Type of medicine: prostaglandin; erectile dysfunction therapy; vasodilator
Generic and brand names: alprostadil suppository, transurethral; Muse
This medicine is a suppository inserted into the opening of the penis to cause an erection in adult males who have erectile dysfunction (ED).
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).
Your healthcare provider will instruct you how to use this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider to explain anything you do not understand. The first dose should be used in your healthcare provider's office.
Warm the suppository for at least 30 minutes before using. Do not use more than 2 suppositories in any 24-hour period.
The effects of this medicine usually start within 5 to 10 minutes. It is important to sit, stand or walk about for 10 minutes after you insert the suppository. Your erection will last for about 30 to 60 minutes.
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.
If this medicine is not used properly it can cause damage to the penis. If you have any bleeding from your penis, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If this medicine causes an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Use a condom when you are using this medicine and have sexual intercourse with a pregnant woman.
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.
This medicine may make you faint or become dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
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; damage to the tissue of the penis; bleeding; fast or irregular heartbeat; fainting; fever; headaches; muscle and joint pain.
Other: Painful penis, burning sensation in penis, pain in testicles or legs, dizziness.
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:
It is not likely that enough of this medicine will be absorbed into your body to cause drug interactions. However, tell your healthcare provider if you take any medicines for high blood pressure. There is a risk that your blood pressure may be lowered too much causing you to become very dizzy or faint.
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.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat and bright light.
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 medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
