Caverject info
Alprostadil
belongs to a class of medications known as prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins like alprostadil cause increased blood flow
to certain areas of the body by causing the blood vessels
in the area to widen.
In particular,
an alprostadil injection causes increased blood flow to
the penis. It allows more blood to flow into the penis and
produce an erection. This makes the medication useful for
treatment of erectile dysfunction (also known as male impotence).
The goal is to achieve erections that last up to one hour.
Your doctor
may have suggested this medication for conditions other
than the ones listed in these drug information articles.
If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not
sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your
doctor.
Alprostadil
is given by injection only into the blood-filled spaces
of the penis. Your doctor will determine the appropriate
dose of alprostadil by assessing the nature of the impotence.
Your doctor will give an initial injection and then slowly
increase the dose over the course of the next injections
until the lowest dose for an effective erection is found.
Erection should occur within 5 to 20 minutes after injection.
The initial
dose of alprostadil is usually around 1.25 µg to 2.5
µg (depending on the cause of the erectile dysfunction)
with dose increases depending on response until the effective
dose is reached. The maximum daily dose should not exceed
60 µg. It should not be used more than once daily
or three times a week, with at least 24 hours between doses.
If the erection
lasts for two hours, try to reduce the erection by methods
suggested by the doctor. A prolonged erection (three hours
or more) should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Do not inject
alprostadil into an erect penis. Never increase or decrease
the dose without consulting your doctor. Once the correct
dose has been found, the first few injections will take
place at your doctor's office so you can learn how to inject
the medication properly. Once your doctor is assured that
you are comfortable with the procedure, you will be given
a prescription for a kit to use at home.
Refer to the
package insert for details on how to mix the medication
and inject it properly. Everything you need to use the medication
comes with the kit. It is important to visit your doctor
regularly, at least every three months during treatment,
to ensure that the alprostadil is working safely and effectively.
Many things
can affect the dose and schedule of medication that a person
needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and
other medications. Your doctor may recommend a schedule
different from the ones listed here. Do not change the way
you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. |
