Vitaros Cream

What is Vitaros?

Vitaros is a topical cream used to treat Erectile Dysfunction. Its active ingredient is Alprostadil, which belongs to a class of drugs called prostaglandins.

Mechanism of Action

Alprostadil works by mimicking the body's natural prostaglandins. It functions as a potent vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the smooth muscle cells in the walls of the arteries in the penis. This relaxation causes the arteries to widen (dilate), allowing a greater volume of blood to flow into the two spongy chambers (corpora cavernosa) inside the penis. The increased blood pressure in these chambers compresses the veins that normally drain blood away, effectively trapping the blood inside and resulting in an erection.

Patient-friendly analogy: Think of the blood vessels in the penis as a hose. Vitaros works by turning up the tap (increasing blood flow in) and gently pinching the hose downstream (reducing blood flow out), leading to the penis becoming firm and erect.

What is Vitaros Used For?

Vitaros is indicated for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in adult men aged 18 years and older. Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

ED can have various causes, including:

• Poor blood circulation (vascular disease)
• Nerve damage (e.g., from diabetes or prostate surgery)
• Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, depression)
• Side effects of certain medications
• Hormonal imbalances
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, excessive alcohol)

Vitaros is an on-demand treatment, meaning it is used when you plan to be sexually active, rather than a daily medication.

Before Using Vitaros

Before starting treatment with Vitaros, your doctor will assess your overall health and medical history. It is crucial to discuss the following:

• Any history of heart problems, heart attack, stroke, or low blood pressure.
• Conditions that could predispose you to priapism (prolonged erection), such as sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, or multiple myeloma.
• Any anatomical abnormalities of the penis (e.g., Peyronie's disease).
• Current or past inflammation or infection of the penis.
• Any allergies, especially to Alprostadil or other prostaglandins.
• All other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Vitaros Contraindications

Vitaros must not be used if you have any of the following conditions (absolute contraindications):

• Hypersensitivity to alprostadil or any of the excipients.
• Conditions that might predispose to prolonged erection (e.g., sickle cell anaemia, thrombocythemia, polycythemia, multiple myeloma, leukaemia).
• Abnormally formed penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, Peyronie's disease).
• Inflammation or infection of the penis (e.g., balanitis).
• Prone to venous thrombosis.
• Hyperviscosity syndrome.
• Patients who have been advised against sexual activity for health reasons (e.g., severe heart problems).

Special Population Considerations

Elderly: Older patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Vitaros and may experience a higher incidence of dizziness and fainting. Dose adjustment may be necessary.

Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Patients with significant kidney or liver disease should use Vitaros with caution. A lower starting dose may be recommended due to potential impaired metabolism of the drug.

Paediatric/Adolescent: Vitaros is not indicated for use in children or men under 18 years of age.

Vitaros and Other Medicines

Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Key interactions include:

• Other ED Treatments: Do not use Vitaros with other ED drugs (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil/Viagra, Tadalafil/Cialis). Combining them increases the risk of severe dizziness, fainting, and priapism.
• Blood Thinners: If you are taking drugs to prevent blood clots (e.g., warfarin), there may be an increased risk of bleeding or blood in the urine.
• High Blood Pressure Medication: Vitaros may increase symptoms of dizziness and fainting when used with antihypertensives, especially in the elderly.
• Decongestants & Appetite Suppressants: These may potentially reduce the efficacy of Vitaros.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Vitaros is for male use only. However, it is crucial to consider your partner.

• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should not be exposed to Vitaros. You must use a condom if your partner is pregnant or could become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: It is not recommended to use Vitaros if your partner is breastfeeding unless a condom is used.
• Using a condom also helps prevent the potential transmission of the cream to your partner and protects against sexually transmitted infections.

Driving & Machine Operation

Vitaros can cause dizziness and fainting, particularly within the first 1 to 2 hours after application. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any potentially hazardous activities during this time frame until you are sure the medicine does not adversely affect you.

