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Vitaros Cream
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About Vitaros Cream
Vitaros cream is an easy-to-apply, fast-acting topical treatment for erectile dysfunction in men. It is a great option for treating ED where tablets such as Viagra or Cialis have not been effective or are not a desirable solution. Vitaros cream can help to produce a satisfactory erection in as little as five minutes and normally produces an effect for one to two hours.
Vitaros is available on prescription from The Independent Pharmacy for adult males over the age of 18 years. Complete a free online consultation today and get your erectile dysfunction treatment delivered straight to you quickly and discreetly.
- Suitable for age:18 Years +
- Maximum per order:3
- Consultation required?YesThis treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Vitaros Cream Summary
Type of medicine | Prostaglandin analogue |
Works by | Vasodilatation of blood vessels leading to an erection |
Active ingredient | Alprostadil |
Effective within | 5 to 30 minutes |
Pack size | 4 applicators |
Strength | 3 mg/g |
Common side effects | Rash, Pain in the urethra, Burning sensation |
Manufacturer | The Simple Pharma Company Limited |
Generic | No |
Use with alcohol | No known issues |
Vitaros Information
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 E1, 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:
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
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.
- Using the AccuDose container, apply Vitaros cream to the tip of the penis.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Vitaros Cream reviews
Vitaros Cream FAQs
Vitaros cream is used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (impotence).
Vitaros cream contains the active ingredient alprostadil. Alprostadil is a type of medicine called a prostaglandin.
An erection is caused by a complex chain of events. The nervous system sends signals that trigger the release of active chemicals, which includes prostaglandin E. This chemical causes the blood vessels that enter the penis to widen, and the vessels that exit the penis to constrict. This allows for more blood to enter, whilst stopping blood from leaving the penis. The increased blood flow to the penis causes the erectile tissue to swell, resulting in an erection.
The active ingredient in Vitaros (alprostadil) is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring chemical prostaglandin E. This chemical plays a pivotal role in the erection process. When administered directly into the urethra (the opening of the penis), alprostadil will widen and constrict the necessary blood vessels, causing the penis to become rigid and erect.
Vitaros cream is administered directly into the tip of the penis. To achieve this, open the tip of the penis with one hand whilst holding the Accudose container with the other hand. Position the container just over the opening of the penis and push down on the plunger. This will release the cream from the container. Continue to push down on the plunger until all of the cream has been expelled. Do not insert the tip of the container into the opening of the penis.
Next, hold the penis in an upright position for 30 seconds. This will allow the cream to penetrate. It is likely that a small amount of excess cream will remain on the tip of the penis. This excess should be gently massaged into the skin around the opening of the penis using a fingertip. After successful application, wash hands thoroughly, as accidental contact with eyes can cause irritation. Each Accudose contains one dose of Vitaros cream. These containers are designed for single use and should be discarded after each use.
After administration, Vitaros will take between 5 and 30 minutes to take effect. Once an erection has developed, the effects of the medicine should last between 1-2 hours.
Do not exceed more than one dose in any 24 hour period. Also, do not use more than three doses in any seven day period.
An unopened sachet of Vitaros cream should be stored in a fridge between 2-8°C. Vitaros Cream should not be frozen.
Vitaros cream can be stored out of the fridge, below 25°C, for up to three days. If not used within this time, it should be disposed of.
Vitaros cream can make some people feel dizzy for up to 2 hours after use. This can potentially affect one’s ability to safely drive or operate heavy machinery. It is advised not to drive or operate machinery until you know whether the medicine will affect you this way
When using Vitaros cream, it is recommended to wear a condom during sex. This applies to vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This is because Vitaros can transfer to your partner, causing unwanted side effects, such as vaginal irritation. Vitaros cream does not provide any protection from sexually transmitted infections. Using a condom will help provide this protection.
If an erection lasts for longer than 4 hours, consult a doctor immediately. A delay in treatment could lead to irreversible damage to the erectile tissue.
Vitaros cream should be used with extra caution in men who suffer from decreased liver or kidney function.
Before using Vitaro cream, it is important to tell your doctor what medicines you are currently taking. This includes prescriptions medicines, as well as over-the-counter purchases. It should also include any herbal or alternative medicines you are taking. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine if you are currently using Vitaros cream.
Vitaros cream should never be used with any other erectile dysfunction medicine.
Patients who take medicines for blood clots (anticoagulants) are at greater risk of urethral bleeding after using Vitaros cream.
Alprostadil can enhance the effects of hypertension medicines. If you take a medicine designed to lower your blood pressure, using Vitaros may make you feel dizzy. If you are affected this way, it is recommended to sit or lie down until these symptoms have passed. Examples of hypertension treatments include:
- ACE Inhibitors, such as Enalapril, Lisinopril, and Ramipril
- Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem
- Diuretics, such as bendroflumethiazide and furosemide
- Alpha-blockers, such as doxazosin
- Beta-blockers, such as atenolol and propranolol
Cetirizine usually has an effect within 1 hour of taking the syrup.
This medication may cause dizziness for up to two hours after its use. For this reason, it could harm your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Avoid driving or operating machineryuntil you know how this medication affects you and you are certain it won’t affect your performance.
It is recommended that you use a condom during sex, including oral and anal sex, as Vitaros cream may cause side effects, such as vaginal irritation, on your partner.
This medication will not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases. A condom can provide this protection.
If your erection lasts longer than four hours, consult a doctor immediately. Treatment of this condition should not be delayed longer than six hours, as this can cause damage to the erectile tissue and irreversible erectile dysfunction.
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Authored by
Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.
Reviewed by
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
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