Type of medicine: prostaglandin; erectile dysfunction therapy; vasodilator
Generic and brand names: alprostadil, intracavernosal, adult; Caverject; Caverject Impulse; Edex
This medicine is given by injection (shots) directly into the penis to cause an erection in adult males who have erectile dysfunction (ED). It may also be used to help diagnose such problems. This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Men with penile implants should not use this medicine. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking a medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin).
The correct amount of medicine you need to cause an erection is usually determined by your healthcare provider in the office or clinic. Thereafter, you will self-inject this medicine following your healthcare provider's instructions and the instructions included in the medicine package.
These shots are different from other types of shots. Different brands have different mixing instructions. Carefully follow the instructions in the medicine package to prepare the medicine for injection. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
If the needle breaks during injection and you are able to see and grasp the broken end, remove it and contact your healthcare provider. If you cannot see or cannot grasp the broken end, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Do NOT increase the dosage on your own. Too much of this medicine can cause erections that last so long that the penis is damaged. The proper dosage should cause an erection within 5 to 20Â minutes. The erection should last no longer than 1 hour. Normally, use this medicine no more than 3 times a week with at least 24 hours between doses.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: lightheadedness, fainting, painful erection lasting 6 hours or longer.
This medicine should never be used by infants, children, or women.
Pain in the penis is a very common side effect. Contact your healthcare provider if the pain is severe or different than before, or if you develop lumps, swelling, or hard tissue in the penis. Also, some dosages can cause very long erections (over 6 hours), which can damage the penis. If your erection lasts over 4 hours, see your healthcare provider right away or get emergency medical treatment.
This medicine may make you faint or become dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly to find out how this medicine is working. Keep all your appointments.
This medicine does not protect either partner from the spread of sexually transmitted diseases or AIDS. Female partners may develop vaginal itching or burning during sexual intercourse. Using a condom will prevent these symptoms.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Erection that lasts longer than 4 hours; curving of the erect penis; unusual bruising or bleeding; severe dizziness or fainting within 1 hour of the injection; fast or slow heart rate; swelling or pain in legs; bumps or hard tissue on the penis; severe pain, redness, lumps, or swelling in penis.
Other: mild pain or swelling in penis, slight bruising at the injection site, headache.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Store the dual-chamber syringe system form of this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, freezing, high humidity, and bright light. After you mix this medicine, it must be used immediately. Discard any unused medicine.
If you have the powder vial form of this medicine, store at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, freezing, high humidity, and bright light. After you mix this medicine, it must be used within 24 hours. Discard any unused medicine.
If you have the liquid form of this medicine, store the unused packs in the unopened foil wrapping in your freezer for no longer than 3 months. The medicine may be kept in a refrigerator for up to 7 days. Once refrigerated, it must be used within 7 days or discarded. Do not refreeze.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
