Alprostadil Intracavernosal, Adult

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: prostaglandin; erectile dysfunction therapy; vasodilator

Generic and brand names: alprostadil, intracavernosal, adult; Caverject; Caverject Impulse; Edex

What is this medicine used for?

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.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• an abnormally shaped penis or any infection or inflammation of the penis
• bleeding or blood clotting problems
• high or low blood pressure
• leukemia or other kind of cancer
• problems with fainting or dizziness
• priapism (an erection lasting longer than 6 hours)
• sickle cell anemia or other abnormal blood condition

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).

How do I use it?

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.

• Throw out vials if the liquid is not clear.
• Each vial is for one use only. Do not reuse it.
• To lessen irritation, choose a different spot each time you use the medicine. Alternate from the left side to the right side each time you give the shot.
• Do not reuse syringes or needles.
• Dispose of used needles and syringes safely to avoid injury to others.

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 20 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.

What if I overdose?

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.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine is should never be used by infants, children, or women.

Pain in the penis is a very common side effect. 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.

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.

What are the possible side effects?

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.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Erection that lasts longer than 4 hours; curving of the erect penis; heavy bleeding; severe dizziness or fainting within 1 hour of the injection.

Other: Pain or swelling in penis, bruising at the injection site, bumps or hard tissue on the penis, headache, fast or slow heart rate, swelling or pain in legs.

What products might interact with this medicine?

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:

• alcohol
• medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), and dalteparin (Fragmin)

How should I store this medicine?

Store the powder 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.

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.

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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.

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