alprostadil

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.

Not applicable.

Read the manufacturer's patient instructions before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into the penis as directed by your doctor. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site with each dose to avoid problem areas under the skin. Therefore, 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. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication should usually work within 5 to 20 minutes to produce an erection that lasts for about 1 hour. The manufacturer recommends that this medication be used no more than 3 times a week with at least 1 day between each dose. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (e.g., the drug does not produce an erection or it becomes more difficult to get an erection).

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparin). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. Keep all regular medical appointments, and have regular checkups to monitor the effectiveness and safety of this medication.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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 (e.g., angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie's disease), blood system cancers (e.g., leukemia, multiple myeloma), sickle cell anemia. Use of this drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., 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.

Store the unmixed product at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. After mixing, do not refrigerate or freeze, and use/discard within 24 hours or as the manufacturer directs. 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Mild/moderate pain, irritation, or slight bleeding at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: redness/tenderness/swelling of the penis, lumps/unusual curving of the penis. In the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.