Vitaros Cream

What Is Vitaros Cream and What Is It Used For?

Vitaros Cream is a prescription-only erectile dysfunction cream used to treat ED in adult men. The treatment contains alprostadil and is applied directly to the penis with a single-use applicator.

Designed as an alternative to oral ED medications, including Viagra or Cialis, Vitaros may be suitable for men who prefer not to take tablets or who have found treatments such as Viagra or Cialis unsuitable.

It’s supplied in convenient single-dose AccuDose applicators, with four applicators included in each pack.

How Does Vitaros Cream Work?

The active ingredient in Vitaros is alprostadil, a type of medicine known as a prostaglandin. Alprostadil is a vasodilator that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis, helping to get and keep an erection during sex.

Applied directly into the opening at the tip of the penis (the urethra), Vitaros Cream offers a fast-acting, localised treatment for ED.

How To Use Vitaros Cream

Vitaros Cream should be applied 5–30 minutes before sexual activity. Effects typically last for 1–2 hours. Do not use more than 1 dose in 24 hours or more than 2–3 doses within 7 days.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Prepare the AccuDose applicator: If it’s been stored in the fridge, gently roll it between your hands to bring it to room temperature.
3. Urinate before application
4. Remove the cap from the applicator: Twist the plunger gently to ensure it moves smoothly before use.
5. Hold the penis upright and gently squeeze the tip
6. Apply the cream: Position the tip of the applicator as close to the opening of the penis as possible. Do not insert it. Press the plunger slowly to release the full dose of cream.
7. Allow the cream to absorb: Keep the penis upright for around 30 seconds.
8. Dispose of the applicator: Replace the cap, return it to the sachet and dispose of it in your household waste.
9. Wash your hands again

Avoid urinating immediately after applying Vitaros, as this may reduce how well the treatment works. Do not use a second dose to replace any cream that may not have entered the opening of the penis.

What if I Use More Vitaros Cream Than I Should?

Using too much Vitaros Cream or applying it more frequently than recommended can increase your risk of side effects and won’t improve the effectiveness of the treatment or produce a stronger erection.

You should only use one single-use AccuDose container at a time and no more than one dose within a 24-hour period, or 2–3 times a week.

If you use more Vitaros than prescribed and experience symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• A drop in blood pressure
• Persistent penis pain or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours

Seek medical assistance or call NHS 111 for medical advice immediately.

Where Can I Buy Vitaros Cream?

Looking into Vitaros Cream? The Independent Pharmacy makes it easy to request treatment online. Complete a short consultation from the comfort of home and a UK-registered prescriber will check whether Vitaros is suitable for you.

You'll also have access to our experienced clinical team, who can answer any questions you may have about your treatment.

Can I Buy Vitaros Cream Online?

Yes. Vitaros Cream can be prescribed through regulated UK online pharmacies, including The Independent Pharmacy. When requesting treatment online, it's important to use a trusted provider that sources medicines through legitimate supply chains and stores them according to the manufacturer's requirements.

At The Independent Pharmacy, one of our UK-registered prescribers will review your consultation to check whether Vitaros is safe and suitable for you. If it isn't, they can discuss alternative treatment options that may be more appropriate.

Can I Buy Vitaros Cream Over The Counter?

No. Vitaros Cream is a prescription-only medicine, so it isn't available over the counter in the UK. A prescriber must first check that it's safe and suitable for you, taking into account your health and any medications you're taking.

Can I Get Vitaros Cream on the NHS?

Vitaros may be available on the NHS for some men with ED, depending on eligibility criteria and your GP’s assessment. Availability can vary between NHS areas and prescribing policies.

How Much Does Vitaros Cream Cost?

The price of Vitaros Cream can vary depending on the pharmacy supplying it.

Vitaros Cream Dosage

Vitaros Cream is available in a 3mg/g strength and contains the active ingredient alprostadil. Each single-use AccuDose container contains 100mg of cream, delivering 300mcg of alprostadil. Every pack contains 4 single-dose applicators.

