Alprostadil



Caverject®; Caverject® Impulse™; Edex®; Muse®







Alprostadil

(al PROS ta dill)

U.S. Brand Names
Caverject®; Caverject® Impulse™; Edex®; Muse®
Canadian Brand Names
Caverject®; Muse® Pellet; Prostin® VR
Mexican Brand Names
Caverject®; Muse®
Pharmacologic Category
Prostaglandin
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • This medicine is not for use in females.
  • If you have an allergy to alprostadil or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have been told not to have sex by healthcare provider.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat impotence.
How does it work?
  • Alprostadil relaxes blood vessels.
  • It improves blood flow.
How is it best taken?
  • Follow directions given by healthcare provider.
  • Your healthcare provider will teach you how to take this medicine.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Caverject® and Edex®: Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 24 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not donate blood while using this medicine and for 1 month after stopping.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Muse®: Use a condom when having sex with a pregnant woman.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Penile pain.
  • Irritation where the medicine is given.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Penile erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.
  • Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe penile pain.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store as directed by healthcare provider.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: