Caverject is an injectable alprostadil treatment, applied directly to the penis, that’s available as a dual chamber injection and in individual vials.
The dual chamber device automatically mixes the solution and is used as needed. The Caverject injection kit is also straightforward but requires a little more prep in order to mix the powder and solution so that it’s ready for use.
Before you use this medication for the first time a doctor or nurse will show you how to apply Caverject treatments safely. Because alprostadil in Caverject is in powder form and mixed with the solution before the injection, this means it doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge. Although it must be used straight after mixing. The Caverject kit will include all these instructions that you can refer to as needed.
You can also buy the powder separately and mix Caverject injections that way. Caverject is manufactured by Pfizer, who provide everything you need to use it safely. When using alprostadil in the form of Caverject, be sure to follow the instructions provided by your doctor carefully.
Do you need a prescription for Caverject?
It’s not possible to get Caverject without a prescription in the UK. Being a prescription only treatment allows your doctor to properly monitor its use and adjust or change your treatment if needed. Caverject prescriptions are only given when your prescribing clinician thinks it safe for you to use.
While it’s possible to buy Caverject online with no prescription from disreputable sources, illegal pharmacies mean you can never be sure what it is you’re taking. Always buy online medications from a registered pharmacy.
How to use Caverject
There are two products available to choose from: Caverject powders (which come in vials) and Caverject Dual Chamber. The instructions are different for each type, so be sure to follow the correct one for your treatment as you’ll need to know how to correctly mix Caverject powder for the injection. Pfizer provides Caverject instructions with each product, so you can always refer to these if you’re not sure.
Using Caverject Dual Chamber can be easier for some as it comes with the device that mixes the powder and solution by twisting the plunger. Then you only need to gently shake the mixture before use.
For the Caverject powder injection method, you need to fix the needle onto the syringe then push it through the top of the vial and push the plunger. After giving it a gentle swirl the mixture should become clear. If the mixture remains cloudy you shouldn’t use it. Draw out the mixture into the syringe by pulling the plunger and it’s ready to use.
For Caverject administration, try to relax before using it. You can start by undressing and lying on your bed. Swab the injection area with the antiseptic pad then gently hold yourpenis from the front at a slight angle so that the injection area, the side of the penis, sticks out.
Taking care to avoid any veins, push the needle into the bulging part of the shaft and slowly press the plunger without forcing the solution. The Caverject needle size will be long enough to reach the area it’s designed for, just be sure that it’s not bent before use.
For full information about how to use Caverject Impulse injections, your medication will come with a Caverject package insert with all the information you need. Your doctor will make sure you know how to use Caverject before prescribing the treatment, so this should only act as a backup.
If you’re still unsure about how to administer Caverject in either of its forms, speak with your prescribing clinician.
Where does Caverject need to be injected?
Now we have explained how to inject Caverject, a little more information on the Caverject injection site. This is important as the medication will not work as it should if this aspect of the process is incorrect.
Along the shaft of the penis, the part that leads up to the head, runs two parallel chambers called the corpora cavernosa. It’s here where you need to inject Caverject, past the superficial layer of skin.
There is little difference between how to inject Caverject Dual Chamber and the manual needle and vial version.
Does Caverject need to be refrigerated?
Caverject doesn’t need to be refrigerated as it comes in a powdered form, but once you’ve mixed it with the solution, it needs to be used straight away in the case of the vials. For the Caverject Dual Chamber device, it can be mixed up to 24-hours before use and kept below 25°C.
Vials should be used within three months from when you’ve been provided with the medication. Always check the use by date before injecting Caverject.
Can you use Caverject and Viagra together?
Despite the fact that they’re different medications, you shouldn’t take Caverject and Viagra together. When combined these drugs lower blood pressure even further than they would separately, causing dizziness, a rapid pulse and fainting.
Taking alprostadil and Viagra together also won’t provide any benefits. If one drug isn’t working by itself, then trying the other separately is the only way to know if it’s a good replacement. You should speak with your doctor if you want to change your erectile dysfunction medication.
How much Caverject should I use?
Everyone is different and how they process any medication is unique to them. Some men find that the lowest dosages of Caverject are effective and that they won’t need to take the higher ones. Others might have toleration issues with the standard dose and lowering still provides the benefits of the medication without the side effects.
Prescription dosages typically start between 1.25mcg and 2.5mcg. These are very low dosages that are prescribed to see if you are able to tolerate it. If all goes well, your doctor will begin titration, which is where the dosage is increased slowly to see which strength allows you to get the maximum benefits from the medication with the minimum of side effects.
Most men will find that a dosage of between 5mcg and 20mcg is effective enough to treat their erectile dysfunction. You should be able to find the right dosage for you, with a little patience and guidance from your prescribing clinician.
How well does Caverject work?
Caverject results from various studies show that the majority of men will gain significant benefits from the treatment. One study reported satisfaction rates at 87% in the men that participated . Caverject doesn’t always work for every man. This can be for several reasons, including the cause of the condition and its severity.
When comparing Caverject vs Viagra, Viagra is preferred to alprostadil by most men, but many found that Caverject worked best for them . This suggests some trial and error is recommended if you’re having issues with one or other of the treatments. Oral PDE5 inhibitors will usually be the first line of treatment for men with ED but it’s important to note that there are several other non-oral options available.
So how long do Caverject and Viagra last? You should be able to get the benefits of Caverject for up to an hour, which is shorter than Viagra at five hours.
Caverject does not increase your size and it cannot cause arousal. It’s prescribed to help you achieve erections during sex. None of the erectile dysfunction treatments have aphrodisiac properties.
If Caverject doesn’t work for you, always remember that there are many other options available. These include alprostadil creams and suppositories as well as oral treatments such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Spedra.
How long will my erection last using Caverject?
Like other erectile dysfunction treatments, Caverject only works if you’re sexually aroused so it won’t work if you’re not ‘turned on’. But if you are then there’s a good chance your erection will last for a long as you need it to. Occasionally some men can have prolonged erections when using injectable ED medications, this can be serious so it’s worth remembering to only use the dose prescribed for you by your doctor.
If your erection persists, becomes painful or lasts longer than four hours, you need urgent medical attention so call 999 or get yourself to the local A+E department straight away.