Vitaros Cream

What is Vitaros and what is it used for?

Vitaros cream is an easy-to-apply, fast-acting topical treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is a great option for treating Erectile Dysfunction where tablets such as Viagra or Cialis have not been effective or are not a desirable solution. Vitaros cream can produce a satisfactory erection in as little as 5 - 30 minutes and normally produces an effect for 1 - 2 hours.

Vitaros (alprostadil) is a prescription-only treatment for erectile dysfunction which was launched in the UK in June 2014. Vitaros is available as a cream in individual applicators - there are four applicators in a pack. Vitaros is easy to apply and may be more convenient than taking a tablet for some men.

This treatment is manufactured by The Simple Pharma Company Limited and is available to purchase from The Independent Pharmacy with a prescription for adult males over the age of 18 years. Each box includes 4 single-use AccuDose dispensers.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Having difficulties getting or maintaining an erection is a very common complaint affecting many men. It is most commonly caused by short-term episodes of stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about. If you are suffering from erectile dysfunctions more frequently, it can be caused by both physical or emotional problems.

For more information regarding this condition, please take a look at our "Everything You Need To Know About ED" guide.

How does Vitaros work?

The active ingredient in Vitaros is alprostadil, a prostaglandin. Alprostadil is identical to prostaglandin E_1, a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. It allows some blood vessels to widen by relaxing the thin layer of muscle found in the vessel wall. Alprostadil, when administered into the opening at the end of the penis (urethra), will ultimately cause the penis to become erect by increasing the blood flow into its tissues.

Alternatives to Vitaros

The first time you use Vitaros, it may not be fully effective. Use it for at least four applications on separate occasions before switching treatments. Never apply more than one dose of Vitaros at a time, even if it is ineffective.

There are a number of non-prescription alternatives for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction such as:

• Changes to diet (cutting down alcohol and fat consumption)
• Stopping Smoking
• Reducing Stress
• Counselling
• Vacuum Devices (Penis Pumps)

If you don't feel that Vitaros is the right treatment for you there are a number of treatments available in tablet form that you may find more effective for you. These include:

• Cialis (tadalafil)
• Levitra (Vardenafil)
• Spedra (avanafil)
• Viagra (sildenafil)

As of April 2018, you can now also buy Viagra Connect from pharmacies in the UK. This is an over-the-counter version of Viagra 50mg tablets that is available from your pharmacist following a consultation that can also be purchased online.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/a...

How to use Vitaros

Follow your doctor’s instructions and the instructions provided with the medicine. An erection will develop in about 5 to 30 minutes after application. The effects can last for 1-2 hours. Do not exceed 1 dose in any 24-hour-period and 2 - 3 doses in 7 days.

1. Using the AccuDose container, apply Vitaros cream to the tip of the penis.
2. Widen the opening of the penis with one hand. Hold the AccuDose container with the tip just over the opening of the penis with the other hand.
3. Push down the plunger until all of the cream has been removed from the container. DO NOT INSERT THE TIP OF THE ACCUDOSE CONTAINER INTO THE OPENING OF THE PENIS.
4. Keep the penis upright for 30 seconds to allow the medication to penetrate. Excess cream may remain on the tip of the penis. Rub this gently into the skin around the opening of the penis with a fingertip.
5. Take care to thoroughly wash your hands after applying the cream, as it can irritate the eyes if you accidentally touch them.

Each AccuDose container contains 1 dose of Vitaros cream. Use it once, then discard it. Replace the cap after use and return it to the sachet to dispose of it.

Vitaros ingredients

Each single dosing device of Vitaros cream contains the active ingredient: alprostadil 300 micrograms in 100mg of cream.

The other ingredients in the cream are: purified water; ethanol (anhydrous); ethyl laurate; hydroxypropyl guar gum; dodecyl-2-N, N-dimethylaminopropionate hydrochloride; potassium dihydrogen phosphate; sodium hydroxide, for pH adjustment; phosphoric acid, for pH adjustment.

Vitaros side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when using Vitaros, however, the most common side effects with Vitaros cream include:

• Mild to moderate burning, aching or pain and redness of the penis
• Rash
• Penile oedema
• Genital pruritus
• Penile tingling, throbbing, numbness, burning
• Inflammation of the glans penis (balanitis)

A female partner may also experience:

• Mild vaginal itching or burning
• Vaginitis

This effect may be due to the drug or to the act of vaginal penetration. Using a water-based lubricant can help to make vaginal penetration easier.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you differently, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Vitaros warnings

Read the following warnings to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Do not use Vitaros if any of the following apply to you:

• if you have disorders such as a drop in blood pressure when going from a lying/sitting position to a standing one, history of a heart attack, and syncope (dizziness)
• if you are allergic to alprostadil or any of the other ingredients in this medication
• if you have a condition that might result in a long-lasting erection or a condition such as sickle cell anaemia or trait, polycythemia, thrombocythemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
• if you have an abnormally formed penis or you have inflammation or infection of the penis
• if you are prone to a venous thrombosis
• if you have been told not to have sex for health reasons such as heart problems or a recent stroke
• if you have a hyperviscosity syndrome which could result in a long-lasting erection
• if your partner is pregnant, could become pregnant, or is breastfeeding unless you use a condom

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Vitaros if you have a history of the following effects from using Vitaros:

• prolonged erections lasting >4 hours
• dizziness or fainting
• liver and/or kidney insufficiency- a lowered dose may be necessary due to impaired metabolism

A condom should be used in the following situations:

• to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI)
• your partner is pregnant, could become pregnant or is breastfeeding
• during oral sex and anal sex

Other medicines and Vitaros

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take, have recently taken or intend to take any other medications while using Vitaros:

• other drugs to treat ED
• penile implants
• smooth muscle relaxants such as papaverine or drugs used to induce erections such as alpha-blocking drugs
• treatments for high blood pressure, decongestants and appetite suppressants
• drugs to prevent blood clots

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the packaging before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.