Caverject

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Caverject if you are allergic to alprostadil, have a penile implant, or have a condition that increases the risk of priapism (a prolonged erection), such as sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma or leukemia. It must not be used to treat erectile dysfunction in men with penile deformity, abnormal curvature, scarring within the penis or Peyronie’s disease. Avoid use if you have known venous leakage in the penis, as Caverject can cause low blood pressure. Blood thinners such as warfarin or heparin increase the risk of bleeding at the injection site. If bleeding occurs, press the site with an alcohol swab or sterile gauze for 5 minutes. Underlying treatable causes of erectile dysfunction should be assessed and treated before starting therapy, including consideration of cardiovascular risks related to existing medical conditions. Combining Caverject with other medicines injected into the penis that affect blood vessels is not recommended. Regular follow-up is needed to check for penile scarring. Treatment must be stopped if abnormal curvature or scarring within the erectile tissue develops. Seek immediate medical help for an erection lasting longer than 4 hours. Proper handling and injection training are important because needle breakage has been reported. Caverject is not indicated for newborns or infants; its benzyl alcohol preservative can cause serious or fatal reactions in newborns and low-birth-weight infants. Patients should also receive advice on protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.