Caverject (Alprostadil)

To find full and in depth instructions on how to use Caverject 10 mcg, consult your Patient Information Leaflet for complete guidance and direction.

• The starting dose in the clinic is 1.25-2.5 micrograms, doses lower than 2.5 micrograms cannot be delivered with Caverject Dual Chamber. In this case, Caverject powder for injection will be used.
• Most men find that a dose of 5-20 micrograms works for them, however, some men may require a higher dose. You should never use more than 40 micrograms.
• If this treatment is being used to find the reason for your erectile dysfunction, the dose will be 5-20 micrograms.
• Do not use Caverject more than once in 24 hours or more than three times in a week.
• Change the location and side of the penis that you inject into each time you use it.
• This is a single use medication; any unused contents of the syringe should be discarded.
• Do not use the Caverject solution if the inside of the injection is non-transparent or contains small pieces.

It is normal for it to take a short while for your erection to come on after administering your injection. However, with the right dose of Caverject, you will be able to maintain an erection. When using Caverject, your erection should subside no longer than an hour after taking the treatment.* If your erection lasts longer than four hours, you should contact your doctor to seek medical advice.

If Caverject 10 mcg does not work well enough, talk to your doctor for guidance. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.

If you are using Caverject Dual Chamber for the first time and you have previously used Caverject Powder for Injection, your doctor should have given you advice about using this medication.

*Disclaimer: Individual results may vary.

Side effects of Caverject

Whilst Caverject is known as an effective treatment of erectile dysfunction, some users experience side effects. These can include:

• Penis pain. This is a common side effect, with more than 1 in 10 users reporting penis pain. However, the pain is short-lived. If the pain doesn’t pass quickly, or if it is very severe, seek medical attention.
• Mild bruising, discolouration or swelling at the injection site. This isn’t uncommon the first few times you use Caverject, but will diminish over time.
• Scarring, bruising or bending of the penis. This is an uncommon side effect and is more likely to occur when someone has been using Caverject or a similar treatment for a long time. If this happens, speak to your doctor; they may advise that you stop using it for a while.
• Painful and prolonged erections. This can occur if the dose is too high. If you have had an erection for more than four hours, seek medical advice.
• Muscle spasms.

There are a few uncommon side effects of Caverject, which affect less than 1 in 100 users. If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention immediately:

• Swelling, inflammation or irritation around the injection site – these may be itchy or bleed.
• Numbness.
• Swollen, red or painful testicles.
• An erection that lasts more than 4 hours.
• Lumps in the testicles – these could be spermatoceles; small cysts containing sperm.
• Changes to blood pressure or heart rhythm.
• Changes to urination or trouble urinating, e.g. needing to urinate more frequently pain while urinating or difficulty urinating.
• Blood in the urine – this can be the result of accidentally injecting the medicine into the urethra.
• Pelvic pain, sweating, nausea, weakness, or flu-like symptoms.

Who shouldn’t use Caverject?

Not all drugs are suitable for all patients. You shouldn’t take any alprostadil products if:

• You are at risk of priapism (a painful, prolonged erection that lasts over 6 hours);
• You have a disease or injury of your urethra or penis;
• You have been advised not to have penetrative sex;
• You have had leukaemia, bon marrow cancer, or sickle cell disease;
• You are allergic to alprostadil.