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.

Topical cream treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

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 topically delivered formulation (cream) of alprostadil (a vasodilator) supplied in a single dose dispenser (AccuDose ™), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is delivered with Dodecyl-2-N,N-dimethylamino-propionate hydrochloride (DDAIP HCl), Apricus’ proprietary NexACT® delivery technology.
Vitaros® is applied directly to the penis and absorbed locally, instead of being administered orally. This topical application provides men who are unable to take existing oral medication with a patientEfriendly alternative. Vitaros® has been studied in over 3,300 patients3 including difficult to treat populations (diabetes, cardiac issues, sildenafil failures, prostatectomies, patients on nitrates and alpha blockers).1 Vitaros® demonstrates clinical efficacy and a favorable safety profile versus currently approved oral medication.

Vitaros® is the right treatment for the ED Unmet Needs

Alprostadil Topical cream for Erectile Dysfunction

Vitaros® Rapid onset (generally 5‐30 minutes)

You can listen the Vitaros Monte Carlo Interview audio guide to how Vitaros®  works here.








Using Vitaros®

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/4XX1PImpiS8″ title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

Vitaros® applicator

Vitaros® is applied using a prefilled applicator, which comes in a sealed foil pouch, and is for SINGLE USE only.
Erectile Dysfunction medicine

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.

No known food, drink or drug interactions

Vitaros® also has no known interactions. This means it shouldn’t interfere with, or be affected by, any other medicines you take, the food you eat, or alcohol you drink.

Your doctor may have prescribed Vitaros®, if you:

  • Don’t want to, or can’t take an oral medication (pills) to treat your ED
  • Have had side effects from other ED drugs
  • Take other medications
  • Have had prostate surgery
  • Do not want an injection, or don’t want to insert pellets into your penis

Are there any reasons why I should not take Vitaros®?

You should not take Vitaros® if you have previously been advised not to take part in sexual activity. This might be because you have an underlying disorder such as orthostatic hypotension (light headedness when you stand up), have had a heart attack within the last 6 months, are at risk of fainting (syncope), or have an unstable cardiovascular or unstable cerebrovascular condition.

You should also not take Vitaros® if you are predisposed to priapism, which is a serious condition where the erect penis does not return to a flaccid (non-erect) state within 4 hours, despite the absence of stimulation, for example due to sickle cell anaemia, myeloma etc. If your erection does last longer than 4 hours you must seek urgent medical attention.

You must also not take Vitaros® at the same time as other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

How to get the most from your Vitaros® – FAQ

How do I maximise the effectiveness of Vitaros®?

You should follow the instructions supplied with your medication.

Do I insert the applicator into the tip of my penis?

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.

Are there any side-effects with Vitaros®?

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.

Does Vitaros® protect me from STDs?

No, Vitaros® offers no protection from sexually transmitted diseases. A latex condom is therefore recommended to protect you and your partner.

What if Vitaros® does not work for me?

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.

Should I tell my partner if I’m using Vitaros®?

It is recommended that you inform your partner when using Vitaros® because, in some cases, partners have felt side effects in the genital area.

Should I use a condom?

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.

Can I use Vitaros® if my partner is pregnant?

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.

Can I start having penetrative sex as soon as I’ve applied Vitaros®?

In most cases Vitaros® starts to work in 5 to 30 minutes. In some men it may take a little longer.

How long does Vitaros® last for?

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.

What should I do if my erection lasts for longer than expected?

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.

Can I reuse the Vitaros® applicator?

No. The applicator is single-use only. After you have applied Vitaros®, the applicator should be disposed of with your normal household waste.

How many times per week can I use Vitaros®?

You should not use Vitaros® more than 3 times a week and only once in every 24 hours.

How should I store Vitaros®?

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.

Can I bring Vitaros® with me when I travel?

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.
Download Vitaros® Patient Information Leaflet

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

Vitaros® is an easily administered

Topical First”line Treatment for all ED Patients
patients and has demonstrated Efficacy and Safety in large clinical trials.

Award Winner ESSM 2011

Impotent men treatment cream
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).
AWARD WINNER

Elis pharmaceuticals Ltd is the license holder of in the Middle East.