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Caverject Impulse Kit (Alprostadil)
Also Known as Caverject Dual Chamber
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Information About Caverject Uses and Interactions:
Caverject Impulse Kit (alprostadil) is a prescription medication for adult men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It may also be used to help diagnose the cause of ED. Alprostadil is a lab-made version of a natural substance in the body called prostaglandin E1. It helps increase blood flow to the penis by relaxing the muscles and widening the blood vessels. Unlike ED pills, Caverject is injected with a small needle into the side of the penis. The Impulse Kit is a prefilled syringe that mixes the medicine right before use and comes in different strengths for a tailored dose.Fact Table
Formula
C20H34O5
License
US FDA, NDA #021212
Bioavailability
Absolute bioavailability after intracavernosal injection not determined
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Alprostadil; (11a,13E,15S)-11,15-dihydroxy-9-oxoprost-13-en-1-oic acid
Elimination half-life
Metabolic half-life less than 1 minute after IV administration; peripheral levels return to baseline by about 60 minutes after intracavernosal injection
Dosage (Strength)
Dual-chamber syringe: 10 mcg/0.5 mL, 20 mcg/0.5 mL; initiate 2.5 mcg intracavernosally for vasculogenic, psychogenic, or mixed ED; maximum recommended dose 60 mcg; no more than 3 times weekly with at least 24 hours between doses
Pregnancy
Not indicated for use in females; consult a doctor if partner is pregnant or planning pregnancy
Brands
Caverject Impulse, Caverject, Edex, Muse, Prostin VR Pediatric
Protein binding
Primarily albumin-bound: 81%; a-globulin IV-4 fraction: 55%
PubChem CID
5280723
MedlinePlus
a695022
ChEBI
15544
ATC code
G04BE01; C01EA01
DrugBank
DB00770
KEGG
D00180
Routes of administration
Intracavernosal injection
Directions
Caverject is injected into the spongy tissue along the side of the penis, called the corpus cavernosum. Your first doses will be given in your healthcare provider’s office so they can find the lowest dose that works and teach you how to inject it safely at home.
Use a new syringe each time, and do not use more than 60 micrograms. Do not inject more than 3 times per week, and always allow at least 24 hours between injections. After injecting, press the spot with an alcohol swab or clean gauze for about 5 minutes. Keep follow-up visits about every 3 months, and get emergency care if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours.
Ingredients
The active ingredient is alprostadil. The inactive ingredients may include lactose, sodium citrate, and benzyl alcohol (present in the final mixed solution), with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide used to adjust the pH.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Prolonged erection and priapism can occur. To prevent this, the dose is typically started low and increased slowly to the lowest effective amount.
Scarring or hardening of penile tissue, also called penile fibrosis, including nodules, curvature of the erect penis, or new or worsening pain, can develop with use.
The injection can occasionally cause a drop in blood pressure, especially in men with significant leakage of blood from the erectile tissue, called cavernosal venous leakage.
If you take a blood thinner such as warfarin or heparin, you may bleed more easily at the injection site. Press the site firmly for about 5 minutes after each injection.
Any treatable medical causes of erectile dysfunction should be identified and addressed before starting therapy. Combining Caverject with other injected medications used for erections is not recommended.
A very fine needle is used, and rare cases of needle breakage have been reported. Careful training in proper handling helps reduce this risk.
Caverject does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Continue to use appropriate protective measures.
The mixed solution contains benzyl alcohol and must never be used in newborns or infants.
Keep out of reach of children. Follow the storage instructions for your specific product, and use the mixed solution within 24 hours. Do not refrigerate or freeze the reconstituted solution.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- A known allergy or hypersensitivity to alprostadil or to any other ingredient in the product.
- Conditions that can increase the risk of a prolonged, painful erection, called priapism, such as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma, or leukemia.
- Certain conditions that affect the shape or tissue of the penis, such as a physical deformity, scarring inside the penis, called cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie’s disease.
- Men who have a penile implant.
- It is not for use in women, newborns, or children.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Caverject include:
- Penile pain
- Prolonged erection
- Bruising or a small blood collection at the injection site, also called hematoma or ecchymosis
- Penile numbness, irritation, sensitivity, redness, or itching
- Penile rash or swelling
- Scarring or hardening of penile tissue, also called penile fibrosis, with repeated use
- Dizziness
Get emergency medical care for an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. Stop using Caverject and contact your provider if you notice nodules or hard areas in the penis, curvature of the erect penis, or pain that is new or increasing, as these can be signs of fibrosis. Seek immediate help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, or hives. Also tell your provider about fainting or lightheadedness, or heavy or ongoing bleeding at the injection site.
References
Caverject Highlights of Prescribing Information. New York, NY: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, a Pfizer company; 2023.
Caverject Drug Label Information. New York, NY: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, a Pfizer company; 2024.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 10573
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