You should only use the dose prescribed for you and must not apply extra cream. Using more than recommended will not improve erections and may increase your risk of side effects.

Vitaros Ingredients

Active ingredient: alprostadil

Other ingredients:purified water, anhydrous ethanol, ethyl laurate, hydroxypropyl guar gum, dodecyl-2-N,N-dimethylaminopropionate hydrochloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) and phosphoric acid (for pH adjustment).

Who Can Use Vitaros Cream? (Warnings & Eligibility)

Do not use Vitaros Cream if you:

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in the cream
• Have conditions that increase the risk of prolonged erections
• Have a penis that is bent, scarred or affected by conditions such as Peyronie’s disease
• Have inflammation or infection of the penis
• Have been advised not to have sexual activity because of heart or circulation problems

Notes:

• Vitaros may cause dizziness or fainting. If you’re affected, don’t drive or operate machinery until the symptoms pass.
• A condom is recommended during sex with women who are pregnant or could become pregnant, as Vitaros may cause vaginal irritation and the effects on pregnancy are not fully known.

Seek urgent medical advice if:

• You develop an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism)
• Experience severe penile pain
• Faint
• Experience symptoms of low blood pressure

Other Medicines and Vitaros Cream

Before using Vitaros Cream, tell your prescriber if you have any existing medical conditions or if you take, have recently taken or intend to take any other medications while using Vitaros, including:

• 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.

Vitaros Cream Alternatives

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’s ineffective.

Lifestyle changes and non-medicated approaches may also help improve erectile dysfunction symptoms, including:

• 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.

Viagra

Viagra is a well-known prescription treatment for ED that contains the active ingredient sildenafil. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.

Viagra typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and its effects can last for up to 4 hours. It’s available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths and is usually taken when needed before sex.

Viagra Connect

Viagra Connect is the over-the-counter version of Viagra available without a prescription. It contains 50mg of sildenafil.

Viagra Connect works in the same way as Viagra and typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes. It may be a convenient option for men looking for accessible erectile dysfunction treatment without the need for a GP appointment. Read reviews of Viagra Connect.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra and one of the most commonly prescribed ED treatments in the UK. It contains the same active ingredient as Viagra but it’s often available at a lower cost.

Sildenafil is typically taken 30 to 60 minutes before sex and can remain effective for up to 4 hours. It’s available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths and may be suitable for men looking for a more affordable erectile dysfunction treatment option. Find out what people think of sildenafil by reading reviews.

Cialis

Cialis is a prescription-only ED tablet containing tadalafil. It’s known for its long-lasting effects, helping some men achieve erections for up to 36 hours after taking a dose.

Because of its longer duration of action, Cialis is often referred to as the “weekend pill”. It can be taken as needed or as a lower-dose daily tablet depending on individual treatment needs. See reviews from men using Cialis.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis and contains the same active ingredient, tadalafil. It helps increase blood flow to the penis to support erections during sexual stimulation.

Tadalafil can remain effective for up to 36 hours and is available in both daily and on-demand treatment options. Generic tadalafil is often chosen as a cost-effective alternative to Cialis. See how tadalafil has worked for other men.

Levitra

Levitra is an erectile dysfunction treatment containing vardenafil, a medicine that helps improve blood flow to the penis. It’s designed to help men achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sex.

Levitra typically starts working within 25 to 60 minutes and may remain effective for up to 5 hours. Some men may find Levitra effective if other ED tablets haven’t worked as well for them. Discover what users think of Levitra.

Spedra

Spedra is a fast-acting ED tablet containing avanafil. It’s designed to work quickly and may start helping some men achieve an erection in as little as 15 minutes.

Spedra may be a suitable option for men looking for a more spontaneous ED treatment. Its effects can last for up to 6 hours and it’s available in several strengths depending on your needs. Read what Spedra users say.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Comparison