Alprostadil

About alprostadil

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to perform sexual intercourse. Alprostadil works by causing blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. When administered to the penis, blood flow to that area is increased resulting in an erection.

Before using alprostadil

Before using alprostadil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you suffer from priapism (prolonged erection) or any injury, disease, inflammation or deformity of the penis.
• If you suffer from, or have ever suffered from sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia.
• If you have ever been advised not to have sexual intercourse for medical reasons.
• If you are using any other products to help treat erectile dysfunction.
• If you have urethral stricture (a narrowing of a section of the urethra).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you have heart or lung disease.
• If you have experienced a transient ischaemic attack (also known as a mini-stroke).
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use alprostadil

• Use your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• If you have been prescribed the urethral applicator stick use a maximum of two doses in any twenty four hours and not more than seven doses in a seven day period.
• If you have been prescribed the injection use a maximum of three times a week with at least twenty four hours between injections.
• Never use more than the prescribed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside alprostadil.
• The injection is administered at the base of the penis. The first injection should be given by a doctor or nurse, although after proper training and instruction you will be able to do it yourself at home. Try to use a slightly different injection site each time to prevent skin problems.
• If you are using the urethral applicator stick you are advised to urinate immediately before using this method as this moistens the urethra making insertion more comfortable. The first dose should be given by a doctor or nurse, although after proper training and instruction you will be able to do it yourself at home.
• If you are using the urethral applicator and your partner is pregnant, you should use a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid vaginal irritation and guard against any damage to the unborn baby.

Can alprostadil cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects include pain in the penis and penile fibrosis (the formation of fibrous tissue in the penis). Local reactions such as pain, burning, bruising, bleeding, rashes or small swellings may occur at the site of injection.

Uncommon effects (these affect less than 1 in 100 people) include: irritation, burning, changes in sensitivity, pain, swelling or redness of the genitals, changes in urination, infections of the penis or urinary-tract, nausea, dry mouth, faintness, changes in blood pressure, dizziness, headache, lower abdomen or back pain, flu-like symptoms or swelling of the leg veins.

How to store alprostadil

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. If you have been given the urethral applicator stick it should be stored in a fridge, however it can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days before use.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines