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.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
MUSEAlprostadil
How to use MUSE (alprostadil)
Unlike erectile dysfunction pills like Viagra and Cialis, MUSE is administered directly to your penis. The directions below are a guide, but you should always make sure you follow the instructions for MUSE alprostadil in the leaflet.
Clean & prep yourself: Thoroughly wash and dry your hands with a clean towel. Urinate to moisten your urethra, and shake your penis to remove any remaining urine.
Access the applicator: Carefully open the packaging using the easy-open notch. Without grabbing the MUSE applicator, pour it into your hand. Twist the protective cover off of the end of the applicator without touching the stem or tip. Make sure you can see the medicine in the tip of the applicator.
Insert the stem: Pick up the applicator and hold it in a position that is most comfortable for you. In a seated or standing position, gently pull your penis until it reaches its full length. Now you’re ready to slowly insert the stem of the MUSE applicator into your urethra. If you experience any pain or discomfort, pull it out a little before continuing to push it in.
Apply the suppository: There is a button on the end of the applicator. Fully depress the button and hold it for five seconds. Carefully wiggle the applicator from side to side to release the suppository into your urethra—be careful because if you scratch your urethra, you could start bleeding.
Remove the applicator: Pull the applicator out of your penis slowly and carefully. If there’s any medicine remaining in the tip of the applicator, reinsert the stem into your urethra and repeat the directions for applying the suppository.
Distribute the medication: Gently massage the shaft of your penis by rolling it between both hands. Stand or walk around while your erection develops.
How long does MUSE take to work?
After inserting MUSE, you should have an erection within 20 minutes. It should last between thirty minutes to an hour.
Which dose of MUSE is best for me? 250mcg, 500mcg, or 1000mg?
You’ll most likely start out on an alprostadil MUSE dosage of 500mcg to see if your erectile dysfunction is successfully remedied. If you experience side effects like burning, dizziness, or headache, or your erection lasts for longer than an hour, tell your doctor. You may need a lower dose of MUSE alprostadil.
You may also experience an inadequate erection from the starter dose. If this is the case, a doctor may increase your prescription to MUSE alprostadil 1000mcg, or suggest another medicine.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
MUSEAlprostadil
MUSEAlprostadil
FAQ: MUSE
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Why haven’t I heard of MUSE?
Answer:
You may be wondering why you haven’t heard of MUSE. While it is one of the oldest medications for erectile dysfunction treatment, it isn’t the most commonly used. Doctors and patients prefer to try oral medications like Viagra first, and tend to suggest MUSE if other options have failed.
Another reason you might know it as well as other medicines for ED: as treatments go, it’s not quite as convenient as a tablet you simply swallow. It takes a little effort to apply, but it can be helpful for men who can’t use tablets. And it can actually work faster (Viagra can take 30-60 minutes to work, while MUSE can only take 20).
Also unlike other erectile dysfunction medications, MUSE happens to share its name with a popular pop group. As a result, people who search for MUSE often see results for the band instead of the medication.
Is MUSE similar to Caverject or Vitaros?
Answer:
MUSE, Caverject and Vitaros are all alprostadil-based erectile dysfunction medications. They each have a variety of dosages and come in different forms. While MUSE is a urethral suppository, Vitaros is a cream that is inserted into the urethra using an Accudose container. So it’s applied in a very similar way, but the drug is in a different form.
Caverject, on the other hand, comes in the form of an injection delivered into the base of the penis. So this is the same medicine, but is delivered into the body in a different way.
Is MUSE more effective than ED pills?
Answer:
It’s difficult to compare MUSE to a tablet like Viagra, because the scenarios they’re used in are a little different.
In clinical studies, Viagra (sildenafil) has a higher rate of effectiveness in clinical trials, ranging from 63% for the lowest dose and going up to 82% for the highest dose. Another study carried out in a UK hospital found that sildenafil had a 91% success rate.
A review of MUSE in clinical practice found it was 56% effective.
It’s important to remember though that MUSE is generally only used by men who can’t take oral tablets or have tried them and found they haven’t worked. So for these men, MUSE may be much more useful and effective than Viagra, because Viagra isn’t an option for them at all.
Is there another name for MUSE?
Answer:
While there are other alprostadil medications that can treat erectile dysfunction, there aren’t any generic versions of MUSE available at the moment. MUSE is the only urethral suppository available.
How should I store MUSE?
Answer:
Store your unopened MUSE packages in the refrigerator. Once you’ve taken it out of the fridge, you can keep it at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Why should I buy MUSE alprostadil online with Treated?
Answer:
We know that tablets don’t work well for everyone, so we can help you find the alternative that suits you best. Talk to us to get treatment recommendations tailored to you. You can choose the option that fits you, and get your treatment delivered as often as you need it.
You’ll also get unlimited access to our clinicians, so you can ask them health questions any time you need to. And we’ll check in with you regularly to make sure your treatment is going well.
Sairam, K., Kulinskaya, E., Hanbury, D., Boustead, G. and McNicholas, T. (2002
Oral sildenafil (ViagraTM) in male erectile dysfunction: use, efficacy and safety profile in an unselected cohort presenting to a British district general hospital. BMC Urology, 2(1).
Works very very well and without the usual side effects of alprostadil. Was recommended this as my usual Caverject is still out of stock. Slight inconvenience as has to be kept in fridge but have bought insulin travel pouch for those longer journeys!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
This treatment category isn't suitable for the gender you have selected.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
