Alprostadil urethral suppository

July 17, 2018

Alprostadil urethral suppository

What is this medicine?

ALPROSTADIL (al PROS ta dil) is a natural protein. It 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 insertion into the penis. Follow the directions that come with your medicine. If you are unsure how to use this medicine, contact your doctor or health care professional. Do not change the dose of your medicine. Call your doctor or health care professional to determine if your dose needs to be changed.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

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

  • dizziness or light-headedness

  • fainting

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • prolonged or painful erection (lasting longer than 4 hours)

  • swelling of the legs

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

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

  • aching in the penis, testicles, legs, or in the perineum (area between the penis and rectum)

  • minor discomfort on insertion

  • redness of the penis due to increased blood flow

  • small amount of bleeding or spotting from the urethra due to improper use

  • warmth or burning sensation in the urethra

What may interact with this medicine?

  • medicines for blood pressure

What if I miss a dose?

This medicine should only be used as needed to achieve an erection. Do not use this medicine more often than directed. Do not use more than 2 times in each 24-hour period. Each suppository is for a single use only and should be properly discarded after use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store unopened foil pouches in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). You may store this medicine at room temperature for up to 14 days before use. Do not expose to temperatures above 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not expose to direct sunlight. When traveling, store this medicine in a portable ice pack or cooler. Do not store in the trunk of a car or in baggage storage areas. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

The suppository must be thrown away after it is used. It is for single use only. Discard any used medicine and packaging carefully. This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it taken by other adults, children, or pets. Follow the directions you receive with each prescription refill.

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

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

  • an abnormally formed penis

  • bleeding disorders

  • have a condition that might cause a painful, prolonged erection, such as sickle cell disease or trait, leukemia, or multiple myeloma

  • have been advised not to engage in sexual activity

  • history of blood clots

  • history of fainting

  • history of low blood pressure

  • penile implant

  • trouble passing urine

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

  • if your partner is pregnant or intends to become pregnant

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your condition.

If you experience dizziness or feel faint during sexual intercourse, this may be due to the lowering of your blood pressure. Lie down immediately and raise your legs. If symptoms persist, call your doctor promptly.

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.

Men should inform their doctors if they wish to father a child. This medicine may be found in human semen and may have the potential for side effects to an unborn child. A female partner should not become pregnant while you are using this medicine. It is also recommended that you do not use this medicine while your partner is pregnant. Inform your doctor if your female partner wishes to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. It is recommended that you use a condom during sexual intercourse with a female partner who is of child-bearing age. If you are not using a condom, your female partner may also experience mild vaginal itching or burning.

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

Updated:  

July 17, 2018