CAVERJECT (ALPROSTADIL)

Description of Caverject

Caverject is an injectable drug prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient is Alprostadil, which is a prostaglandin that has vasodilatory properties. This will enable you to attain an erection in 5-20 minutes after administering Caverject that should last for no longer than one hour. The first injection will be performed in your doctor’s office so that a proper dosage can be worked out as well as to demonstrate how and where to administer the injection properly. Caverject has an easy to read “dial-a-dose” system so you can set it for the exact amount prescribed to you.

How Caverject Works in Your Body

Once administered as instructed, Caverject is like your body’s naturally occurring prostaglandin and it starts a chemical surge to relax the smooth muscles of your penis which increases the blood flow into your penis and results in an erection. Because Alprostadil does not require an intact nervous system between your brain and penis, Caverject has been prescribed for men with spinal injuries, nerve damage around the prostate gland, coronary disease, and high cholesterol or hypertension that have difficulties getting and maintaining an erection.

Conditions Treated with Caverject

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by many factors, including circulatory problems, cancer, certain surgeries, pelvic or spinal cord injuries, hormonal disorders, and alcoholism. Talk to your doctor about situation and describe other health concerns you have, the medications you are taking, injuries you have sustained, and your doctor will know the next steps to helping you achieve a satisfying sex life. Caverject will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases so you should wear a condom during intercourse to reduce your risks.

Before Using Caverject

Tell your doctor about all over the counter and Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This can help your physician determine if some of your medications are the cause for your ED.

Certain blood or bone marrow problems could increase your risk of an erection lasting four or more hours, which can result in permanent damage. Discuss your medical history with your doctor as there could be reasons for not being a good candidate for Caverject, either at this point in time or ever because of having a penile implant, deformed penis, or other physical reasons you should not have intercourse.

Caverject Precautions and Recommendations

Until you know how you are going to react to Caverject, you should not consume alcohol, drive a vehicle, operate machinery, or perform any tasks that are considered unsafe. Seek immediate medical assistance if your erection lasts for more than four hours. Any delay in treatment could cause permanent impotence. If your erections are short-lived, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage. Do not try doing this on your own!

Possible Side Effects of Caverject

• Mild to moderate pain at injection site
• Some bleeding/redness at injection site
• Dizziness
• Headache