Brand
name : Caverject (Alprostadil)
Pronounced: CA-vur-jekt
Generic name: Alprostadil
Other brand names: Edex, Muse
Why is Caverject prescribed?
Caverject is used to treat male impotence. Your doctor also may use
Caverject to help diagnose the exact nature of your impotence.
Caverject and the similar brand Edex are both taken by injection.
A third brand, Muse, is taken as a small suppository inserted in the
penis.
Most important fact about Caverject
Caverject is known to have caused extremely long-lasting erections.
Serious harm can occur from such a prolonged erection, so call your
doctor or seek other professional help if an erection lasts more than
4 hours. Usually the erection should last about 1 hour.
How should you use Caverject?
Caverject is injected into a specific area of the penis and produces
an erection within 5 to 20 minutes. Do not use Caverject more than
3 times a week. Wait at least 24 hours between use.
The first injections are performed by your doctor in the doctor's
office in order to determine the proper dosage. Afterwards, you can
inject Caverject yourself as needed. Your doctor will train you in
the proper technique for injecting Caverject and you'll be given complete
printed instructions. Follow these directions exactly and do not change
the dose your doctor has determined.
Do not use a Caverject solution that appears cloudy or colored or
that contains particles. Do not shake the vial.
Wash your hands thoroughly and do not touch the needle. Carefully
choose the injection site as instructed by your doctor, always avoiding
visible veins. Cleanse the site with an alcohol swab. With each use,
alternate the side of the penis and the site of the injection.
Use the needle/syringe and vial only once, then discard them properly.
Do not share needles or allow anyone else to use your medication.
Caverject comes in both 10 microgram and 20 microgram strengths. Make
sure you are using a vial with the correct strength.
After injecting Edex, put pressure on the injection site for 5 minutes,
or until the bleeding stops.
If you have been prescribed Muse, your doctor will instruct you in
the correct way to insert the suppository. An erection should occur
within 5 to 10 minutes of insertion. Do not use more than 2 suppositories
in 24 hours. Discard each applicator after a single use.
Storage instructions Caverject (Alprostadil)
Store unused packs of Caverject at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Protect from freezing or from overheating.
Once the Caverject solution is mixed, you must use it immediately
or discard it.
When traveling, take care to prevent exposing Caverject to freezing
or excessive heat. Do not store Caverject in checked luggage or leave
it in a closed car.
Muse suppositories should be stored in the refrigerator, but may be
left at room temperature for up to 14 days before use. Protect the
suppositories from high temperatures and direct sunlight. Carry them
in a portable cooler when traveling.
Caverject (Alprostadil) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue using Caverject.
CAVERJECT AND EDEX
Why should Caverject not be prescribed?
Do not use Caverject if you have a condition that might result in
long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia, increased levels
of white cells in your blood, and tumor of the bone marrow.
Men with penile implants or an unusually formed penis should not use
Caverject. The drug is not for use in women, children, or men whose
doctors have advised them not to have sex.
Do not use Caverject, Edex, or Muse if it causes an allergic reaction
or if you have ever had a reaction to any prostaglandin drugs.
Do not use Muse for sexual intercourse with a pregnant woman unless
you use a condom.
Special warnings about Caverject
These drugs offer no protection from the transmission of sexually
transmitted diseases, such as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Small
amounts of bleeding at the injection or suppository site can increase
the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV.
Remember that development of any unusual deformity of the penis while
using Caverject is a signal to stop taking the injections and inform
your doctor.
Because Muse has been known to cause low blood pressure and fainting,
you should avoid driving and other hazardous activities after using
it. When using Muse with a partner in her child-bearing years, contraception
is recommended.
Possible food and drug interactions when using Caverject
No interactions have been reported, but these products should not
be used with other drugs that act on blood vessels, such as blood pressure
medications.
You may have some bleeding at the site of injection or insertion.
If you are taking anticoagulants such as heparin or Coumadin you may
bleed more. Make sure that any doctor who prescribes an anticoagulant
is aware that you are using one of these medications.
Recommended dosage for Caverject
CAVERJECT AND EDEX
Overdosage
No overdose of Caverject has been reported. However, any medication
taken in excess can have serious consequences. The chief symptom of
an overdose of Caverject would be a prolonged erection. If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
