Alprostadil Injection and Suppository for Erectile Dysfunction https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/alprostadil-...

How Does Alprostadil Treat

Erectile Dysfunction?
Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on October 22, 2019

Alprostadil is a medicine that men take for ED (erectile dysfunction). It’s

only available by prescription.

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This drug makes the blood vessels expand. That boosts blood flow
throughout the body, including the penis, so it helps men with ED have an
erection.

You can get alprostadil injected directly into the penis . Or you can use it
as suppository, placing it into the opening at the tip of the penis.

Injectable alprostadil is sold under the brand names Caverject, Edex, and
Prostin VR. The suppository form is called “MUSE” (which stands for
Medicated Urethral System for Erection).

Alprostadil should only be used in men with erectile dysfunction . If it’s

not used properly, it can permanently damage the penis.

How Effective Is It?

The injectable form causes an erection firm enough for sex in more than
80% of men with erectile dysfunction regardless of their age or the
cause of their ED.

The suppository form is not as effective. It produces an erection in about

30%-40% of men with ED.

How Quickly Will Alprostadil Work?

It usually starts to work in about 5 to 20 minutes. Wait 10-30 minutes

before you have sex . Your erection should last for about an hour and
may continue after you ejaculate.

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Don’t use it more than three times a week. Wait at least 24 hours between
each use.

Who Should Not Take Alprostadil?

This drug is not right for everyone. Before you take it, tell your doctor:

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to alprostadil.

If you are allergic to any other substances such as drugs, foods,

preservatives, or dyes

If you take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs including

herbal and dietary supplements

If you have a penile implant

If you have a history of priapism (a painful and prolonged erection

not linked to sexual stimulation)

Also, tell your doctor if you have any medical problems, especially:

Problems with your penis, such as curvature or birth defects

Bleeding problems

Penile infection

Red or itchy penis

Conditions that cause thickened or slower blood flow such as

leukemia (cancer of the blood), sickle cell disease or trait, or
thrombocythemia (high number of platelets)

If you take a blood thinner or you bruise or bleed easily

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Peyronie's disease

If you can’t take this medicine, your doctor can recommend other
treatments.

How Do I Inject Alprostadil?

Your doctor will teach you how to give yourself the injection. If you need to
prepare the mixture you’ll inject, follow the directions provided.

Before you draw the medicine into the syringe, wash your hands with
soap and water. Set the bottles on a clean surface. Wipe the tops of the
injection bottles with an alcohol swab.

After you mix a single dose, you must use it immediately. Throw away any
unused mixture in the syringe. Don’t store it -- you cannot use it later on.

Throw out the needles. Do not reuse them!

If you have any questions about how to use this medication, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.

How Do I Insert the Suppository?

First, urinate. The small amount of urine left in the urethra will help
dissolve the suppository.

The suppository is about half the size of a grain of rice. You’ll insert it into
the urethra (the opening at the end of the penis) using a plastic applicator.

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You can use a small amount of lubricant like KY Jelly or Astroglide to help
you insert the applicator. Push the button on the applicator to deliver the
suppository into the urethra.

To help dissolve the suppository once inside, roll your penis between your
hands for 10 seconds. If you feel any stinging, continue this motion to help
that feeling stop.

Sit, stand, or walk for 10 minutes to boost blood flow to your penis to help
with an erection.

If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How Do I Know Which One Is Right for Me?

Choosing between the injection and suppository is a personal choice. Talk

to your doctor about the pros and cons. For example, the injection may be
more painful, but it’s more effective than the suppository.

Precautions

If you use alprostadil (either by injection or suppository) and have sex with
a pregnant woman, use a condom. Doctors don’t know if alprostadil will
affect the baby.

Store the drug in its original container, out of the reach of children. Follow
the directions on the label about where it’s OK to store it. For instance,
keep it out of warm, moist settings (such as the bathroom). If you keep it

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in your fridge, don’t let it freeze.

What Are the Side Effects?

The most common side effect is pain in the area where you get the shot.

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these rarer problems:

Curving of the penis with pain during an erection

Erection lasts for 4 to 6 hours with severe and continuing pain in the
penis

Swelling or pain in the testes

Bleeding or spotting from the urethra

Stinging in the urethra

WebMD Medical Reference

Sources 
SOURCES:

Vivus Inc.

American Urological Association.

 PDR.net.

© 2019 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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