Welcome to the Vitaros®
patient Tips
Here you can find out everything you need to know about your Vitaros® treatment. This includes all the stuff regarding Vitaros®.
If you have any questions about your treatment that are not answered here, you should ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
About Vitaros®
Information
Vitaros® is a small drop of cream used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It combines two ingredients:
ALPROSTADIL + NexAct® – DDAIP
Alprostadil is the active ingredient. It’s been helping men get an erection for nearly two decades. But this is the first time it’s been available as a cream.
NexACT®-DDAIP is what makes Vitaros® different. It helps alprostadil pass through the skin at the tip of the penis and into the right areas to help you get an erection.
Vitaros® is the right treatment for the ED Unmet Needs
You can listen the Vitaros Monte Carlo Interview audio guide to how Vitaros® works here.
Using Vitaros®
Vitaros® applicator
Vitaros® is applied using a prefilled applicator, which comes in a sealed foil pouch, and is for SINGLE USE only.
Vitaros® application
Applying Vitaros® is straightforward and takes just a few moments.
1. A moment to prepare
Expose the tip of your penis and gently squeeze the head so that the opening widens slightly.
2. A moment to apply
Hold the applicator just above the opening. Slowly push the plunger and let Vitaros® drop on to the tip of your penis.
Do NOT insert the applicator tip into the opening of your penis.
3. A moment to wait
Hold your penis upright for about 30 seconds to aid absorption. Rub in any excess cream around the opening. You should then wash your hands.
You should start to gain an erection within 5 to 30 minutes. In some men it may take a little longer. Your erection should last for between one and two hours, or until you ejaculate.
Why Vitaros®
Each ED treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages – you have probably already discussed these with your doctor.
Works where it’s needed
Vitaros® works only where you apply it – which is where you need it to, on the penis. This reduces the risk of side effects that may occur away from the penis (called systemic side effects).
Side effects with Vitaros® are generally mild, of short duration, and localised to the penis, but you should be aware of them.
How to get the most from your Vitaros® – FAQ
You should follow the instructions supplied with your medication.
NO. You must NOT insert the applicator into the tip of the penis. It should be held just above the opening of the penis so the cream can drop onto the tip.
As with all medication, side effects may occur. With Vitaros® these are often mild, short in duration and localised to the penis. They may include a burning sensation and aching in the penis or genitals, or a rash. In some cases, the partner may also feel discomfort or a burning sensation in the genital area.
No, Vitaros® offers no protection from sexually transmitted diseases. A latex condom is therefore recommended to protect you and your partner.
Try all four doses of Vitaros®. Not all medicines work for all people but please don’t give up hope. Talk to your GP about other treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
It is recommended that you inform your partner when using Vitaros® because, in some cases, partners have felt side effects in the genital area.
When having sexual intercourse with a female of child bearing potential a condom should be used. A condom is also recommended because the partner may also feel discomfort or burning sensation in the genital area when Vitaros® is used. Please note that Vitaros® has only been tested with latex condoms.
There is no specific information on how Vitaros might affect pregnant women or the foetus. A latex condom is therefore recommended if having sexual intercourse if your partner is pregnant.
In most cases Vitaros® starts to work in 5 to 30 minutes. In some men it may take a little longer.
You should find that you maintain an erection for about 1 hour. In some men this can be for up to 2 hours. After ejaculation, the erection should subside.
If the erection lasts for more than 4 hours, you should seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, ice will reduce blood flow to the penis, so applying an ice pack (e.g. frozen peas) wrapped in a towel to the inner thigh may help. Do not apply ice for longer than 10 minutes on one thigh.
No. The applicator is single-use only. After you have applied Vitaros®, the applicator should be disposed of with your normal household waste.
You should not use Vitaros® more than 3 times a week and only once in every 24 hours.
Vitaros® should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8⁰C). However, unopened sachets can be stored below 25⁰C. for up to 3 days prior to use.
Yes. Although bear in mind that unopened sachets can only be stored out of the refrigerator and below 25⁰C for up to a total of 3 days prior to use.
Topical alprostadil/DDAIP for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
- Topical cream, high viscosity
- Prostaglandin E1, potent vasodilator
- Significant efficacy, including difficult to treat populations
- Hypertensive patients
- Patients with cardiac issues
- Patients on nitrates and alpha blockers
- Prostatectomy patients
- Sildenafil failures
- Side effects are generally mild, transient and topically related
- Studied in over 3,300 patients
- Offers first choice/ first line option in discussion of alternatives with ED patients
Vitaros® POTENTIAL POSITIONING
VITAROS® Provides Significant Value to Untreated Population
Ideal 1st Choice Option for Patients
- Who want On Demand. fast action with minimal side effects
- Who don’t want to worry about food effect
- Who can’t or prefer not to take PDE5 Inhibitors
- Who don’t respond satisfactorily to PDE5 inhibitors
- Who have had a prostatectomy
- Who have diabetes and prefer an onEdemand topical to lessen systemic exposure to a drug
Award Winner ESSM 2011
VITAROS® Podium Presentation Named Best Clinical Presentation Award 2011 (Male Sexual Disorder) by the Scientific Committee of the Congress for the ESSM European Society of Sexual Medicine Meeting in Milan.
Efficacy and Safety of topical alprostadil Cream (Vitaros®) in hypertensive, diabetic and cardiac patients with male erectile dysfunction (ED).
in the Middle East.