Caverject Impulse

The active ingredient in Caverject Impulse is alprostadil. It is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) agonist which works locally to dilate the blood vessels of the penis, relaxing the muscles to stimulate an erection. It is classified as a vasodilator in the PDE5 inhibitor class of medications.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Caverject Impulse. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Caverject Impulse:

1. Ensure you get training from your doctor on the self-injection technique to safely administer this medication.

2. Always wash your hands before and after injecting this medication.

3. Open the plastic tray, and you should see: a syringe, a needle assembly, and alcohol swabs. Inspect the needle; in the case of a bent needle, do not use it.

4. Using an alcohol swab, wipe the rubber covering at the tip of the syringe.

5. Then pick up the needle assembly and peel back the paper cover.

6. Holding the needle assembly by its cap, press it upon the tip of the syringe, turning clockwise until locked in place.

7. The syringe system should be held with the needle pointing up, and then the plunger rod should be turned clockwise until it stops.

8. Next, turn the syringe upside down many times until the solution turns clear. Do not use the product if the solution is not clear.

9. Then, hold the syringe with the needle pointed upwards and take off the inner protective cap. Lightly tap the glass cartridge to move any large bubbles to the top, then push the plunger rod until it stops to remove the bubbles.

10. Next, to set your dose, find your dose window and slowly turn the plunger rod clockwise until the correct number is in the window. If you go past the number, just keep turning clockwise until it is visible again (do not turn the plunger rod backwards).

11. For administration, wipe the injection site - left or right side of the penis, not on top or bottom with an alcohol swab and let air dry.

12. When injecting, be sure to avoid any visible veins and alternate sides and sites for injection. Take hold of the penis from the tip, and squeeze gently, ensure to streth the foreskin if present.

13. Remove the cap and insert the needle at a 90 degree angle on the side of the penis into the corpora cavernosa (bulgy part). Once inserted, push the plunger to inject the medication until it stops. Hold for a few seconds, then pull the needle out and dispose in a sharps container.

14. Using an alcohol swab or gauze, compress the site of injection for 5 minutes.

Each syringe is single-use only - do not reuse them. Do not use Caverject Impulse more than three times per week or more than once in a 24-hour period.

The most common side effects of Caverject Impulse seen in clinical trials include:

• Penile pain or painful erection.
• Bleeding at the injection site.
• Penile curvature.
• Scarring of penile tissue (penile fibrosis).
• Bruising at the injection site.
• Blood pooling (hematoma) at the injection site.
• Abnormal ejaculation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Caverject Impulse. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Prolonged erection (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours - seek emergency care immediately.
• Heart problems such as chest pain, dizziness, or nausea
• Needle breakage with sharp end stuck in the penis.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Caverject Impulse. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Caverject Impulse, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension).
• A bleeding disorder.
• A condition such as hypertension requiring antihypertensives or blood pressure-lowering agents.

• Known hypersensitivity to alprostadil.

• Having a penile implant.

• An abnormally-formed penis (Peyronie's disease).

• Those prone to venous thrombosis or blood disorders, which may increase the risk of a prolonged erection, including sickle cell anemia, leukemia, thrombocytopenia, polycythemia, and multiple myeloma.

It should begin to work within 5-20 minutes, and should not last more than one hour.

When Caverject Impulse is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

Because it is administered locally, very small amounts of this drug are found in the blood, where they can interact with other medications. Caution is advised when it is used in combination with blood pressure-lowering medications or heparin.

Caverject Impulse is available in doses of 10 or 20 micrograms (mcg).

Inactive ingredients include lactose, benzyl alcohol, sodium citrate, alpha cyclodextrin, and hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment.

When unreconstituted, Caverject Impulse should be stored at room temperature. The reconstituted solution should be used within 24 hours and stored at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets. The diluent used in Caverject Impulse is benzyl alcohol, which can be toxic to neonates and children.

Caverject Impulse is manufactured by Pfizer.

No, there is no generic version of Caverject Impulse, but similar products are available from Caverject and Edex.

Caverject Impulse is used as needed, and if you find it is not working for you, talk to your doctor about alternative options such as Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) to treat your erectile dysfunction.

This medication should only be used in males.

This medication should only be used in males.