Caverject

Generic Name: alprostadil (al-PROS-ta-dil)
Brand Name: Examples include Caverject and Caverject Impulse

Caverject is used for:

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

Caverject 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.

Do NOT use Caverject if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Caverject
• 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.

Before using Caverject:

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)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Caverject. 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

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Caverject may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Caverject:

Use Caverject as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Caverject. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Caverject is injected into the penis to produce an erection. A health care provider will teach you how to prepare and use Caverject. Be sure you understand how to use Caverject. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Caverject if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the cartridge is cracked or damaged.
• Use Caverject 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 reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• Caverject usually starts to work within 5 to 20 minutes after you inject it and lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
• Do not use more than one dose of Caverject in a 24-hour period or more than 3 doses per week without first checking with your doctor.
• If you forget to use Caverject and you still intend to engage in sexual activity, use it as soon as you remember or as directed by your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Caverject.

Important safety information:

• Caverject may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Caverject 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.
• Caverject 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 Caverject. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Caverject with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Caverject is not approved for use in CHILDREN. Talk with the doctor.
• Caverject 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.
• PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Caverject can cause harm to the fetus. It is not known if Caverject if found in breast milk. Caverject is not approved for use in women.

Possible side effects of Caverject:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. 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.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Caverject:

Before mixing, store Caverject at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. After mixing, you may store Caverject below 77 degrees (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 Caverject out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Caverject, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Caverject is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Caverject or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about Caverject. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Caverject. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Caverject.