

• Tadalafil

These medications block an enzyme called PDE5 (which is why they belong to the class of PDE5 inhibitors), which is found within the blood vessels. This enzyme usually breaks down a substance called cyclic GMP (cGMP), which helps blood vessels relax.

By blocking PDE5, ED meds like sildenafil and tadalafil allow more cGMP to build up, allowing the blood vessels in the penis to relax and widen. This widening allows more blood flow into the penile tissues, helping to produce a stronger and longer-lasting erection.

These drugs also help improve the health of the penile blood vessels by protecting the muscle cells and helping them work better.

But, neither sildenafil nor tadalafil will cause a spontaneous erection. They only work if you’re sexually aroused. Keep reading to find out more about how sildenafil and tadalafil work.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra, which was the first-ever medication the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treating erectile dysfunction.

The medication is taken as needed, about 30 minutes to an hour before sex. Sildenafil lasts around four hours.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in brand-name Cialis.

Like sildenafil, tadalafil can be taken as needed before sex. Unlike sildenafil, it’s also available for daily use, allowing for more spontaneous sexual encounters. Tadalafil is a long-lasting ED medication. It works for up to 36 hours, giving it the nickname the “weekend pill.”

What Are the Benefits of Combining Sildenafil and Tadalafil?

Some research has shown that combination therapy may be a safe and effective option for the treatment of ED in men who report limited or no response after monotherapy with PDE5 inhibitors.

In one study that compared taking 5 mg daily tadalafil to taking a combined treatment of 50 mg sildenafil and 5 mg tadalafil, the latter regimen was deemed superior, especially in patients with severe ED. And while the research showed no difference in the incidence of side effects between the groups, it should be noted that Ro Sparks contains higher doses than what the study tracked.. Taking higher doses of these drugs can increase the risk of side effects.

Like any medication, Ro Sparks carries a risk of side effects.

The most common side effects of PDE5 inhibitors include:

• Headaches

• Flushing

• Dizziness

• Nasal congestion

• Upset stomach

• Back pain

• Low blood pressure

• Visual changes

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as:

• Vision loss

• Hearing loss

• Priapism (a painful, prolonged erection)

You shouldn’t mix PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates or nitroglycerin, and you may not be able to take this class of drug if you have certain health conditions like high blood pressure, low blood pressure, or a history of heart failure.

Furthermore, there’s a reason why Ro Sparks and other PDE5 inhibitors aren’t available over the counter. It’s crucial that you share your medical history with your healthcare provider before taking ED medication for the first time and tell them all the medications you’re currently taking. Always read the safety information that comes with your medication as well.

Ro Sparks plans range from $48 for four doses to $120 for 10 doses. Opting for a quarterly treatment plan provides a $15 discount every three months.

Ro also offers:

• Free shipping

• Discreet packaging to protect your privacy

• Online access for changing or canceling orders

Ro.co has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 1.21 customer rating. The BBB has received over 250 complaints about the company, with some customers reporting difficulty processing refunds, poor customer service, and dissatisfaction with the Ro Sparks product.

On TrustPilot, Ro.co is rated 3.7/5. Regarding the Ro Sparks product, customers have reported certain pros and cons:

• Positive: Fast results, excellent service, reasonable price

• Negative: Deceptive advertising, difficulty processing refunds, lack of results

Though oral sildenafil and tadalafil are individually FDA-approved ED treatments, the specific compounded formulation in Ro Sparks is not approved. As a compounded medication, Ro Sparks isn’t evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness like other prescription medications.

To get a prescription for Ro Sparks, you’ll need a signoff from a healthcare provider. The first step is to complete an online intake form on the Ro.co platform. There, you’ll answer questions about your symptoms, medical history, and treatment preferences. You’ll then be assigned a provider who can determine if you’re a good candidate for the ED medication.

If you qualify for treatment and decide to proceed, you can decide how many doses you’d like per month (4, 6, 8, or 10), and receive your order in discreet packaging within a few days.

Here’s a quick review of the pros and cons of taking Ro Sparks.

Pros:

• You can order Ro Sparks online and complete your medical consultation virtually.

• Ro Sparks contains the same active ingredients as brand-name Viagra and Cialis in a powerful 2-in-1 formulation.

• Ro Sparks is designed to be fast-acting and long-lasting.

• Ro Sparks is a sublingual lozenge that dissolves in your mouth. This can be helpful if you have difficulty with swallowing.

• You can choose from multiple dose quantities.

• Ro Sparks is accessible in all 50 states.

• If Ro Sparks doesn’t work, you can try other medications on the Ro platform, like its Daily Rise gummies containing tadalafil for daily use.

Cons:

• You may not like waiting 10 minutes for the sublingual tablet to dissolve in your mouth.

• There is only one dosage option.

• With high dosages of sildenafil and tadalafil, you may have a higher risk of side effects.

• You need to order and pay for your prescription online.

• Ro doesn’t accept insurance for sexual health medications.

• You may not be able to take Ro Sparks if you have certain health conditions, like heart disease, or if you’re taking medications for high blood pressure or angina.

PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil are typically first-line ED treatments. However, you don’t have to start off taking them together at high dosages unless you’ve found minimal or no success with lower dosages and monotherapy.

If you like the idea of taking a 2-in-1 treatment like Ro Sparks but don’t want to wait 10 minutes for it to dissolve, you can find other 2-in-1 ED medications containing tadalafil and sildenafil as chewable medications, like Hims Sex Chews or Hard Mints.

There are also 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 treatments for ED and other conditions that commonly co-occur with ED, like hair loss and premature ejaculation.

And if you and your provider determine that PDE5 inhibitors aren’t for you, there are still other treatment options to consider, such as sex therapy for ED, alprostadil injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile implants.

There are also lifestyle shifts you can make that may help with ED symptoms. These include:

• Following a healthy diet

• Exercising regularly

• Getting high-quality sleep

• Lowering your stress levels

If you’re curious about how Ro compares to Hims, check out our breakdown of Hims vs. Roman, which is Ro.co’s men’s health brand.

Telehealth platforms like Ro take the hassle out of accessing sexual health treatments online. Ro Sparks offers a unique alternative to traditional ED tablets with two highly effective active ingredients in one sublingual formulation for fast-acting, long-lasting support. But is it the right choice for you? Here are three key takeaways before you commit:

• Ro Sparks contains two of the most common ED medications in one unique formulation. If you haven’t found Viagra or Cialis to be effective on their own, then combining these medications may give you the extra boost you need. However, their high dosages may open you to a higher risk of side effects.

• Ro Sparks is a sublingual tablet for fast-acting support. If you have trouble swallowing, you may enjoy the dissolvable nature of Ro Sparks. Sublingual tablets are also said to enter your bloodstream faster. However, you may not like having to wait 10 minutes for the tablet to dissolve completely.

• Ro Sparks reviews are mixed. The BBB gives Ro a B rating, and TrustPilot scores Ro at 3.7/5 stars.

Want to learn more about why ED happens and what you can do about it? Get advice from a healthcare professional to determine if ED medication is right for you.

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