Caverject Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Caverject Injection contains alprostadil, a man-made version of a natural body substance called prostaglandin E1. It is injected directly into the penis to treat erectile dysfunction and can also help doctors diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction. It belongs to the Prostaglandins, Genitourinary drug class and is intended for use in men only.

What is Caverject Injection

Caverject is a prescription medicine that contains alprostadil, a man-made version of a substance the body makes naturally called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). It is injected directly into the penis to treat erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection) and can also be used to help doctors diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction.

Caverject Injection uses

• Treatment of erectile dysfunction (inability to maintain an erection to have sexual intercourse)
• Used as an adjunct to other diagnostic tests in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

Benefits of Caverject Injection

• Can produce an erection suitable for sexual intercourse within 5 to 20 minutes
• Does not need to be used together with sexual stimulation to work
• Delivers medicine directly to the penis, which may work for men who cannot use or do not respond to oral ED medicines

How Caverject Injection works

Caverject widens blood vessels and relaxes the muscle inside the penis, letting more blood flow in and become trapped, which causes an erection.

Caverject Injection dosage

You must be trained by your doctor in the correct injection technique before using this medicine at home. Your first doses should be given in your doctor's office so the right dose can be found for you.

Do not use more than once in a 24-hour period and no more than 3 times a week, with at least 24 hours between doses. Do not change your dose without checking with your doctor first.

Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing and giving the injection. Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab before injecting and let it dry. Alternate the side and exact spot of the penis you inject each time, and avoid injecting into visible veins or the top or underside of the penis.

Press firmly on the injection site with an alcohol swab or gauze for about 5 minutes after injecting, or until bleeding stops. Do not use the syringe if the needle is bent, and do not try to straighten a bent needle. Never keep or reuse any leftover solution from a used syringe for a second injection. Each syringe or vial is for one use only and should be thrown away after use.

Do not use CAVERJECT to treat any other complaint unless your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for use in women, children, or newborns.

Available forms and strengths

• Injection (lyophilized powder for reconstitution in a single-dose vial)
• Injection (lyophilized powder for reconstitution in a pre-filled dual-chamber syringe device)

Side effects of Caverject Injection

Common

• Pain at the injection site
• Bleeding at the injection site
• Bruising or hematoma at the injection site
• Painful erection
• Redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site
• Numbness, irritation, or unusual sensitivity of the penis
• Rash on the penis
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Cough, stuffy nose, or flu-like symptoms
• Unusual discharge from the penis

Serious

• An erection lasting longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection) or longer than 6 hours (priapism)
• Curving of the penis with pain during erection (penile fibrosis or Peyronie's disease)
• Swelling or pain of the testicles
• Changes in heartbeat or palpitations
• Changes in blood pressure, including low blood pressure that could cause fainting
• Needle breakage during injection
• Serious allergic reaction
• Prolonged bleeding at the injection site, especially in people taking blood thinners

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you have a penile implant.
• Do not use this medicine if you have conditions that can cause long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia or trait, multiple myeloma, or leukemia, since this raises the risk of a dangerous prolonged erection.
• Do not use this medicine if you have a penis that is scarred, curved, or you have painful erections (Peyronie's disease), or abnormal thickening of penis tissue.
• This medicine does not prevent pregnancy or protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
• This medicine contains benzyl alcohol, which can cause serious and even fatal reactions in newborns and premature babies. It is not meant for use in children.
• People taking blood thinners such as warfarin or heparin may have a higher chance of bleeding at the injection site.
• Sexual activity can put extra strain on the heart. People with heart problems should check with their doctor whether their heart can handle the strain of sex before using this medicine.
• There is a chance the fine needle used with this medicine can break during injection, in some cases requiring hospitalization and surgery to remove it.
• Your doctor should regularly examine your penis to check for abnormal thickening of tissue (fibrosis), and treatment should be stopped if this develops.
• This medicine is not meant for use in women. If your partner becomes pregnant while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor or your partner's obstetrician. Since this medicine is not meant for use in women, breastfeeding does not apply.
• Studies have not been done to see how this medicine works in people with kidney problems or liver problems.
• Do not drive or use machines or tools until you know how this medicine affects you.

Storage

• Store CAVERJECT IMPULSE in a cool dry place below 25°C. Do not freeze or refrigerate.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• During travel, avoid storing the product at temperatures above 25°C or below 2-8°C. Do not store in checked luggage during air travel.
• After dissolving the powder, use the solution as soon as possible. If storage is necessary, store in the refrigerator at 2-8°C for not more than 24 hours. Do not freeze the dissolved solution.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
• Do not keep unused solution. After injecting, immediately throw away the used medicine in a special 'sharps' container as instructed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date or damaged, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, since this may be a sign of a dangerous condition called priapism that can permanently damage the penis if not treated.
• If you notice bleeding at the injection site, apply pressure until it stops. If it does not stop within about 5 minutes, contact your doctor.
• Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a heart problem during or after sex, such as chest pain, dizziness, or nausea.
• Contact your doctor promptly if the needle breaks during injection, whether or not you can see or grasp the broken piece.
• Tell your doctor about any new or worsening penile pain, or if you notice lumps, hard tissue, or curving of the erect penis.
• If you think you have used too much of this medicine, you may need urgent medical attention even if you feel fine, so contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department.

Alternatives

• Edex
• Muse
• Prostin VR Pediatric
• Caverject Impulse