LEADING POINTS:
- Works in only 5-30 minutes
- Easy application
- Store in fridge
MORE INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT STORAGE INFORMATION
- MUST BE STORED IN FRIDGE (2°C – 8°C).
- Do not freeze.
ABOUT VITAROS (ALPROSTADIL)
WHAT IS VITAROS AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Alprostadil is an artificially made version of prostaglandin E1 (a prostaglandin is a hormone like lipid compound which serves as a signalling purpose). This helps to open up blood vessels in and around the penis, increasing blood flow and helping erection strength.
HOW LONG DOES VITAROS TAKE TO WORK?
Usually around 5-30 minutes after application.
WHO IS VITAROS SUITABLE FOR?
Alprostadil is typically only used as a second-line choice; when other oral methods such as Viagra and Cialis have failed.
Do not take Vitaros if:
- Female
- Under 18
- Have penile implants
- If sex medically indavisable (eg: after heart attack, severely low blood pressure or dizziness, if physically unable to climb 1-2 flights of stairs without great distress, fainting)
- If already taking other medication for erectile dysfunction
- History or proneness to prolonged painful erection (priapism)
- Fungal infection of the penis (balantis/male genital thrush)
- Severely deformed penis
- Inflammation or narrowing of the penis hole (urethra)
CAUTION: Speak to doctor or pharmacist before taking Vitaros if:
- Deformed penis
- Scar tissue on penis
- Risk factors for heart attack
- Risk factors for stroke
- History of dizziness
- Liver impairment – dose adjustment may be needed
- Kidney impairment – dose adjustment may be needed
VITAROS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
Speak to doctor or pharmacist if taking:
- Blood-thinning medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Decongestants
- Class of painkillers known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) – eg: ibuprofen, diclofenac
- Cancer medications
HOW TO TAKE VITAROS:
Please see below for full information on how to use:
- It is best to pee just before taking.
- Bring the applicator to room temperature by rubbing with hands before application
- Apply the cream inside the penis hole at the top of the head.
- Ensure that the applicator does not touch the penis head.
- Keep penis upright for at least 30 seconds to allow the cream to absorb
- There may be some cream left over on top of the penis, gently move it in with a finger
- Each applicator is single use only. Discard after use
- Do not use another applicator to make up for not all the cream going in.
- Wash hands after application
SIDE EFFECTS:
Most common:
- Fungal infection
- Low blood pressure
- Rash
- Pain
Uncommon:
- Dizziness
- Passing out
- Urinary tract disorder
Very Rare but serious – call 999 or go to A+E immediately:
- Stroke
- Loss of blood flow to heart – potentially causing heart attack
OTHER WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Use latex condoms when having sex to prevent female partner’s exposure to Alprostadil
- Store in Fridge (2-8°C)
- Report any erection lasting 4 hours or longer
- Contains ethanol
- May cause dizziness. Avoid driving or machinery 1-2 hours after taking it.
- Avoid peeing right after taking as the drug could come back out
LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT CAN HELP ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
- Smoking – quit smoking
- Alcohol – moderate alcohol consumption
- healthy weight
- Avoid party drugs
- Stress management – performance anxiety – psychological interventions
- Exercise/diet
VITAROS INGREDIENTS:
Purified water
Ethanol, anhydrous
Ethyl laurate
Hydroxypropyl guar gum
Dodecyl-2-N,N-dimethylaminopropionate hydrochloride
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate
Sodium hydroxide, for pH adjustment
Phosphoric acid, for pH adjustment
SOURCES:
Shobz Pharmacy 