Caverject 20mcg (alprostadil) 2 Vials

Caverject general information

What is Caverject used for?

Caverject injection is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men, which is inability to achieve or maintain a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity, due to insufficient blood flow into the penis. Caverject is also used to help diagnose erectile dysfunction in addition to other diagnostic tests. After injecting Caverject, blood flow into the penis increases causing an erection within 5 to 15 minutes of injection.

How does Caverject work?

Caverject contains alprostadil, a naturally occurring chemical called a prostaglandin E1 that has many important physiological actions in the body. Alprostadil in Caverject causes relaxation of smooth muscle in various tissues, including the corpus cavernosum, which is the spongy erectile tissue of the penis that fills with blood during an erection. Alprostadil in Caverject also causes blood vessels to relax and dilate (vasodilation) and this increases blood flow into the penis. The increased spaces in the spongy erectile tissue caused by relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle and the increased blood flow into these spaces, due to dilation of cavernosal arteries are both actions of alprostadil in Caverject injected directly into the corpus cavernosum of the penis that cause an erection.

What does Caverject contain?

Caverject contains the active ingredient alprostadil, a naturally occurring form of prostaglandin E1, that is used to treat and help diagnose erectile dysfunction. The Caverject injection pack comprises 20mcg alprostadil as a dry powder in an ampoule, along with lactose, sodium citrate, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. The pre-filled syringe contains 1mL of sterile water with benzyl alcohol for injection.

Treating erectile dysfunction (impotence) with Caverject

Caverject contains alprostadil, a naturally occurring prostaglandin that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and also to help diagnose erectile dysfunction in addition to other diagnostic tests. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by problems with blood vessels, nerves or other problems like depression and Caverject is used to help resolve these problems. Alprostadil in Caverject causes relaxation of smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum, which is the spongy erectile tissue of the penis that fills with blood during an erection. Alprostadil in Caverject also causes blood vessels to relax and dilate (vasodilation) and this increases blood flow into the penis. The increased spaces in the spongy erectile tissue caused by relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle and the increased blood flow into these spaces, due to dilation of cavernosal arteries are both actions of alprostadil in Caverject injected directly into the corpus cavernosum of the penis that cause an erection.

What are the side effects of Caverject?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Caverject include: penile pain, prolonged erection lasting 4 to 6 hours, penile fibrosis (patches of scarring or hardening of the skin), leg cramps bruising at the site of injection (related to injection technique). Less common side effects include: redness, swelling, bleeding and itching at the site of injection, priapism (painful erection).

When should Caverject not be used?

You should not use Caverject if you:

• are allergic to alprostadil or any ingredients in Caverject
• have a predisposition to priapism (painful erection) due to conditions including leukaemia, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anaemia
• any deformity of the penis, including angulation of the penis or Peyronie's disease (curvature of the penis)
• have penile fibrosis (scarring)
• have a penile implant
• have been advised not to have sexual activity
• are taking medicines that interact with Caverject, including anticoagulants like heparin or warfarin, other medications for erectile dysfunction like sildenafil

How should Caverject be taken?

You should use your Caverject injection by first dissolving the dry powder in the sterile solution provided and then injecting directly into the corpus cavernosum of the penis. You should receive instruction from your doctor before you inject yourself and follow the instructions provided. You should develop an erection within 5-20 minutes. The dose you use and the number of injections you take depends on the cause of your erectile dysfunction should be according to your doctor’s recommendations. You should not use Caverject more than once in a 24 hour period and not more than 3 times a week.
The Caverject injection pack is for single use only and you should not reuse the syringe.

How long should you take Caverject?

You should not use Caverject more than once in a 24 hour period and not more than 3 times a week, according to your doctor’s recommendations.

How should Caverject be stored?

You should store your Caverject below 25°C in a cool dry place but do not freeze or refrigerate. Once you have dissolved the dry powder, it should be used as soon as possible. If you need to store the solution, keep it refrigerated at 2-8ºC for not more than 24 hours; do not freeze.