What is MUSE (alprostadil)?
MUSE is a urethral pellet and is the only treatment of its kind for erectile dysfunction. It’s actually been around for longer than Viagra. MUSE contains alprostadil, which is the same active ingredient in Caverject, Viridal Duo and Vitaros. You can get MUSE in four different dosages: 125mcg, 250mcg, 500mcg, and 1000mcg.
Alprostadil, the main ingredient in MUSE, is identical to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 naturally occurs in your body, and helps it to function normally. In medicine, it’s used as a ‘vasodilator’ (a medication that widens blood vessels) with a wide array of treatment applications, including erectile dysfunction.
How does MUSE work?
MUSE alprostadil is a vasodilator that you administer directly to your penis as a urethral suppository. It relaxes the blood vessels and muscles in your penis. This allows an increase in blood flow that will give you an erection.
This fast-acting erectile dysfunction treatment can give you an erection from 10 minutes after taking it. For the best results, you should take it right before engaging in sexual intercourse.
Who is MUSE for?
The first option for most men with ED is usually an oral tablet treatment (Viagra and Cialis are popular choices). But not everyone can use tablets, because they might be taking another medicine that clashes with them, or have a medical condition that makes them less safe. And some men who use tablets may find that they don’t work as well for them.
This is when alprostadil medicines can be helpful. They’re applied directly to the penis: so unlike the drugs in Viagra and Cialis, you don’t take them up into your system through your gut.
MUSE is different to other alprostadil medications like Caverject because you don’t inject it into the penis. It’s a pellet you insert into the tip, so it may be better for you if you don’t like injections.