Vitaros cream

Vitaros cream is an erectile dysfunction medication that contains the active ingredient alprostadil, which belongs to a group of medications called prostaglandins. It can help you get and keep an erection if you usually lose erections during sex.

Unlike phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis, which come as pills you swallow, Vitaros cream is applied directly to the penis.

Vitaros cream contains a type of prostaglandin, which works by widening the blood vessels in the penis to increase blood flow, helping to support getting an erection.

How long does Vitaros cream take to work?

Vitaros cream usually works within 5 to 30 minutes of being applied

How long does Vitaros cream last?

Vitaros cream can last for 1 to 2 hours.

How effective is Vitaros cream?

Vitaros cream has been shown in clinical trials to help benefit 31-40% of people experiencing erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow to the penis.

Vitaros cream is available in 3mg/g doses. Each single container contains 300 micrograms (mcg) of alprostadil in 100mg of cream. A pack of Vitaros cream contains 4 single-dose containers. Each Vitaros container is for single use only.

Vitaros cream should not be applied more than 2 to 3 times per week and only once in a 24-hour period.

Before applying Vitaros cream, it is advised that you urinate (pee), as you will need to apply the medication into your urethra.

Vitaros cream is supplied in an applicator or tube which contains enough cream for 1 use. You will need to apply the cream 5 to 30 minutes before you intend to have sex.

To apply Vitaros cream:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Remove the AccuDose container from the sachet by tearing down the seal from the middle of the top edge. Put the sachet to one side as this can be used for discarding the AccuDose container later.
2. If you haven’t removed the sachet from the fridge to warm up, carefully roll the container between your hands to bring the contents to room temperature.
3. Twist the plunger several times to make sure it will glide easily and then remove the cap from the tip of the applicator.
4. Grasp the tip of the penis with one hand and squeeze gently to widen the opening, whilst holding it in an upright vertical position.
5. Hold the barrel of the AccuDose container between your finger on your other hand and without inserting it inside the penis, place the tip of the container as close to the opening of the penis as possible so that the cream can pass down the urethra.
6. Press down on the plunger to release all of the cream from the Accudose container, being careful not to insert the tip of the Accudose container into the opening of the penis.
7. Hold the penis in an upright position for 30 seconds to allow the cream to penetrate. Use your finger to gently move any excess cream into the opening of the penis.
8. Replace the cap of the tip of the AccuDose container and place it in the foil sachet, fold, and throw away in your household rubbish.
9. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Vitaros cream as it can irritate your eyes.

Each dose of Vitaros cream is for single use only. Once you have applied the cream, you must not immediately urinate as this can cause the medication to come out before it has time to be effective.

Do not use a second AccuDose to compensate for cream not expelled into the opening at the tip of the penis.

You should always use Vitaros cream exactly as your doctor tells you to. If you are not sure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you use too much Vitaros cream and you experience any of the following effects, you should contact your doctor or 111 for advice:

• drop in blood pressure
• fainting
• dizziness
• persistent penis pain
• prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours

You should only use one single container each time you use Vitaros cream and you should only use it once in 24 hours.

Vitaros cream offers several benefits over other erectile dysfunction treatments, like PDE-5 inhibitors.

1. Its direct application on the penis means it has a local effect and may reduce side effects elsewhere in the body.
2. Vitaros cream can work in as little as 5 to 30 minutes, which is quicker than most ED pills.
3. There is no need to take a tablet, simply apply the cream to the tip of your penis.
4. Vitaros cream can work even if you have nerve damage, unlike PDE-5 inhibitors.
5. Vitaros cream doesn’t interact with food or drink – Viagra and Cialis are less effective with heavy meals and alcohol can make side effects worse.

Vitaros is a prescription-only medication so you will need to speak to your doctor in order to get a prescription.

You can buy Vitaros cream online from services like Asda Online Doctor, from a pharmacy if you have a prescription, or you may be able to get it on the NHS if you meet the prescribing criteria (which are usually different from private services).

Can I buy Vitaros cream online?

Yes, you can buy Vitaros Cream online from Asda Online Doctor after you have completed a short online health questionnaire for one of our doctors to review.

If your treatment is approved, your treatment will be sent to you through the post in discreet packaging or you can choose to collect it from your local Asda Pharmacy.

Can I buy Vitaros cream over the counter?

No, Vitaros cream is a prescription-only medication, therefore you will need a prescription from a doctor to obtain it and you cannot buy it over the counter.

Vitaros may cause side effects for both you and your partner, although not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

You:

• rash
• genital itching
• penile swelling (oedema) and/or redness
• mild-to-moderate aching, pain, throbbing, and/or burning of the penis (including inside the penis)
• inflammation of the top of the penis
• numbness of the penis

Your partner:

• mild vaginal burning, itching, or soreness

Uncommon but potentially serious side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

You:

• an erection lasting more than 4 hours
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• pain in the hands and feet
• fainting
• rapid pulse
• low blood pressure
• scarring of the urethra (the tube inside your penis that you urinate from)
• genital rash
• urinary tract inflammation
• fullness of the genitals
• lack of sensation in the penis
• increased sensitivity to touch, pain, pressure, or temperature
• pain at the application site

Your partner:

• itching in and around the vagina (vulvovaginal pruritus)

Most side effects do not last long and should resolve on their own within 1 to 2 hours. If you have an erection that lasts for 4 hours or more (priapism) seek medical attention immediately by dialling 999 or go to A&E.

If you have any underlying health conditions, such as a history of heart attack or stroke, increased sexual activity with Vitaros cream can cause a significant risk factor to your health.

If you experience any side effects that you are concerned about or that do not go away, speak to your doctor for advice.

Vitaros cream is a treatment for erectile dysfunction in men aged 18 years of age and older.

Do not use Vitaros cream if you:

• have been told not to have sex due to a heart condition or you have had a stroke
• are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in the medication including alprostadil
• have a history of heart attack
• have an ongoing problem with a drop in blood pressure when going from a relaxed sitting or lying down position to standing
• have a history of dizziness
• already experience a condition called hyperviscosity syndrome that causes prolonged erections
• have a condition such as sickle cell anaemia or trait, thrombocythemia, polycythemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
• have inflammation or infection of the penis
• have an abnormally formed penis
• are prone to venous thrombosis

Talk to your doctor before using Vitaros if you have experienced any of the following:

• prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours
• dizziness
• fainting
• liver or kidney insufficiency

If you use Vitaros cream, you should use a condom in the following situations:

• your partner is pregnant or breastfeeding
• your partner is able to get pregnant
• to prevent sexually transmitted infections
• during anal or oral sex

Before using Vitaros cream, it is important that you tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, as these may affect the effectiveness of alprostadil. For example, medications used to treat high blood pressure, decongestants, or appetite suppressants may affect how well Vitaros cream works.

Vitaros cream and other ED treatments

You should avoid combining Vitaros cream with other ED medications as it could increase the risk of:

• dizziness
• fainting
• prolonged erections

Vitaros cream and driving or using machinery

One of the side effects of Vitaros cream is it could make you feel dizzy or faint. You must not drive or operate machinery for 1 to 2 hours after you have applied it.