Alprostadil

Is alprostadil right for me?

You might take alprostadil if pills to treat ED don’t work or cause side effects. This medication is considered the next step up in therapy.

Before taking alprostadil, tell your doctor if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to alprostadil.
• Have allergies to foods, preservatives or dyes.
• Are taking any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including herbal or dietary supplements.
• Have a penile implant.
• Have a history of painful, long-lasting erections (priapism).
• Have any medical conditions, including congenital conditions (abnormalities since birth) that affect your penis, severe curvature when you have an erection (Peyronie’s disease), a penile infection or a condition that slows down your blood flow (such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, polycythemia vera, sickle cell disease or essential thrombocythemia).

  
  How do I take alprostadil?

  Alprostadil comes in two main forms:

  Injectable alprostadil

  You may inject alprostadil by itself or as a mix with other medications to increase its effectiveness. Names for the alprostadil mix may include Bimix, Trimix and Quadmix.

  As a single ingredient, alprostadil comes in powder form. You must mix it with a liquid before you inject it into the side of the penis with a tiny needle.

  It’s important to know that there isn’t one set dose for alprostadil. You may need to gradually adjust the dosage according to how your body responds. It may take some time to find the right dose. If a healthcare provider prescribes injectable alprostadil, they’ll teach you how to use it.

  Where do you inject alprostadil?

  You inject alprostadil into the side of your penis.

  Transurethral alprostadil

  Transurethral alprostadil is a type of suppository. You insert a tiny tablet or pellet into your urethra (the tube in your penis through which pee comes out of your body). It gradually breaks down inside your urethra and absorbs into your body.

  Studies show that transurethral alprostadil is less effective. There’s also a greater association with pain in your penis and burning.

   

  How often can I take alprostadil?

  It’s important that you follow your alprostadil directions carefully. You shouldn’t use injectable alprostadil more than two to three times per week. You should wait at least 24 hours between each time you use it. Avoid using transurethral alprostadil more than twice every 24 hours.

  How long does it take for alprostadil to work?

  You should be able to get an erection within five to 20 minutes of taking injectable alprostadil. Transurethral alprostadil should start to work within 10 minutes.

  How long will I need alprostadil?

  It depends on your situation. Alprostadil isn’t a cure for erectile dysfunction. But when you use it correctly, it’s a safe, effective, long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction. Many people choose to use alprostadil for a long time.

  
  Risks / Benefits

  What are the potential benefits of alprostadil?

  The primary benefit of alprostadil is that it helps you to get and maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse.

  How effective is alprostadil?

  Alprostadil is very effective. It causes an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse in about 80% of men.

  What are the risks or complications of alprostadil?

  Alprostadil complications aren’t common. But there are possible risks.

  Transurethral alprostadil risks include:

  • Scars in your urethra (urethral strictures).
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension).
  • Fainting (syncope).
  • Pain in your penis or urethra.
  • A prolonged erection (priapism).
  • Knots in your penile tissue (fibrosis).
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness.

  Injectable alprostadil risks include:

  • Low blood pressure.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension).
  • A prolonged erection.
  • Skin rash on your penis.
  • Swelling of your penis.
  • Bruising around the injection site.
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness.

  Very rarely, injectable alprostadil may also cause a penile infection.