Caverject
Caverject is used to produce a sexually functional erection in
males with impotence (erectile
dysfunction).
How to use Caverject
Caverject comes as a shot to inject into the penis. You must
be trained by your physician before using Caverject (alprostadil)
at home. Use Caverject (alprostadil) before sex. It produces
an erection of the penis within 5-20
minutes of injection (into the side of the upper third of the
penis, as directed by your physician).
Generally, Caverject (alprostadil)
should not be used more than three times a week or more than
once every
24 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your physician or pharmacist to explain any
part you do
not understand. Use Caverject (alprostadil) exactly as directed.
Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed
by your
physician.
Your physician will administer the first dose of Caverject in
his or her office to determine the appropriate dose you should
receive.
Carefully read the patient directions that come with Caverject (alprostadil)
vials. If you have questions about the volume of Caverject (alprostadil) to
inject, ask your physician or pharmacist.
Each needle, syringe with fluid, and vial with powder can be used
only once.
The effects of Caverject (alprostadil) should last no longer than 1 hour.
Call your physician immediately if your erection lasts longer than
4 hours. Erections lasting more than 6 hours may result in permanent
damage. If you use too much Caverject (alprostadil) by mistake, call your physician
immediately. Remember to wash your hands completely before using
Caverject (alprostadil) and to clean the area of the penis that will be injected
before the needle is inserted.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using Caverject (alprostadil),
- tell your physician and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Caverject (alprostadil) or any other
drugs.
- tell your physician and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants
('blood
thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins.
- tell
your physician if you have or have ever had anemia, bleeding
disorders, sickle cell disease, leukemia, cancer,
or kidney or
liver disease. Caverject should not be used in patients
with penile implants.
What side effects can Caverject cause?
Although side effects from Caverject (alprostadil) are
not common, they can occur. If you experience any of
the following
symptoms,
call your
physician immediately:
- erection lasting more than 4 hours
- redness, swelling, tenderness,
or unusual curving of the erect penis
- nodules or hard areas
on the penis
- pain on injection
- bleeding
What storage conditions are needed for Caverject?
Keep Caverject in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw
away any Caverject that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal
of
your medication. What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your physician.
Use precautions (such as condoms) to reduce the risk of spreading
sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) infection.
Do not let anyone else use your Caverject. Ask your pharmacist
any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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