Vitaros Ingredients

Active Ingredient:

• Alprostadil (300 micrograms per 100 mg cream in the 3mg/g strength)

Other Ingredients (Excipients):

• Purified Water
• Ethanol, Anhydrous (alcohol)
• Ethyl Laurate (a penetration enhancer)
• Hydroxypropyl Guar Gum (a thickening agent)
• Dodecyl-2-N,N-Dimethylaminopropionate Hydrochloride (a penetration enhancer)
• Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (buffer)
• Sodium Hydroxide and Phosphoric Acid (for pH adjustment)

How to Use Vitaros

Vitaros is for urethral application. This means the cream is applied into the opening at the tip of the penis (the urethral meatus). It is not a general topical cream applied to the skin of the penis.

It should be applied 5 to 30 minutes before planned sexual intercourse. It is recommended to urinate before application to help the cream absorb better.

Vitaros Dosage Guidelines

Your doctor will determine the correct starting dose for you. Do not adjust the dose yourself.

Dose Adjustment: Your doctor may increase the dose if the erection is insufficient, or decrease it if the erection is prolonged or side effects are troublesome.

Administration Instructions

1. Wash Hands: Start with clean, dry hands.
2. Remove from Sachet: Tear open the foil sachet and remove the single-use AccuDose™ container. Save the sachet for disposal.
3. Warm the Cream: Roll the container between your palms to warm the cream to body temperature (unless it's already at room temperature).
4. Prepare the Applicator: Twist the plunger several times to ensure it moves freely. Remove the protective cap.
5. Position the Penis: Hold the penis upright. Gently squeeze the tip to widen the urethral opening. (If uncircumcised, retract the foreskin first).
6. Apply the Cream: Place the tip of the container near the urethral opening without inserting it. Slowly push the plunger to expel all the cream into the opening so it goes down the urethra.
7. Allow Absorption: Keep the penis upright for 30 seconds. Gently massage any excess cream at the opening into the urethra with a finger.
8. Dispose: Replace the cap, place the used container in the original sachet, and dispose of it safely, out of reach of children and pets.
9. Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after application. Avoid touching your eyes, as Vitaros can be irritating.

Do not urinate immediately after application, as this may wash out the medication before it has taken effect.

Missed Dose Management

As Vitaros is an "as-needed" medication, the concept of a "missed dose" does not apply. Simply use it when you plan to be sexually active, respecting the minimum 24-hour interval between applications.

Overdose Information

Using more than the prescribed dose increases the risk of side effects.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Severe drop in blood pressure
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Persistent pain in the penis
• Prolonged erection (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours

Action: If you experience an erection lasting more than 4 hours or severe symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Priapism can lead to permanent damage.

Vitaros Side Effects

Like all medicines, Vitaros can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Very Common & Common (May affect more than 1 in 10 people)

For you:

• Mild to moderate local aching, burning, or pain in the penis
• Redness of the penis
• Rash, genital itching (pruritus)
• Penile swelling (oedema)
• Inflammation of the glans (balanitis)
• Penile tingling, throbbing, numbness, or burning sensation

For your partner:

• Mild vaginal burning or itching, vaginitis (using a water-based lubricant can help).

Uncommon (May affect up to 1 in 100 people)

For you:

• Light-headedness/dizziness
• Prolonged erection (>4 hours)
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure or rapid pulse
• Pain at the application site
• Urethral stenosis
• Lack of sensation or increased sensitivity in the penis
• Scrotal pain, fullness in genital area
• Urinary tract inflammation

For your partner:

• Vulvovaginal itching (pruritus)

Reporting Side Effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report them directly via the UK's Yellow Card scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by calling 0808 100 3352.

How to Store Vitaros

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze.
• Unopened sachets can be kept out of the fridge (below 25°C) for up to 3 days prior to use. Discard if not used within this period.
• Use immediately after opening. Each container is for single use only.
• Store in the original sachet to protect from light.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return any unused or expired medicine to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

Vitaros Pack Information

• Pack Size: Carton containing 4 single-use AccuDose™ containers.
• What the pack contains: Each AccuDose™ container is a pre-filled, single-use device consisting of a plunger, barrel, and protective cap.
• Packaging Material: The sachets are made of aluminium foil/laminate. The container is made of polypropylene and polyethylene.

Where Can I Buy Vitaros Cream Online in the UK

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