Caverject

alprostadil

Caverject (alprostadil) is used for treating erectile problems in men. It may also be used to help diagnose erectile dysfunction. Alprostadil is a hormone-like substance that has been shown to improve blood flow by causing the blood vessels to expand. It exists naturally in the body to keep blood moving throughout. By increasing blood flow at the site of the penis, alprostadil helps to create and maintain an erection. It usually begins to work with 5 to 20 minutes, and the effects generally last for one hour.

What is Caverject?

Caverject is a prostaglandin (PGE-1). It works by relaxing certain muscles in the penis and widening blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis and helps to cause an erection. When the effect of the alprostadil wears off, blood flow returns to normal and the erection disappears.

Before taking Caverject

Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have inflammation or infection of the penis, kidney problems, urinary problems (eg, inflammation or narrowing of the urethra), or a history of prolonged or painful erections
• if you use other medicine for erectile problems
• if you have a blood-borne disease (eg, HIV, hepatitis)

How should I take Caverject?

Use Caverject as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Caverject is injected into the penis to produce an erection. A health care provider will teach you how to prepare and use Caverject. Be sure you understand how to use Caverject. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Caverject if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the cartridge is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• Caverject usually starts to work within 5 to 20 minutes after you inject it and lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
• Do not use more than one dose of Caverject in a 24-hour period or more than 3 doses per week without first checking with your doctor.
• If you forget to use Caverject and you still intend to engage in sexual activity, use it as soon as you remember or as directed by your doctor.

Caverject side effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: mild bleeding at the injection site; mild genital pain.

Your doctor should examine your penis regularly if you use Caverject. Use of Caverject may result in formation of fibrous (hardened) tissue in the penis or erections at an unusual angle. If those side effects occur, inform your doctor and stop using Caverject. Side effects may include: blood-filled swelling at the site of injection, disorder of the penis (such as discoloration of the head, strange feeling, tearing of the skin), hardened tissue in the penis, pain in the penis, prolonged erection, upper respiratory infection.

Precautions

Seek medical attention if you experience a painful erection or have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours (priapism). If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Caverject does not protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (eg, HIV) or blood-borne diseases (eg, hepatitis B). Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have an STD or blood-borne disease. If your partner experiences vaginal dryness or painful vaginal sensations, talk with your doctor. It might be necessary to use a water-based lubricant during sexual intercourse.

Drug interactions

Some medicines may interact with Caverject. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or heparin because the risk of bleeding may be increased.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; lasting pain in the penis; lightheadedness; painful or prolonged erection (eg, erection lasting more than 4 hours).

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Caverject. If you have any other questions about Caverject, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.