Alprostadil intracavernosal injection

What is this medicine?

ALPROSTADIL (al PROS ta dil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This medicine helps to create and maintain an erection.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into the penis. You will be taught how to use this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

This medicine is for use in men only and is not for use in children.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• prolonged or painful erection

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

• bleeding, bruising, or pain at site of injection

• change in blood pressure

What may interact with this medicine?

• medicines for blood pressure

What if I miss a dose?

You should not use this medicine more than 3 times a week. Each dose should be given at least 24 hours apart.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Caverject: Store unopened product at or below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not freeze. See product instructions for storage when product is in use. Different products may have different instructions for storage. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Edex: Store unopened product at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. See product instructions for storage when product is in use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

When traveling, do not store this medicine in checked luggage during air travel or leave in a closed automobile.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• an abnormally formed penis

• have been advised not to engage in sexual activity

• have ever had a painful erection that lasted more than 4 hours

• heart problems

• leukemia

• low blood pressure

• penile implant

• sickle cell disease or trait

• tumor of the bone marrow (multiple myeloma)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to alprostadil or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.

Do not change the dose of your medication. Call your doctor or health care professional to determine if your dose needs to be changed.

This medicine does not protect you or your partner against HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.