Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common health problem that many people suffer from, but it is not widely discussed. Many people are afraid to talk about it, and they are embarrassed to talk about it. But it is actually quite common, and there are effective treatments for it. So today we are going to talk about one such treatment, Alprostadil (brand name Muse). Let's talk about this in a friendly and clear way.
What is Alprostadil (Muse)?
Simply put, Alprostadil is a medication used to treat men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It comes in the form of a small pill (suppository) that is inserted into the penis. Its main function is to help the penis become erect during sexual intercourse and maintain that erectness. It does this by directly affecting the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing Alprostadil to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This is because using this medication with certain health conditions can be risky. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition/problem | Why should you inform the doctor ? (A simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Having an abnormal shape of the penis | It can be difficult to insert the medicine properly, and it can also be painful. |
| Bleeding disorders | There is a high risk of minor bleeding when the medicine is injected. |
| Diseases that can cause painful, long-term complications (e.g. Sickle cell disease, Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma) | This medication carries a high risk of causing a painful erection (priapism) that can last for hours. |
| If your doctor has advised you to avoid sexual activity | If sexual activity is not suitable for you due to other reasons, such as heart disease, it is not advisable to use this medication. |
| Low blood pressure | This medication can cause blood pressure to drop even further, causing things like fainting. |
| If you have a penile implant | A doctor's advice is needed as this medication may interact with the pill. |
| Difficulty urinating | It may be due to a problem with the urethra, where the medicine is inserted. |
| Allergy to alprostadil or other medicines, foods, or dyes | It is essential to inform this to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| If your partner is pregnant or hoping to become pregnant | This is very important. Special precautions are needed because traces of the medication can be transmitted to the partner and affect the unborn child. |
How exactly do you use this?
This medicine should only be used on the penis. Your doctor or a trained professional will explain to you exactly how to use it. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.
- Stay clean: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after using the medicine.
- Follow the instructions: Use only the prescribed dose as directed by your doctor. Never use more than the prescribed amount.
- Frequency of use: This is not a daily medication. It is used only when needed. Do not use more than twice in 24 hours.
- Read the patient package insert: Always read the patient package insert that comes with your medicine. The information in it may change.
What to do if you use too much by mistake?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. In particular, if you are taking blood pressure medication, you should definitely tell them about it. Because Alprostadil can also lower blood pressure, taking both medications together can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Also, tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies you are taking.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: If you feel dizzy or lightheaded during sex while taking this medication, it could be due to low blood pressure. If this happens, lie down immediately with your legs elevated. If symptoms persist, call your doctor immediately.
- If you have a pregnant partner: This is very important. If your partner is pregnant, or could become pregnant, you should definitely use a condom. This is because the medicine can enter the vagina and harm the unborn baby. If you have even the slightest suspicion that your partner is pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
- There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases:
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Refrigeration (best method): Refrigerate unopened packets. But do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat and light. Do not open the packet until ready to use. Discard expired medication.
- Storage at room temperature: If necessary, you can store it at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius) for up to 14 days. However, if you have to, do not store it in direct sunlight or in a hot place, such as the trunk of a car. Discard any remaining medicine after 14 days.
- Alprostadil is a medication that is injected into the penis for erectile dysfunction. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to talk to your doctor about this.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
- The medicine should be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not use more than twice in 24 hours.
- If you experience symptoms such as painful swelling that lasts more than 4 hours or a severe allergic reaction, seek medical advice immediately.
- If your partner is pregnant or could become pregnant, be sure to use a condom during sex.
- This medicine does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Importantly, using this medication does not protect you or your partner from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should use other methods of protection, such as condoms.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Alprostadil can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face. |
| Prolonged or painful erection | A seizure that lasts more than 4 hours. This is an emergency. |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | Things like heart palpitations and chest pain. |
| Symptoms of low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, blue eyes, and fainting. |
| Ankle and foot swelling | Especially sudden swelling. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or pain to urinate. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Soreness in the penis, testicles, legs, or the area between the anus and penis | This is usually mild and goes away on its own. |
| Redness of the penis | This may occur due to increased blood flow. |
| Feeling a burning or warm sensation at the injection site | This may occur while the medication is taking effect. |
| A small drop of blood | It is often caused by incorrectly administering the medication. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How to store the medicine?
It is very important to store this medicine properly.
Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications.
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