Brand Name(s): Caverject, Edex Kit

Generic Name Alprostadil injection

What is alprostadil injection?

ALPROSTADIL (Caverject^®) is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, commonly called impotence. Alprostadil helps to create and maintain an erection. Caverjet^® is designed to be injected directly into the erectile tissue. Generic alprostadil is available.

What should my health care professional know before I use alprostadil?

They need to know if you have, or have had any of these conditions:

• an abnormally formed penis
• have been advised not to engage in sexual activity.
• sickle cell disease or trait
• leukemia
• tumor of the bone marrow (multiple myeloma)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to alprostadil or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I use this medicine?

Your health care provider will teach you how to prepare this medicine properly so that it is ready for use as described below.

Hold the head of the penis between the thumb and forefinger. Stretch lengthwise along the thigh while sitting upright or slightly reclined. Position the needle of the syringe so that the drug will be injected as described by your physician. Follow the directions given to you by your physician. If a syringe other than the one provided by the manufacturer is used, it is recommended that it be a ½-inch, 27- to 30-gauge needle. If the needle is severely bent at any time, do not use it for injecting Caverject^® and do not attempt to straighten it before injecting the drug. If the needle is bent, remove it from the syringe, discard, and attach a new, unused sterile needle to the syringe. After injection, the syringe should be withdrawn. Apply pressure to the injection site with an alcohol swab for 5 minutes (or until bleeding stops). The injection site and side of penis should be rotated to minimize adverse effects related to repeated local injection.

Alternatively, the Caverject^® medicine may be injected with the use of an autoinjector device (PenInject™ 2.25 Autoinjector). This device is not provided with your medicine and is available by a separate prescription. If you will use the autoinjector, get advice from your health care prescriber and follow the instructions that come with the PenInject™ for loading, using and maintaining this device.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with alprostadil?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using alprostadil?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• prolonged erection (lasting longer than 4 hours)

Call your prescriber or health care professional immediately if you get this side effect.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in blood pressure
• bleeding, bruising, or pain at site of injection
• pain during erection

What should I watch for while taking alprostadil?

If you experience dizziness or feel faint, this may be due to the lowering of your blood pressure. Lie down immediately and raise your legs. If symptoms persist call your prescriber or health care professional promptly.

Contact you physician immediately if the erection lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of priapism and must be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage.

Do not change your dose of your medication. Please call your prescriber or health care professional to determine if your dose needs to be changed.

Using Caverject^® (alprostadil) does not protect you or your partner against HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store at or below 25 °C for up to 3 months. Do not freeze.

When traveling, do not store in the trunk of a car or in baggage storage areas where the medication may be exposed to high temperatures.