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Alprostadil is a type of medicine that causes blood vessels to
expand, increasing blood flow throughout the body. By increasing blood flow to
the penis, alprostadil helps facilitate an erection.
Alprostadil can be given either by injection or as a
male sexual erectile dysfunction
. When given as a suppository, the medicine is placed into the
opening at the tip of the penis. When injected, a needle and syringe is used to
inject the medicine in the penis.
If you receive the injection-form, alprostadil is sold under
the brand names Caverject, Edex, and Prostin VR. Erectile dysfunction medication of
alprostadil is sold under the brand name MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for
Erection).
Alprostadil should only be used in men with erectile
dysfunction. If this medicine is not used properly, permanent damage to the
penis can occur.
Does Injection Therapy Work?
Alprostadil delivered via the injection method causes an erection firm
enough for sexual intercourse in over 80% of men with erectile dysfunction,
regardless of their age or the cause of their problem. Alprostadil delivered
via a suppository is not as effective as when it is delivered by penile
injection; it produces an erection in approximately 30-40% of men with ED.
How Quickly Will It Work?
Alprostadil usually begins to work in about 5 to 20 minutes. Intercourse
should be attempted within 10 to 30 minutes after using the medication. This
will produce an erection that lasts about an hour. An erection may continue
after ejaculation. It is advised to use no more than 3 times per week with at
least 24 hours between each use.
Who Should Not Take Alprostadil?
This medicine is not right for everyone. Before taking
alprostadil, tell your doctor:
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to alprostadil.
- If you are allergic to any other substances such as medicine, foods,
preservatives, or dyes.
- If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine including
herbal and dietary supplements.
- If you have a penile
implant.
- If you have a history of priapism.
Also, tell your doctor if you have any medical problems,
especially:
- Abnormalities to 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 (large
number of platelets).
- Peyronie’s disease
If alprostadil is not safe for you to take, your doctor can
recommend other treatment options that are appropriate based on your health and
medical history.
Called MUSE, a small pellet (about one half the size of a grain
of rice) of alprostadil is placed inside the urethra (the small opening on the
end of the penis) to dissolve inside the penis causing blood vessels to expand
so that more blood can flow into the penis allowing for an erection to
occur.
Before using the suppository-form of alprostadil, be sure that
you fully understand how to administer it. Do not insert more than two doses of
alprostadil within a 24-hour period and do not use any more than the
erectile dysfunction and young man
dose during a single usage. This could result in permanent
damage to the penis.
Also, when using the suppository-form of alprostadil, use a
condom if having sexual intercourse with a pregnant woman. The effects of this
medicine on early pregnancy are unknown.
How Do I Insert the Suppository?
- Before inserting the pellet of medicine, urinate; the small amount of urine
left in the urethra will help dissolve the suppository after it has been
inserted.
- Insert the medicine into the urethral opening, the entire length of the
plastic arm, and push the button 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
the stinging stop.
- Sitting, standing or walking for 10 minutes while an erection is developing
helps increase the blood flow to your penis to gain a proper erection.
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
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