How does it work?

Alprostadil is the same as a naturally occurring chemical called prostaglandin E1. This prostaglandin is thought to cause some types of blood vessels to widen by relaxing the thin layer of muscle found in the blood vessel wall. An erection is produced via a complex chain of events, involving signals from the nervous system and the release of active chemicals, including prostaglandin E1 within the tissues of the penis. These chemicals cause blood vessels entering the penis to widen, allowing more blood to enter, and other blood vessels leaving the penis to constrict, stopping blood from leaving the penis. Prostaglandin E1 plays an important role in this process and alprostadil, when administered directly into the penis, will ultimately cause the penis to become rigid and erect by increasing the blood flow into its tissues. Alprostadil in the form of MUSE is administered by application into the opening at the end of the penis (urethra). Alprostadil is also available as an injection for injection directly into the penis (see Caverject or Viridal Duo factsheets).

What is it used for?

Aid to diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

Impotence (erectile dysfunction)

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism), consult a doctor immediately. Treatment of this condition should not be delayed more than 6 hours, as this can cause damage to the erectile tissue in the penis and irreversible erectile dysfunction.

It is important to urinate before use, as a moist urethra makes administration easier and is essential to dissolve the medicine. After administration it is important to sit, or preferably stand or walk, for about 10 minutes while an erection is developing.

Do not use more than two doses in any 24 hour period and more than seven doses in any seven days.

If your partner is or may be pregnant you must use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, while using this medicine. This will prevent the medicine irritating the vagina and avoid risk to the foetus.

The unopened pouches should be stored in a fridge at 2-8ºc. However, they may be kept out of the fridge below 30ºc for up to 14 days before use.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medicine.

This medicine will not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases. Using a condom can provide this protection. This is particularly important since the urethral applicator can cause bleeding, which increases the risk of disease transmission. The ingredients in MUSE will not damage condoms.

Use with caution in

Bleeding disorders

Not to be used in

Children

Conditions in which sexual activity is not advisable, for example severe heart disorders

Conditions such as sickle cell disease, bone cancer or leukaemia in which there is an increased risk of prolonged erections (priapism)

Inflammation of the end of the penis

Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis)

Men with a history of recurrent prolonged

Physical abnormality of the penis such as severe curvature, narrowed urethra or opening of the urethra in the wrong place (hypospadia)

Women

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is for use by men only, therefore information about its use by pregnant or breastfeeding women is not applicable. However, this medicine may pass into semen, and for this reason men whose partner is or may be pregnant should use a barrier form of contraception such as a condom during sex, to avoid any possible risks to a developing foetus.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Dizziness

Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism)

Pain in the penis

Pain in the testicles

Fainting

Formation of fibrous tissue within the penis

Urinary tract infection

Rapid pulse

Vaginal burning or itching in your partner

Urethral burning

Minor urethral bleeding

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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