ALPOSTIN 1ML INJ

What is Alprostadil for:

Treating erectile problems in men. It may also be used to help diagnose erectile dysfunction.

How does Alprostadil work:

Alprostadil is a prostaglandin (PGE-1). It works by relaxing certain muscles in the penis and widening blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis and helps to cause an erection. When the effect of the alprostadil wears off, blood flow returns to normal and the erection disappears.

How should Alprostadil be used:

Alprostadil is injected into the penis to produce an erection. Your doctor will teach you how to prepare and use alprostadil.
Do not use alprostadil if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the cartridge is cracked or damaged.
Use alprostadil within 24 hours after mixing.
If the needle breaks during the injection, grasp and remove the broken end if possible and contact your doctor. Contact your doctor right away if the needle breaks and you cannot remove it.
Use each vial or cartridge one time only. Do not reuse any medicine left in the container.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Do not use more than one dose of alprostadil in a 24-hour period or more than 3 doses per week without first checking with your doctor.
If you forget to use alprostadil and you still intend to engage in sexual activity, use it as soon as you remember or as directed by your doctor.

Common side effects of Alprostadil :

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Mild bleeding at the injection site; mild to moderate genital pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal ejaculation; bleeding from the tip of the penis; bloody urine or change in the amount of urine; chest pain; curving of the erect penis; dizziness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; new or worsening genital pain; painful or prolonged erection; redness, lumps, swelling, tenderness, inflammation, numbness, strange sensation, or discoloration of the penis; severe or persistent bleeding or bruising at the injection site; severe or persistent pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; swelling of the leg veins; white patches or discharge from the penis.

What do I do if I miss a dose

If you forget to use alprostadil and you still intend to engage in sexual activity, use it as soon as you remember or as directed by your doctor

What precautions should I take when taking Alprostadil :

Before using alprostadil:
Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have inflammation or infection of the penis, kidney problems, urinary problems (eg, inflammation or narrowing of the urethra), or a history of prolonged or painful erections
if you use other medicine for erectile problems
if you have a blood-borne disease (eg, HIV, hepatitis)
Alprostadil may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use alprostadil with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or change your dose without checking with your doctor.
Seek medical attention if you experience a painful erection or have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours (priapism). If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
Alprostadil does not protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (eg, HIV) or blood-borne diseases (eg, hepatitis B). Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have an STD or blood-borne disease.
If your partner experiences vaginal dryness or painful vaginal sensations, talk with your doctor. It might be necessary to use a water-based lubricant during sexual intercourse.
You will need to have regular check-ups with your doctor while you are using alprostadil. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use alprostadil with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Alprostadil is not approved for use in CHILDREN. Talk with the doctor.
Alprostadil has benzyl alcohol in it. Benzyl alcohol may cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. If you have questions, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

When do I need to seek medical help

Do NOT use alprostadil if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in alprostadil
you have blood problems (eg, sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, leukemia), bone marrow problems (eg, multiple myeloma), or other conditions that may increase your risk for a prolonged, painful erection (priapism)
you have a penile implant, deformed penis, or certain other penile problems (eg, Peyronie disease, fibrosis of the penis)
you have any other physical reason that you should not have sexual intercourse
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Can I take Alprostadil with other medicines:

Some medicines may intereact with alprostadil. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or heparin because the risk of bleeding may be increased.

How do I store Alprostadil :

Before mixing, store alprostadil at 25 degrees C. Brief storage at temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C is permitted. After mixing, you may store alprostadil below 25 degrees C for up to 24 hours. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep alprostadil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Pregnancy Category

Pregnancy Category:C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. It is not known if alprostadil if found in breast milk.

Therapeutic Classification

Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction