What is this medicine?
Alprostadil (al PROS ta dill)
Alprostadil is a prostaglandin analog and vasodilator.
- It may help address symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: Intracavernosal Injection
What should the injectable product look like?
Upon visual inspection, the vial contents should appear as a clear solution with no visible particles.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to alprostadil
- History of sickle cell anemia
- History of multiple myeloma
- History of leukemia
- Penile anatomical deformation or fibrotic condition
- Pregnant partner
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on
your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
This medication should be given as an intracavernosal injection as indicated by your healthcare provider. See recommended administration guide for further instruction.
What are the limits to how often I can use this medication?
- Do not inject more than one dose within 24 hours of the last dose.
- Do not inject more than 3 doses per week.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives blistering, swelling of the mouth, face, lips tongue throat, trouble breathing.
- Injection site reaction: redness or itching around the administration site.
- Injection site changes: bruising, infection, or fibrosis
- Monitor blood pressure, respiratory and heart rate as indicated by your provider.
- Monitor erection duration and detumescence.
What may interact with this medicine?
- Drug interactions exist with this medication.
- Of note: Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors may enhance the adverse effects of alprostadil. Avoid combining therapy.
- Discuss your medication regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you.
What side effects or adverse drug reactions may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Penile discomfort
What serious events prompt immediate attention?
Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Redness, lumps, swelling, tenderness, or erection curving
- Site irritation
- Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath
- Dizziness or passing out.
- Extreme headache
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Leg vein swelling
- Painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.
Contraindications: Conditions predisposing patients to priapism such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia; presence of anatomical deformation or fibrotic penis conditions such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease; penile implants. Sexual intercourse with a pregnant patient is contraindicated unless a condom barrier is used.
Where should I keep my medicine?
- Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
- Store injectable at refrigeration, between 36 to 46 degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging
- Protect injectables from light.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Alprostadil. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed October 2023.
