Caverject Injection 10 Micrograms (Alprostadil)

Adult dosage

This medication is injected directly into the cavernous body of the penis using a 27-30 gauge syringe. If the erectile dysfunction is neurogenic or psychogenic, the recommended starting dose is 2.5µg, and it may be increased by 2.5µg depending on patient response. If the erectile dysfunction is caused by arterial or other organ causes, the recommended starting dose is 5µg, and it may be increased by 5µg based on patient response. If the etiology of erectile dysfunction is unknown or used as an adjunct in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, the recommended starting dose is 2.5µg, and it may be increased by 2.5µg according to patient response. Generally, the maximum recommended injection frequency is less than once daily and less than three times a week. The maximum recommended dose for this medication is less than 60µg.

This medication contains an ingredient called benzyl alcohol, which can cause serious respiratory problems in premature infants; therefore, it should never be used in premature infants or newborns. This medication should not be administered to patients with certain diseases or conditions. For instance, patients with allergies to this medication or its components, those with certain blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or multiple myeloma, those with anatomical deformities of the penis or penile prostheses, patients for whom intercourse is contraindicated, and those with lactose intolerance should not use this medication. This medication is mainly injected into the penis, and pain during erection after injection is commonly observed. This pain is usually mild to moderate and does not significantly interfere with intercourse, but some patients may discontinue use due to pain. Additionally, this medication can cause priapism, which is an erection lasting more than 4 hours, and if it lasts longer than 6 hours, it is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Fibrosis or nodular tissue changes can occur in the penis, with the likelihood increasing with prolonged use. Therefore, the condition of the penis should be regularly monitored, and use should be discontinued if any abnormalities appear. At the injection site, hematoma, bleeding, swelling, rash, etc., may occur, and in rare cases, infection or other localized adverse reactions have been reported. Systemically, headache, elevated blood pressure, upper respiratory infections, prostate issues, various pains may occur, and some patients may experience symptoms like hypotension, dizziness, or nausea. While this medication does not significantly affect blood test results, high-dose use may cause changes related to blood circulation, such as hypotension or increased pulse. This medication acts as a vasodilator, so patients with a tendency to bleed or those taking anticoagulants should be cautious as the risk of bleeding may increase. In case of overdose, prolonged erection can occur, and in such cases, treatment may be required through aspiration, medication, or surgery, so patients should inform healthcare professionals immediately. The first dose of this medication must be administered by a healthcare professional, after which patients who have received adequate training can self-inject. Before starting self-injection, the patient’s injection technique and adaptability should be thoroughly assessed. This medication must only be diluted with the attached sterile diluent and used immediately after preparation; the diluted solution must not be stored. The dilution should be used within 24 hours and must not be frozen.

Serious side effects

Priapism (erection lasting longer than 6 hours), penile edema

Mild side effects

• Penile pain
• hematoma at the injection site
• spot bleeding
• penile fibrosis
• rash
• glans inflammation
• bleeding at the injection site
• inflammation at the injection site
• itching at the injection site
• swelling at the injection site

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to protect it from air and moisture, and it is important to maintain the storage temperature between 1 degree and 25 degrees Celsius. Proper storage helps to retain the effectiveness of the medication and prevent degradation.

Appearance

A white freeze-dried powder injection in a colorless transparent vial (attached solvent: colorless transparent liquid contained in a glass tube sealed with rubber stoppers at both ends (part of a prefilled syringe system)).

Package unit

10μg/vial X 1 + Prefilled syringe (attached solvent) X 1