Caverject

Caverject is a prescription-only erectile dysfunction treatment. It is given by injection and has an almost immediate effect, with most men able to get an erection within 5 to 20 minutes. Caverject contains the active ingredient alprostadil, a type of prostaglandin called prostaglandin E1, known to improve blood flow to the penis.

The active ingredient in Caverject, alprostadil, is a man-made version of prostaglandin E1, a strong vasodilator – that means it widens blood vessels and can thin the blood. It helps erectile dysfunction by acting on the blood vessels in the penis to improve blood flow, making it easier to get an erection.

Caverject should make it easier to get an erection within 5 to 20 minutes of injecting the solution and lasts no more than one hour. If you’d like your erection to last longer, you should let your doctor know.

How effective is Caverject?

In a clinical study involving 13,792 Caverject injections, 87% resulted in an erection which was satisfactory for sexual activity. A further study found that 73% of those who used Caverject at home enjoyed satisfactory sex.

Caverject is available in 2 forms:

1. Caverject Dual Chamber: turn the plunger to mix the solution and powder in the device
2. Caverject Vials: the powder will need to be mixed with the supplied solution before injecting

Before you use Caverject, a doctor or nurse will show you how to use the injection at least for the first use. You shouldn’t try to inject yourself without being shown the correct way by a medical professional first. If you’re not sure about how to inject yourself, you should speak to your doctor or nurse.

You will be advised by your doctor how much Caverject solution you need to inject. Your doctor will monitor you closely to see how the dose is working. The usual starting dose is 1.25 mcg to 2.5 mcg. Most people find that a dose between 5 and 20 mcg is right but some people may need a higher dose.

You must not use more than 60 mcg of Caverject at once. To find the best solution for your circumstance, consult your doctor.

How to prepare the Caverject vial:

• You should begin by washing your hands with warm soapy water and drying them thoroughly.
• Prepare the vial: flip the plastic lid off of the vial and wipe the rubber top with one of the provided antiseptic pads.
• Fit the needle to the syringe: Hold the syringe and twist the white cap to break the seal. Remove the foil from the larger needle with the grey end, but keep the cover on. Join the needle to the syringe by turning the needle clockwise onto it . Remove the needle cover by pushing it away from the syringe with your thumb and finger.
• Mix the solution and powder: Push the needle through the rubber middle of the vial top. Press the plunger down to squirt all the solution onto the powder. Gently swirl the vial until all the powder has dissolved. If the powder doesn’t dissolve or is cloudy, do not use it.
• Fill the syringe: With the needle inserted, turn the vial upside down. Make sure the tip of the needle is below the liquid level. Gently pull the plunger to draw all the mixture into the syringe. Remove the needle from the vial.
• Change to the injecting needle: Gently twist the large needle off of the syringe by turning it anticlockwise. Remove the smaller injecting needle with the yellow end from its packaging, keeping the cover on. Twist the needle clockwise tightly onto the syringe. Remove the needle cover by pushing it away from the syringe with your thumb and finger.
• Set the dose: Gently tap the syringe to send any air bubbles to the top, then push the plunger to squeeze the air bubbles out, ensuring one drop of solution comes out the end of the needle. Continue pushing the plunger until it is at the right dose mark prescribed by your doctor.

How to inject Caverject:

• Get undressed and get in a comfortable position
• Take some time to relax yourself and your partner
• If your doctor has recommended using a second antiseptic pad, open it now
• Ensure the injection needle isn’t bent, if it is do not use it, attach a new needle instead
• Hold your penis from the front, with the first two fingers underneath close to your testicles and the thumb on top
• Gently squeeze your penis between your thumb and finger so that the injection site bulges out
• If your doctor has advised you to wipe the skin where the injection will be inserted, do it now and let it dry
• Firmly gripping your penis, use your free hand to push the needle straight into the skin on the soft, spongy tissue either side of the penis shaft
• Push the plunger firmly until all the liquid has been injected
• Remove the needle and press gently with the antiseptic pad or your thumb, massaging the penis to help spread the Caverject liquid

You shouldn’t use Caverject more than once in 24 hours or more than 3 times per week. You should also change the exact place and side you inject each time you use Caverject.

For further guidance on how to inject Caverject, you can find advice in the patient information leaflet which should come included with the medication. If you have any concerns about injecting Caverject safely, speak to your doctor.

Caverject is only available with a prescription. It may be possible to get a prescription from the NHS, but you might need to meet certain criteria. If you don’t, then you may be able to get Caverject with a private prescription. Your doctor or specialist urologist should be able to help provide a private prescription.

Can I buy Caverject online?

It may be possible to buy Caverject online. You will need to find a trusted and regulated online pharmacy or doctor service. ZAVA does not offer Caverject but can offer a range of alternative erectile dysfunction treatments.

Can I buy Caverject over-the-counter?

No, you will need a prescription to obtain Caverject. The only erectile dysfunction treatment currently available over-the-counter is Viagra Connect.

Can I get Caverject on the NHS?

Caverject may be available on the NHS if you meet their criteria. Other erectile dysfunction treatments are available on the NHS with less strict prescribing criteria, including sildenafil (generic Viagra).

Like all medications, Caverject comes with a risk of side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• penis pain
• bruising, scarring, bending or kinking of the penis, especially after long-term use
• erections that last a very long time
• swelling, discolouration or bruising at the site of the injection
• muscle spasms
• other penis issues

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• irritation, inflammation or swelling at the injection site
• itchiness, bleeding, numbness or tenderness at the injection site
• needing to pee more often or pain or difficulty urinating
• pelvic pain
• red, swollen or painful testes or scrotum
• feeling faint
• itchy or red skin

You should go to A&E straight away if your erection lasts for more than 4 hours as this requires urgent medical attention. If you experience any other side effects, you should report them to your doctor if you find them difficult to manage or they are disrupting your quality of life.

You can also report your side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.

Caverject may not be suitable for everyone. You should not use Caverject if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have:

• sickle cell anaemia
• leukaemia
• multiple myeloma
• any issue that increases your risk of priapism (an erection that lasts longer than 6 hours)
• an implant in your penis
• a condition which means you should avoid sex such as severe heart disease
• a scarred, bent or kinked penis
• Peyronie’s disease
• tight foreskin (phimosis)

Caverject should not be used by:

• anyone under 18
• women

Tell your doctor before using Caverject if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• antihypertensives for high blood pressure
• sympathomimetics for respiratory or heart disease
• vasodilative agents for widening blood vessels
• anticoagulants for thinning the blood
• other erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra

There are several alternatives available for erectile dysfunction including tablets, creams, vacuum pumps, and penile implants.

At ZAVA, we offer the following erectile dysfunction treatments:

• Sildenafil
• Viagra Connect
• Cialis or Tadalafil
• Spedra
• Levitra
• Cialis Daily
• Vacuum pump

Caverject vs Invicorp

Invicorp is another injectable erectile dysfunction treatment that contains different active ingredients to Caverject. The active ingredient in Caverject is alprostadil but Invicorp contains aviptadil and phentolamine mesilate instead. Invicorp works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis and stimulating blood flow.

Research shows that Invicorp is an effective alternative to Caverject, proving successful in 61% of people who do not respond to alprostadil (Caverject) treatment.