This medication is used to treat male sexual function
problems (erectile dysfunction). It works by helping the blood flow into
the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.
This medication is not for use in women or
children.
This medication is not recommended for use in men with
penile implants.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care
professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication into the penis as directed by
your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment. This medication should usually work within 5 to 20 minutes to
produce an erection that lasts for about 1 hour. This medication should not
be used more than 3 times a week, with at least 1 day between each
dose.
Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change
the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Choose an
injection site on the other side of the penis from the site of the last
dose, using a different area each time. After injection, apply pressure to
the injection site with an alcohol swab for about 5 minutes to avoid
bruising. Do not use a bent needle to inject this medication. If the needle
is bent, replace it with a new needle. If the needle breaks during
injection, contact your doctor right away. Learn how to store and discard
medical supplies safely.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse
(for example, if the drug does not produce an erection or it becomes more
difficult to get an erection).
Mild/moderate pain, irritation, or slight bleeding at
the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- redness/tenderness/swelling of the penis
- lumps/unusual curving of the penis
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection
lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get
medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using alprostadil, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- penis conditions (such as angulation, fibrosis/scarring,
Peyronie's disease)
- blood system cancers (such as leukemia, multiple
myeloma)
- sickle cell anemia
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Use of this drug does not protect against sexually
transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). To
decrease your risk of infection, always use an effective barrier method
such as a latex or polyurethane condom during all sexual activity. Consult
your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin, heparin)
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.