Caverject (alprostadil)
General information on Caverject
Caverject is a prescription medicine with active ingredient alprostadil. The drug is used for treating erectile dysfunction in men when oral medications fail to prove effective. In some cases, the drug is also used to improve the flow of blood in newborns. For treating erectile dysfunction in men, the drug works by relaxing the muscles of the penis, thus allowing the blood flow to flow through them and hence causing an erection.
Precautions/side effects of Caverject
Patients allergic to alprostadil should refrain from using this drug. Other than that, patients with sickle cell anemia, blood clotting disorder, problem with urination, bone marrow tumor or penile fibrosis should refrain from using this drug. Patients with heart disease or high blood pressure should take this drug only after consultation with a doctor.
Caverject is known to react with certain medications such as anticoagulants like warfarin, hydralazine and nitroglycerin. Patients on any of these drugs should inform the doctor accordingly before taking Caverject.
Caverject is also known to cause certain side effects such as pain in the penis, pain in the back, stuffy or runny nose, headache etc. However, in certain cases, it can lead to severe side effects such as prolonged or painful erection, redness of the penis, bending of the penis or bleeding or bruising at the site of the injection. If any of these symptoms show up after taking the drug, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- Barrier methods of contraception must be used such as condom while on this drug to prevent the passing of drug into the woman.
- The drug is not for use in women.
- The drug can cause dizziness. Tasks which require attention such as driving or working on heavy machinery should be avoided immediately after taking the drug.
- The drug should not be used without the need for sexual activity.
Dosage of Caverject
Caverject is available in vials of strength 6-5 mcg, 6-10 mcg, 6-20 mcg and 6-40 mcg. The usual starting dose of the drug is 2.5 mcg, which is subsequently increased to 5 mcg. In certain cases, 140 mcg of the drug may be injected. However, in most cases, a dosage of more than 60 mcg is not recommended.
Caverject is to be injected into the base of the penis. The first dose should be taken under the supervision or a medical practitioner. The drug should not be self administered if the proper procedure is not known. Improper administration of the drug can result in damage of urethra. The vial should not be shaken before use as it can damage the consistency of the drug. There should be a gap of at least 24 hours between two doses of the drug. More than 3 doses per week of Caverject is not advised.
Overdose of the drug should be avoided at all costs. Overdose of the drug can lead to severe complications such as prolonged and painful erection, nausea etc. which need immediate medical attention.
Storage of Caverject
The drug is available in pellet form as well as injectable form. The pellet form should be kept in the refrigerator and should be used within 14 days. The injectable form should be kept at room temperature and should be consumed within 3 months. No form of the drug should be exposed to extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures as it can damage the consistency of the drug. Caverject should be stored away from the reach of children and pets at all times.
