The Side Effects of Alprostadil

Alprostadil is a prescription medication commonly prescribed to treat men with erectile dysfunction. It is injected into the penis to help create an erection. It works by helping to relax muscles to improve blood flow to the penis, causing an erection. Alprostadil should begins to work between 5 and 20 minutes after it is injected. It generally lasts between a half-hour and an hour. Once it wears off, the erection will disappear because the blood flow returns to its normal state.

Genital Pain

• Mild genital pain is a normal side effect of Alprostadil and is no cause for concern. However, new or worsening genital pain should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Penis Changes

• Bleeding from the penis tip, painful or unusually prolonged erections and redness, discoloration, lumps, tenderness or numbness of the penis while using Alprostadil should be reported to your doctor immediately.

At the Injection Site

• Severe or chronic bleeding or bruising at the injection site should be reported to your doctor. However, mild bleeding is a normal side effect of Alprostadil.

Leg Swelling

• Swelling of the veins in your legs should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Other Serious Side Effects

• You should contact your doctor if you experience dizziness or fainting, an irregular or rapid heartbeat or bloody urine while taking Alprostadil.