Many people in our society are a little hesitant to talk about the topic of sexual dysfunction, or as we call it in medical terms, `( Erectile Dysfunction - ED)`. But in reality, this is not something to be ashamed of, it is a health condition that can occur to anyone. There are very effective treatments for this. So today we are going to talk about one such special treatment method, that is, the `(Alprostadil)` injection. Your doctor may have told you about this treatment, or you may be interested in knowing about it. Let's talk about everything clearly and simply.
What is this Alprostadil injection?
Simply put, `(Alprostadil)` is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is not a pill , but an `( injection )` that is injected directly into the penis. You may feel a little strange and scared when you hear this. But it is normal. What happens is that the blood vessels that flow to the penis through the injection widen, increasing the blood supply . Just like when you widen a narrow pipe, water flows faster. When the blood supply increases, it creates and helps maintain an erection.
Doctors usually recommend this injection treatment for those who have not had any results from pills or who cannot take pills due to other health reasons. This is a very effective treatment method.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before using this medicine?
This is very important. For your safety and to ensure the success of your treatment, it is important to tell your doctor about your health condition. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them.
| Health condition or problem | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| An abnormal shape or condition of the penis | Because special care must be taken regarding the location and safety of the vaccination. |
| If your doctor has advised you to avoid sex | Sexual activity can be harmful to health due to conditions such as heart disease. |
| If you have been in a painful erection for more than 4 hours (Priapism) | This medicine can also cause such a condition, so you need to be aware of that risk. |
| Heart disease or low blood pressure | Alprostadil can further lower blood pressure, which can cause things like dizziness. |
| Leukemia or multiple myeloma | Because these diseases cause changes in blood cells, there is an increased risk of painful bleeding. |
| Sickle cell disease | These patients are also at increased risk of developing long-lasting painful flare-ups. |
| If you have a penile implant | The doctor must decide on the appropriateness of using the vaccine. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Find out if you are allergic to alprostadil or any of its ingredients. |
How should this vaccine be used?
This is the biggest question everyone has. You may be wondering, "How do I give myself a shot?" Don't worry. After you are prescribed this medicine, your doctor or a trained nurse will show you how to give the shot correctly .
The most important thing:Never try to do this on your own, even after hearing a friend say so or watching a video on the internet. Be patient until you get the right training from the first time.
They will tell you these things clearly:
- How to prepare the medicine.
- How to properly insert the needle into the syringe.
- The penis is the correct place to inject the vaccine (this is very important). If you get it in the wrong place, complications can occur.
- How to cleanse the skin.
- How to get vaccinated without pain.
A few more things:
- If the needle is bent even slightly, do not use it. Do not even try to straighten it. Use a new needle.
- Do not use more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not apply more often than the doctor recommends (for example, more than 3 times a week).
- Make sure to leave at least 24 hours between getting one injection and the next.
What do you do with used needles and syringes?
This is also very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. This can cause serious harm to others. There is a special container for these (sharps container). If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how you can get one.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, or if the pain persists for several hours, go to a hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins , and herbal remedies. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking blood pressure medication . Taking alprostadil and blood pressure medication together can cause dangerously low blood pressure . This can cause dizziness and fainting.
What are the things to be careful about when using the medicine?
Remember this part very well. These are very important for your safety.
Emergency: Vitality lasting more than 4 hours!
This is the most important and dangerous side effect to watch out for with this treatment. If you experience a rash that lasts more than 4 hours after the injection, or if it is very painful , consider this a medical emergency .
This is not a joke. Don't think, "Let's wait a little longer." Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. If you delay, you may cause permanent damage to the tissues of the penis, even permanently losing the ability to ejaculate in the future.
Dose change
Do not change the dosage of the medication as you feel. If you feel that the results are not enough, or if it takes too long to feel better, talk to your doctor and ask if the dosage needs to be changed.
There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases!
This is also where many people make a mistake. This vaccine only increases the chance of getting pregnant. It does not protect you or your partner from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it is essential to use safe sex methods (such as condoms).
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Painful or prolonged cramping lasting more than 4 hours | This is a medical emergency. Go to the ETU immediately. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, fainting. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Changes at the injection site | The skin in that area becomes thickened, lumpy, or hard. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor discomfort at the injection site | Minor pain, redness, bruising, or itching. These usually go away after a while. |
How to store the medicine?
It is very important to store this medicine properly.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Depending on the type of medication you are taking (e.g. Caverject, Edex), the storage temperature may vary. So read the instructions that come with the medication carefully. Or ask your doctor.
- Never put it in the freezer.
- Do not use expired medications . Dispose of them properly.
- Do not leave medication in a vehicle for extended periods of time, such as during flights. Excessive heat can cause the medication to spoil.
Take-Home Message
- Alprostadil is an effective injectable treatment for erectile dysfunction. You can inject it yourself, but it requires proper medical training .
- Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking and all of your health conditions without hiding anything .
- If the dizziness lasts more than 4 hours or becomes painful, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so always be safe.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about this treatment, talk to your doctor about it openly. It's your right.
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